The Rightmove MK Marathon Weekend had record entries at the beginning of March so it was quite a blow when the early May Bank Holiday event had to be postponed until September.
Over the summer, it was looking more and more unlikely that large running events would be able to resume in September, so the MK Marathon team started exploring alternative safe race options.
Andy Hully Race Director and Founder said: “We had to think outside the box and came up with a Plan B, which evolved over many weeks into the Reimagined Race. It has been great to put on a different option for our runners and the feedback and stories have been inspiring.”
The concept for the 2020 Rightmove MK Marathon Reimagined was not a virtual race, but an EA measured and certified race route taking in the beautiful lakes and scenery of Milton Keynes. A total of six routes had to be measured for the Brioche Superhero Fun Run, Rightmove Rocket 5k, Turing 10k, Half Marathon and Marathon and also the BMI Marathon Relay. This was possible because of the many cycle and public footpaths that go under or over roads. This self-supported race featured GPS timing technology with built-in turn-by-turn voice navigation using the RunGo app for round-the-clock service between 6 – 19 September. This was a London Marathon good-for-age and Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group World Championships qualifying event.
Andy added “The courses were accessible whenever the runner wanted to race — any time of the day or night! No weather concerns, no early bus rides, no long waits at the start line… no hassle. We also chose the beautiful Willen Lake event lawn to start all races, as it offered good parking, toilets and a cafe.”
The thousand runners who took part in the Reimagined event ran the same course, with GPS timing, leader board and prizes. The feedback from runners has been fantastic. “Loved it. My son and I both did the Reimagined 5K Rocket and the Turing 10K. Fantastic route and the app was great. Didn’t feel like I was on my own at all. Well done to the organisers” said Yvonne Jones. “Fabulous event loved doing the half and the Turing 10k. Well done to all the runners and thanks for putting on this event. Awesome!” said Emma Louise Craig. “I wasn’t going to enter but I’m so glad that I did, brilliant routes and the medals, t-shirt, and bum bag are ace. Thank you for creating such a brilliant event.” said Luke Chambers.
Three and a half thousand other runners also took part in a Virtual Race over the same two-week period on a route of their choice to earn the amazing VE Day 75th Anniversary inspired medals and t-shirts.
Andy added: “We would like to thank our main sponsors Rightmove, BMI The Saxon Clinic and Brioche Pasquier who made this event possible in a very challenging year. And a big thank you to all of the runners who supported our event this year.”
The Rightmove MK Marathon Weekend 2021 has been set for 2-3 May when we will be back at the amazing MK Dons stadium.
Visit www.mkmarathon.com for further details and results.
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