Bournemouth Marathon Festival
The Bournemouth Marathon is in its third year now and it going from strength to strength. Runners have the choice of a 5K or 10K on the Saturday evening down by the pier on the promenade or the half or full marathon on the Sunday. All times are sta
Mark Kennedy completed the half marathon, his 12th at this distance this year. Returning to Bournemouth after the Bay Run in April, the Festival offers a slightly different course. Starting at Kings Park, right next to the home of AFC Bournemouth, the first two miles heads through Southbourne to the seafront and heads along the cliff top before doubling back onto the famous promenade. The day offered perfect running conditions with a flat sea and little breeze meaning the trip to Boscombe was easier than it could have been. The first climb came at mile 9 through Boscombe Gardens before heading along the cliff road and dropping back to Bournemouth Pier. Runners then turned back on themselves returning to Boscombe before heading along the pier and back to Bournemouth Pier for a second pier run. A lively crowd was on hand at the finish line to cheer everyone making the last few steps of the course. A brilliant event and highly recommended for a unique experience.
Mark recorded his second quickest half marathon time, just three seconds off Northampton last month - 1:31:54
154 Mark Kennedy 1:31:54