Either way is capable of making special changes in the life of the one who steps on them.
Somehow to me had to travel from Antwerp (Belgium) to Zielona Gora (Poland). Probably one of you would choose the easiest possible way - first take a bus to the German capital - Berlin, and then change to a flight to Poland. But looking for easy ways is probably not for me. Runners will understand me well, because what did I do first? That's right - I found out if there was an interesting race on my trip.
After spending a few minutes searching for information on Google, I found exactly what I needed - a marathon "Leiden Marathon". Do you ask why this race has come to my liking? The answer is very simple - it was a good opportunity to see my old friend from my university days - he lives just 30 minutes from Leiden, where he runs. I decided not to miss out on such a good chance and combine these two pleasant things.
Since then, not yet ran a full marathon, so I decided to register not for the main distance, but for the satellite distance - half marathon - it cost me 60 € (approximately 1600 UAH). This price included a race fee, a branded T-shirt and a finisher's medal. To get to Leiden, I first had to get to Rotterdam, where I boarded a train bound for my destination.
Annual Marathon «Leiden Marathon» was founded in 1991 by the Leaders Club
road of the city of Leiden. Your first experience in long-distance running
the club received at a marathon in New York. High level of organization and organization
the stunning atmosphere so impressed them that the Club decided
Organize your own race by taking the New York Marathon as an example. Every year, this event is becoming more and more large-scale and interesting, attracting many participants from around the world.
On the morning of May 26, I went to pick up my own participant's starter pack marathon. It was to be obtained in an area of the city called the Pieterskerkhof in the old church. The starting package included a starting number plate, a starting T-shirt and a small backpack. After that I went for a walk around the city to meet my friend later.
The rally was held on Sunday. So I woke up early at 7 am, drank a cup of invigorating coffee, and headed to the train station, where I took the train to Leiden. Having traveled almost halfway, it seemed to me that only one marathon runner went on the train. Due to the fact that the marathon participants went to the station a lot, it was easy for me to get to the start place - everyone was going there.
Changing clothes and handing things over to the locker. After that, it's time to take a seat at the starting line. Marathon route it partly ran through the streets of Leiden, and sometimes turned to its outskirts. Descents and ascents did not happen very often - mostly the route was flat.
Running was not as complicated as I thought at first, as the thermometer was showing 24 degrees. But the level of organization of the marathon was well demonstrated. Degradation stations were located approximately every 5 kilometers of the route. Another pertinent advantage was that participants were given foam sponges throughout the road, which saved them from the heat. In addition to the standard water stations, mobile irrigation stations were located along the route.
City residents helped runners with cool water from windows. During the half marathon, it seemed that all Leiden residents came out to watch this large-scale event and support its participants
The finish line was located near one of the city's many canals. After the marathon and half marathon, the participants were awaiting rest after a grueling run and various tastes, in which the organizers treated the participants of the race.
Everything has its beginning and end, start and finish. But my finish did not become the arch of the marathon "Leiden Marathon". I was met by a train station and a train with many happy runners on my way home.
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