The 36th Gatliff Marathon 2019 Report

The weather forecast was dry and overcast warming to a degree above average. On the day there were short spells of a fine rain and an occassional glimpse of blue sky. With higher than average autumn rainfall field ditches were overflowing and mud was expected.

Gatliffteers progress was hindered by waterlogged fields and many muddy sections - the usual pinch points and gates, and unusually stretches on normally solid ground. Picking direct lines or ones of least resistance generally had the same result - caked footwear and lower legs with enough of the stuff to slow the pace.

There were 342 entries with the 249 starters split over two routes.

It was the first year of a choice between a 25km or 50km route. Both headed South across farmland to Dry Hill, then across the Kent Water Valley near Holtye where the 50km extended to Ashdown Forest before re-joining the 25km to Edenbridge via Cowden and Marsh Green.

This year there were three special certificates awarded. Andrew Boulden and David Whitehead were each awarded for thirty completions, and Colin Stark for ten completions.

Scott Vlatowski was the only entrant with a Personal Best time. Looking at the Gatistics, this was a difficult Gatliff route and conditions; of 36 this year was ranked 18th* by average finishing times, or the 7th** by percentage finishing in 10 hours or less.

Congratulations to the front runners of each event:

For the sixth year running, Lisa-Joanne notched up the fastest women’s 50km time and first time entrant James Whibberley finishing first in the men’s 50km.

We hope you enjoy pondering over the results and various statistics that follow.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and we look forward to seeing you next year for our 37th event!

If you can, it would help us greatly if you pre-enter.

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