The 1st Double Trouble 2 day Challenge
Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th March 2011
The race is over for 2011.
Well done to all the runners.
Thanks to all the helpers.
I’m having a rest from organising for while but with the amount of interest the event has created, I think I will be doing it all over again sometime. So watch this space later in the year for an update.
Information about the Race
This challenge is the Gin Pit Marathon 26.2 mile course of one large loop to be completed twice over 2 days.
My inspiration for this marathon started when I realised I was always having to travel to run a marathon. It occurred to me that there are no local marathon events.
I hope to create a low key event with a friendly, homely and welcoming feel that will give local runners the opportunity to run a marathon or even a double marathon on their own doorstep. As far as I know it will be the first of its kind in the area. Runners from further a field will still be more than welcome to sample our hospitality but it will be their turn to travel! I hope to make the event something a bit different that will leave competitors with fond memories for a long time and maybe to start something we will be able to run in coming years.
The course is one large loop taking in 11 miles of canal tow path, 9 miles of trails, which are mostly derived from disused railway lines but I’m afraid there will be 6 miles on public roads. Sorry I couldn’t find a way of making a whole course road free.
I must thank our northern industrial heritage for giving us these lovely trails and canals to run along. It is fascinating to imagine that many years ago these trails would have seen large steam trains belching out huge amounts of stream and pulling heavy loads of coal. The canal tow path would have had horses pulling fully laden barges along the Leeds Liverpool canal, locally known as the Bridgewater canal. Today they have been transformed into tranquil trails and paths which we can enjoy, away from the bustle and fumes generated by 21st century traffic.
Look out for the picturesque village of Worsley at 9 miles, with its beautiful black & white mock Tudor buildings contrasting with the unusual orange canal water. At 11 miles you will pass through the village of Astley where the coal mine’s pit head still remains. Its iron work & wheel stand proud above everything else as a lasting reminder of the industry that used to overwhelm the whole area.
The beauty that has come out from the coal dust of the industrial revolution can be enjoyed by those of us willing to leave the roads behind to explore and probably get muddy!
During periods of wet weather the course can be very muddy in places and trail shoes are recommended for these conditions.
The Start and the finish are at the Miners Welfare Club, Gin Pit Village, Ley Road, Tyldesley, Manchester, M29 7DW (pictured below).
Please do not enter the Welfare Club in muddy trainers and running gear, you will get me into TROUBLE.
This first running of the event is part of Astley & Tyldesley Road Runner’s 10th Year Anniversary Celebrations.
Initial race limit is 25 runners per day. This maybe increased subject to the level of volunteers we can muster to help. Any updates will be posted on this website.
Please Note, we have changed the date of the Pasta Party.
We are arranging a pasta pary at Bella Bistro in Leigh on Saturday 12th March 2011 to allow any of the runners interested to meet and enjoy good food in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere between the two races. The competitors will also be able to meet members from Astley and Tyldesley Road Runners who are hosting the event. I wish to thank Rufus Bennett restaurant owner, friend and fellow Astley and Tyldesley Road Runner for adding this social dimension to the Double Trouble Marathon Two Day challenge. Rufus is eager to offer his restaurant’s hospitallity to fellow runners. Entrants will be kept up to date on the pasta party by email. More details are available from Clare the club’s social events organiser, the A & T Blog Spot and Facebook. Many thanks to Clare & Rufus for their help.
Click here to visit Bella Bistro’s website.
Race start time 9:30am each day.
Daily pre-race registration and collection of race numbers will be 9am at the Walfare Club next to the start.
Click here to download the Entry Form
Competitors are able to enter either day of the event or both, just indicate your requirement in the appropriate boxes provided on the entry form.
Click here to follow a link to a map of the course
Click here to download course directions.
I have created the directions as a word document so that competitors may alter it to fit their individual needs, for example increase font size to make it easier to read while running.
Click here to download a list of local places to stay.
The event is a self guiding course, maps and directions will be issued at the start. There will be water stations at 3 points along the course at 7.85 miles, 13.2 miles & 19.3 miles. Taking a hydration pack or a bottle of water and energy gels is encouraged. I hope to make the stations manned check points but this depends on the level of volunteers I can muster.
Results will be posted on this website the day after the event.
Click here to see March 2011 confirmed entry list.
Click here for March 2011 results.
Recommended kit
Equipment:
Directions (available at the start of the event)
Garmin (will work well in conjunction with the directions)
Mobile Phone (fully charged & switched on)
Waterproof map cover
Map
Compass
Whistle
Clothing:
Hat and gloves
Waterproof top
Long sleeve top & leggings
Trail shoes
Money raised from this event will be donated to the Brathay Trust to help their work supporting disadvantaged young people and helping them fulfil their potential.
I wish you all the very best and hope you enjoy our event.
Malc Collins
Race Founder
