Nestled along the rugged coastline of Northern Ireland, amidst the breath taking landscape of the Giant's Causeway, lies a marathon series that transcends mere running – it's an odyssey through time and nature's grandeur. Welcome to the 26 Extreme Causeway Coast Marathon, an event that stands as a testament to human perseverance against the backdrop of one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders.
A Course Unlike Any Other
The BASALTsix brand is inspired by the iconic hexagonal columns of the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which has "Embraced the Elements" of the North Atlantic for centuries. The Causeway Coast Marathon series offers participants 5 distances to explore an unparalleled journey through geological marvels along the raw beauty of the Northern Irish coastline, each step revealing a new vista of majestic cliffs, crashing waves, and ancient rock formations. Enter the Causeway Coast Marathon
Nick Weston: Endurance Athlete, Running Coach, and BASALTsix Ambassador
The Causeway Coast is truly one of the most spectacular routes you can imagine! Running along this rugged and raw coastline is always an adventure and im excited to be embarking on this journey with Nigel and BASALTsix.
Over the next six months, Nick Weston, a seasoned endurance athlete, running coach, and proud BASALTsix Ambassador, will lead us through the challenging terrain of the 39-mile Causeway Ultra Marathon, a course he conquered as the 2023 champion in 5 hours 18min.
With over two decades of experience in the world of running, Nick's journey began on the tracks of his youth and evolved into an enduring passion for pushing the limits of human potential. From the lightning-fast pace of 5k track events to the gruelling demands of 100-mile ultramarathons, Nick's running resume reads like a testament to his unwavering dedication and unyielding spirit.
As a qualified UK Athletics Leader in Run Fitness, Nick's expertise extends beyond his own achievements. For more than a decade coaching, guiding, and crafting training plans for athletes of all levels. His commitment to helping others unlock their full potential is reflected in the countless individuals he has mentored on their own paths to greatness.
Contact Nick on his website www.rnnng.co.uk
Nick's personal bests underline his credibility as a coach from middle distance to endurance events.
5km: 16:25
10km: 33:49
Half Marathon: 1:14:22
Marathon: 2:34:49
100-mile trail: 18:02
Now, as he embarks on the next chapter of his journey as a BASALTsix Ambassador, Nick is poised to share his wealth of experience and knowledge with a broader audience. Through his guidance, insight, and unwavering determination, Nick Weston will inspire and lead us through the challenges and triumphs of the Causeway Ultra Marathon with a series of video blogs.
Embarking on the Journey with Nick Weston: A Novice Runner's Perspective
As a novice runner, I am thrilled to partner with Nick Weston as we record our exhilarating journey along the 39 miles of the Causeway Coast Ultra Marathon Course from Portstewart to Carrick a Rede, a playground of breath taking beauty and formidable challenges.Â
While my running journey may not boast the impressive statistics of Nick's, we are equal in our passion for embracing the elements along the amazing coast we are so lucky to call home.
My running history mimics the ups and downs experienced along the rugged Causeway Coast. My sole half marathon experience, back at the 2014 Causeway Half Marathon, saw me cross the finish line in 1 hour and 54 minutes, a personal milestone that remains etched in my memory. Though my pursuit of a sub-40-minute 10k has remained elusive, coming closest in 2016 with a time of 20.47.
In 2018, a heart attack following a Parkrun served as a stark reminder of life's fragility, but it was merely a small speed bump on my journey. In the years that followed, I have learned to appreciate the joy of running, participating in regular Parkruns, most recently, I was delighted to finish 4th at Garvagh Parkrun with a time of 21 minutes and 55 seconds.
Igniting the Competitive Spirit: Nick and Nigel's Coastal Challenge
As we prepare to document the exhilarating course of the Causeway Ultra Marathon, Nick Weston and I have devised a challenge to ignite our competitive juices. Breaking down the 39-mile course into manageable 5mile segments, we've added an exciting twist – a timed 3mile section where Nick will chase me down, motivated by bragging rights and a little friendly competition.
Drawing inspiration from our recent Parkrun performances we've calculated a head start for me based on our respective timings. With a 2-minute and 23-second advantage, Nick will set off in pursuit, aiming to close the gap and overtake me before the finish line.Â
So can the enthusiastic novice succeed where seasoned runners have failed..... watch this space as we share our endeavours in the months leading up to the 2024 Causeway Coast Marathon SeriesÂ
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