Race Report by Karen Clark

Last year I participated in the inaugural, Rasselbock Marathon, at Sherwood Pines. It was such a positive experience, I didn’t hesitate to rebook, when I invited to participate in 2025, at a discounted rate.

The marathon course is 2 laps, comprising of a mix of tarmac, gravel paths, woodland, sand and grass. There are some technical sections to be negotiated.

Photo credit: Time Outdoors

Rasselbock offer a half marathon, which is 1 lap of the course, for those who prefer a shorter distance and/or runners that don’t have time to take part in the full marathon.

This year, they introduced a ‘mini-marathon’ to accommodate runners, who are unable to complete the longer distances. This is a shortened 8.5K loop, offering runners the opportunity to participate in a woodland run and interact with nature.

The beauty of Rasselbock events is that they are low key, promote sustainable running environments and they are inclusive.

A couple of weeks beforehand, we received an email from Eric, the Director, to inform us that start times had changed. The marathon had been moved from a 10:00am to a 10:30 start. This was due to a higher number of entrants on the half marathon, with relatively low numbers entering the full marathon and 8k events.

The feedback from last year’s events was that, faster runners on the half marathon course had been held back by slower marathon runners. The thinking was that if the half marathon runners set off half an hour earlier, at 10:00am there would be less congestion on the narrow sections of the route.

It did occur to me that the slower half marathon runners might still be negotiating the narrower sections, when the marathon runners needed to get past. There wasn’t a lot that we could do, other than trust the decision and go with the plan.

My aim was to try and complete the course in 4:30, this year. As race day approached, I realised this wasn’t going to be an easy target, with the recent heatwaves and the news that it would be a 10:30 start, in warm and humid conditions.

During the race briefing, we were reminded that as the temperatures were high, to make sure that we stayed hydrated and fuelled. We were asked to turn to the runner next to us and remind each other that it wasn’t the day for a PB, to look after ourselves and look after each other. I was stood with Hannah Wright, who was also doing the marathon.

Photo credit: Time Outdoors

I set off at a steady pace, having revised my goals. I wasn’t going to complete the course in the time I had originally anticipated as I had already made the decision to stop at every aid station to hydrate and refuel, as advised.

It was humid. A few marathon runners were struggling. Some were taking walk breaks after the first mile.

After 3 ½ miles I had caught up with the last couple of half marathon runners. Although, it was on a narrow section of the course, it wasn’t a problem, as they were both considerate, moving aside to allow me to pass. I passed more runners a few minutes later. They kindly moved aside, when I asked to pass.

As I passed more half marathon runners, I was able to appreciate how challenging the course was for them. This was a day for being kind and encouraging each other, whatever distance runners had chosen to do. Many of the runners on the half marathon challenge were in awe of runners who were taking on the full marathon, in the heat. We were able to support each other, as we met briefly on the course.

Inclusion is one of the strengths of the Rasselbock team, making their events accessible to a wider audience. It became clear that the Rasselbock team had given a lot of thought to the logistics, revising start times, to allow the stronger runners to accomplish improved race times, while ensuring that those who may struggle the most, were able to start earlier in the day.

The course was well marked. Marshals were positioned at key points on the route and teams of marshals were based at the aid stations. All marshals were cheerful, supportive and encouraging runners. It must have been a tough day for the volunteers, as in some locations, there was no protection from the heat. Despite the heat, they did an admiral job.

Rasselbock provide amazing aid stations, offering water, squash, flat cola and electrolyte drinks. In line with their ethos of sustainable running, their events are cup less. In order to stay hydrated in the extreme temperature, I realised that I was going to be stopping at every station to get my cup out, fill up and drink before moving on. This was going to take extra time!

Rasselback had partnered with Protein Rebel, for this event. The maple ignite gels were available, at several aid stations. There were plenty of other snacks including savoury salty nibbles, sweets and fruit. The fruit wasn’t appealing at all, as it was attracting wasps. There was nothing Rasselbock could have done about the rising temperatures or the wasps.

Water was offered approximately every 4 – 5K, apart from one stretch of around a 7K gap, which was a woodland section. (There is the option to carry water. I chose not to, as it would get warm and I would want to drink it).

I took the course at a steady pace, running to feel. Although, there is some shade in the covered areas of the forest, there are sections that are exposed to the sun.

At the end of the first lap, I felt relaxed and ready to take on the second lap. The temperatures were rising, so I continued at a relaxed pace.

The heat was impacting on a lot of the runners. Many were needing to take walk breaks. I walked alongside another participant briefly before he decided that the only way he could finish was to literally walk the final 10 miles. He wasn’t alone. Other runners had to make the decision to walk to ensure that they could finish safely. These runners demonstrated strength and determination, accepting that they needed to make adjustments, due to the heat.

There was a lot of camaraderie, out on the course. Runners were supporting each other. Marshals were checking in on runners, ensuring that they were coping in the conditions.

On lap 2, as I came to the end of the longest stretch without an aid station, I was given a heads up, that the next aid station had run out of water but they had supplies at the one after, a couple of kilometres further along the route. I wasn’t carrying any water and the next 2 kilometres were on a section that was exposed to the sun. I eased my pace and combined running with walk breaks, until I reached the next aid station.

I was approached by a marshal at the next aid station, 19 miles into the course and asked how long I had gone without access to water. (It is possible that one of the runners ahead of me, had raised a concern about the previous aid station running out of water). I said that it had been about 10K! The volunteers expressed concern. I told them that I had passed a few runners who were struggling and probably more in need of water, than runners who had already reached this station. One of the volunteers immediately, set off to walk back to the previous aid station, carrying supplies.

From this point on, I employed positive self-talk, reminding myself to enjoy the moment, appreciate the surroundings, the kindness shown by the volunteers and fellow runners. I kept to a manageable pace, chatting to other runners briefly as we passed each other.

I was met with a genuine applause from the Rasselbock volunteers, traders and members of the public, as I approached the finish line. I completed the course in 4:49:18. I was handed my finishers trophy and a box of sustainably packaged water.

The time doesn’t matter. I enjoyed the event and finished safely.

I spent some time shopping in the event village, which included vendors selling food and beverages, a bar, running attire, Solar sport and Protein Rebel, to name a few. Entertainment had been brought in for children, including games and a climbing wall, together with massage and ice baths.

As I was enjoying a post-race massage, I heard a familiar voice, in the distance, as Hannah crossed the finish line, meeting her target time.

I would recommend Rasselbock events, if off road running appeals. They are a friendly, family business, offering value for money, with an emphasis on kindness and compassion, rather than competition. The cut off times are generous; 7 hours to complete the half marathon and 8 hours to complete the marathon.

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