Alone on the course and no supporters
I did my first marathon yesterday and it went differently than expected. The race was leuven and cut off was 5,5 hours. But the later groups took over 30 min to reach the start line, meaning my group (and groups slower than me) had 5 hours max.
I am a slower runner. I did my marathon in 4:56:00. However, for the majority of the course i was genuinely alone. Quite a big part of the race was through the forest and i genuinely did not see people (runners or supporters) there. I was luckily still on route because the organizers were there, but there were no other runners for lots of it. Also around km 30, it was a big stretch in direct sun, no shade and past the water and no supporters.
I thought it would be better once i reached the city, but even there were parts where it was just me and my family who showed up to support.
I can't help but feel a bit sad and disappointed. Especially because online it is shown that there is a lot of support, but even starting km 15 (when you ran past the elite), there was barely any support in my opinion.
This made it even more challenging for me.... the dj booths around the course just abandoned. I am so happy i did it, and i am so so grateful for my family (and the organisors who stayed and handed out water). but i am still also very disappointed in the fact that i had to run so much of it with no other runner/supporter IN SIGHT...... :(