A fairly wet experience in beautiful Malaga and my first marathon as an ambassador for a race abroad.
Like many others, I check the weather forecast before a race. This time it didn't look very good. The it was going to rain and it was going to rain a lot. Unfortunately, you can't do anything about the weather, but I still like to prepare me on what awaits me. It's part of the process.
In warmer regions, it doesn't rain as often as at home, but when it does, it's often in buckets. The last part of the preparations actually consisted of showering with clothes on (no kidding, you can find the clip on mine highlight on Instagram). A silly attempt to feel what it would feel like on race day, when the skies would open above yes.
This summer I happened to be asked to be an ambassador for this marathon. I had never been to Malaga before and was actually looking for a race to end the year with. Malaga thus became the last goal of the year. I got a couple of race numbers for free, ran a giveaway on Instagram and received a discount code to hand out. Several people I know via Asics from different countries also signed up, and we became a nice little group that went down together.
In the marathon series, this was marathon number 20 for me. The quest for 40 marathons before the age of 40 continues and Malaga was a big milestone for me. Now I'm halfway there my long term goal of 20/40 marathon.
I heard from other runners I know who had run in Malaga that it was relatively flat, but a few climbs at the start and towards the end of the race. I also experienced the trail as fairly flat, Stava showed 118 meters in height.
The race goes through several parts of the city, and even if you run near places you have been to before on the course, it was not experienced as several of the same round. I liked that a lot.
The Spaniards are lively and committed supporters. We received good support and cheers from the audience along the way, and I can imagine that the folk festival in the city is even bigger on a good weather day.
For me, the downpour came in full force from 8-28 km, I got a small break until 38 km before the heavens opened himself again. There was a part where we ran out towards the sea (in the direction of Expo), for about 9-11 km where there was a lot of wind, in addition, otherwise no significant bothersome wind along the way.
Furthermore, I experienced something very special along the way. I hallucinated at a marathon for the very first time. At around 28-29 km I thought I saw a German shepherd ahead yes. As I got closer, there was no dog there. Unfortunately, I had to euthanize my German Shepherd Bella earlier this summer. After 12 years with Bella, I am still somewhat affected by that loss. Possibly somewhat tired and emotional after having pushed me through tough weather as well. The race offered some ultra vibes even in a marathon, anything is possible.
All in all, I would say that Malaga was a very good race. It was also inspiring to see that more participants with wheelchair was included. Well organized and facilitated by the organizer on several levels. To be one of those races of a "smaller caliber" there out, Malaga gave us a very good experience from start to finish.
Do you want to experience a marathon abroad that is bigger than several of those we have in Norway, which at the same time is not like that great that it is neither very expensive nor difficult to get a starting number, then Malaga can be a good one option.
Costa del Sol didn't live up to its name this time, but I'm still very grateful for this experience. I was going to do my best, see what was possible and came in 1 min and 24 sec behind pers. After a tough year, this was a solid comeback for me. The season ends with lots of motivation and belief that the best lies ahead.
(+)
- Nice trail, you can take in large parts of the city, relatively flat
- Wide road at the start, possibility to break up the crowd early
- Stylish and unique medal
- Good audience where there were crowds in audience-friendly places, despite bad weather
- Well organized and good flow throughout the event
- User-friendly app for participants/spectators, some to track runners
(-)
- Joint start with half marathon
- First water station at 5km (has an impression that it usually comes earlier)
- Little toilet facilities at the start
- Perfectly ok expo, nevertheless some selection with both clothes, equipment, gels, info stands