Approximately 35 Sportsworlders took over the city of Nice on the beautiful French Riveria for the city’s half marathon and 10KM race which took place on Sunday the 21st April. Determined to make the most of the trip I decided to travel over on the Friday and stay until Tuesday. Despite the dodgy weather forecast we were greeted on the Friday with sun and blue skies. After picking up our numbers at the expo we bar hopped around Nice – like the true athletes that we are! The following morning, feeling slightly worse for wear a group of us got the train to the stunning nearby Eze – a town on top of a hill! Not having the patience to wait on the local bus to the top of the hill we decided to do the hour long trek on foot, in the heat. It was worth it as we got the most beautiful views of the coastline. After lunch we made or way to Monaco – playground for the rich! Over coffee we contemplated our race prep – a night of drinking followed by an entire day walking in the heat. Not ideal so all notions of a PB disappeared! By the time we got back to Nice the Saturday cohort had arrived so we all met up for a nervous dinner where excuses were exchanged!
Sunday – race day – was bright and cool. Perfect running conditions which blew off that excuse. Mind you, by the time we reached the 5km point the sun had heated up so we all got pretty hot and dehydrated. One criticism of the race was the lack of water stations. With close to 9000 runners the start was pure chaos! For some this was an issue as it made for a slow, congested start. For me, the slow start stood to me and I actually enjoy running in a crowd. Gets my adrenaline pumping! We ran 5km down alongside the promenade, almost to the airport and 5KM back with lovely sea views. As the 10km racers crossed the finish line the half marathon continued up to the harbour where we were greeted by a hill – very unwelcome at this point. Just as we got up and down that hill came another. To be fair the course was otherwise flat. We looped around before arriving back on the road by the promenade. At this point we got some shout out’s from the 10km finishers. It was really hot at this stage and to be honest I found the final 5km a struggle. Finally, the finish line came into sight. First home for Sportsworld in the half was Eoin O’Brien who ran an absolute blinder. First female home was Deirdre McGing who also had a great race. The great thing abut the finish was it was beside the beach so we were able to go straight for a dip in the Med. Carmel, Bronwyn and Val, who had been for a swim the day before promised us it was glorious – like a warm bath. They lied!!! Mind you, as a winter sea swimmer myself I found it heaven. More sightseeing and then the big celebratory dinner and drinks!
Doing a race abroad is incredible. It’s less about times and PB’s and more about the experience, the trip and the company. Sportsworld do trips well!! It was a wonderful weekend with the most fun, inclusive and interesting bunch of people. Thanks to Emily, Jose, Mary and Tim for your support en route and for the great photos. It was great seeing you pop up at various stages. Big shout out to Ellen for researching the hotel which was perfect and for booking the Sunday night dinner. You are amazing!
Finally, for anyone considering a Sportsworld trip I would encourage you to come along on future ones.
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