ALORA VALLE DEL SOL 17TH HALF MARATHON MALAGA

Post date: Mar 10, 2015 1:33:59 PM

Race report by Margaret Sinclair

1st March 2015 10.00 am

Started in the square Alora in a 21o heat. The first mile was run through narrow hilly streets then down hill for another mile out of town along the valley to Pizzara, a loop through the streets then back out along the valley again. There were two steep hills along this stretch up and down, running passed fields of lemon and orange trees with great support along the way from the locals. This is where I met an old man pushing a loaded wheelbarrow up hill as I was puffing on the way down. A mile from the end came the killer hill. I reverted to power walking along with another man and woman. The man gave me a caffeine jelly square which probably kept me going to the end. When we reached Alora two more hill climbs until mercifully down narrow street to the end. Even though it was two days before I could walk properly again I did tremendously enjoy the challenge. The goody bag contained 3 lemons, 3 oranges, pkt cured ham, t-shirt and a lovely wee painted plate. For 2nd in my age category I got a glass plaque and a loaf of local bread! Not a pb.

520 took part: 51 women: 1st finisher 2h 10 min: Elevation gain 1078: oldest entrant was 77 yr