Well we're halfway through the year; I'm halfway through my aim to run a marathon a month in 2008, and a 10th of my way to joining the 100 marathon club.  So far so good; apart from the odd hiccup like not getting into Draycote marathon in time - Terry kindly bailing me out by giving me his number for the 35, so I've making me do my first ultra this year too. In March I entered a long-distance 'walk' but the directions were so dire I pulled out and did the Dumfries marathon the following weekend. So I was looking forward to Seabank as it was a) my 10th in total, b) 1/2 way to 12-in-12 and c) it was at home in Lincolnshire with family there to support me.

The route was an A-to-B from Boston to Skegness along a bank built to keep the sea at bay, and some lanes where it no longer stands.  We had the sea estuary on our right for some time, then passed through fields, unfortunately the land owners hadn't cut the grass - which was up to my waist in places.  This obviously made it extremely hard going - and made a mess of our legs! It was also very hot (25 deg C+), and although I drank over two litres of water and had my head covered - I came down with bad heatstroke.  I kept going and a chap said I was fourth lady, knowing I had a few miles till I saw my family at 17.5 mile - I made an effort and moved up to 2nd lady with the first only a few minutes ahead. 

I was really suffering from cramp and shakes by now - Fay 'ran' with me from 18, although we must have walked 6 miles of that; stopping for me to roll on the grass in pain, pour water over my head and swear a lot.  She got me to the finish by encouragement and generally bringing out my pig-headed side, (that and the thought I would have to try and do another marathon in June if I didn't complete) but thanks Fay...

So I finished in 5.19.00, but I don't care, heatstroke isn't funny. I'd love to recommend this race, but I don't think I've exactly sold it - if next year they cut the grass it'd be great!! (note to organisers).

Stella Denniss

No obvious sign of an event website, but there's a news story and video from a local paper here