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'Like thousands of others I was unsuccessful in the London marathon ballot this year and so decided to look elsewhere. My solution - Annecy in France, which is older than London, decidedly more beautiful but just as friendly. Here is a brief extract from my training diary on the day itself.

Lakeside near the start

Location - Annecy, 30 miles south of Geneva. Absolutely stunning, the lake, the old town with its narrow streets and waterways running through them, all set against a backdrop of the snow covered Alps.

The race was organised with typical Gallic flair with as much, if not more attention, paid to the food and drink arrangements as to any other aspect of the pre or post race activities.

The Start

An out and back course that ran alongside the lake on a cycle path until looping round the small village of Doussard before returning along the same route.

Breathtaking views (even if you weren't running), a virtually flat course and enthusiastic villagers at each of the crossing points on the cycle path must make this probably the most beautiful and possibly one of the fastest marathon courses in Europe.

Clear blue skies, a gentle breeze and cool temperatures at the start just added to the sense of well being for the 850 or so runners who set off at 9.00am. Why do London when you can have all this and also have enough room to think, plan and run your own race?

My result. 3hours 28min 45 sec against a predicted time of 3hr 28m so definitely a case of mission accomplished although it was touch and go over that last 3k.

Pretty even splits of 48m 24s, 48m 42s, 48m 01s, and 49m 23s were close to plan although I had intended to run the first 10k slightly slower. 14m 15s for the last 2.2k was really the only blemish.

Post Race celebrations

All in all, a great race, a brilliant weekend and a fantastic location for the race. Will certainly go back next year.'

David Basham