The Linz Half-Marathon 2010
University Language student and Wallsend Harrier Tony Carter posts this report…
The Linz Half Marathon
On Sunday 11th April I went to Linz to do my third half-marathon. The plan was to go for another ‘toby’ to prepare myself for the Vienna half on Sunday 18th, where I will be attempting to break my PB and go for a sub 72 min run.
Getting to Linz from my place of residence took about 5 hours by train, with just enough time to get the race number and the chip before number collection was due to be closed. I found Linz itself a nice town situated on the Danube, and had the chance to meet up with some friends, which meant free food on Friday and Saturday.
In terms of race preparation, I once again did what I did at Bratislava - namely doing a session and racing against trams on Saturday as well as having a good time with beer that evening. Also like Bratislava, the race included a half and full marathon course and a separate course for in-line skaters, as well as hand-bikers, and a 10.5km quarter marathon long for other runners. I was also asked more than once by some Austrian spectators, wasn’t I was cold wearing just shorts and a vest?
So on Sunday at 9.00am with my legs and head feeling surprisingly fresh, the race started on a countdown followed by the song ‘Jump’, with a few helicopters in the air as well as more than 99 Luftballons above the runners going across the Danube.
The course then went across the river back into the main part of Linz. I estimated that all of my km splits were just over 6 minute miles in the early stretches, then slowing down as I could not be fussed to run quickly. At 7k, I ran a bit quicker, eventually timing a 38.48 10km.
The course went to the southern part of Linz before turning back north, even going towards a whole new world (there was a sign directing traffic to “Neue Welt” meaning New World). It was also round 14k that I ran a sub-6 minute mile, eventually running close to 62 minutes for 10 miles, feeling mostly tired from the previous week’s and Saturday’s sessions. It was about here when I thought I would attempt a sub 80 minute half.
Into the final few kilometres and I was now back with the quarter-marathon runners and chasing an ambulance. The course snaked its way north and south through the streets just outside old town Linz before one final left going back north to the finish in the final kilometre. I knew this part would be a problem as the street was cobbled, and making a dash to the finish was not a nice feeling on the legs. All that aside and having finished, I got an unofficial time of 1hr 19mins and 45secs, which to me that time was a great surprise.
The course itself was enjoyable. There were many people watching, a lot of noise from the crowds at places, a few roadside bands, and cheerleaders along parts of the final kilometre. The race also boasts to be Austria’s fastest marathon, so anyone wanting to do a fast time for the 26.2 miler in Austria, Linz is the place to be. I’m not feeling too bad either, which is encouraging for my Vienna race, and I’m also taking advantage of the compression socks that I bought prior to this race!.
Another report will be coming on its way after Vienna folks, till then.
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