I've been reading the blogs about people doing runs a long way from home and was wondering about whether you just have to drive home sweaty. I looked at the Keswick Great Trail Run which would mean staying the night before in the area but was put off by the idea of having to drive home for 3 hours without a shower. (The date this year doesn't work for me anyway.)
I presume marathon runners have this sussed.
What do people do? Find a local swimming pool?
I had three and a half hours drive home yesterday from Balmoral (only 2.5 there, but DH took a detour home). The weather was cool, cold to some of you, at only 6°C or so and I only wore a t-shirt and shorts (albeit with my kilt on top yesterday) that I'd didn't really get sweaty. However, I was prepared for a wash in the car and as well as wet wipes, I'd taken a flask of hot water, face cloth and towel. The previous race two weeks ago was again 2.5 hours drive home, that time I was a little sweaty and the wash was enough to feel sufficiently presentable to stop to eat on the way home. Each time I'd also packed a freezer gel pack - just in case - and was glad I didn't need them.
ps it helps to have a willing partner in the car to help remove a sticky, constricting sports bra in the confines of the car, all the while trying to hide under a towel! 
pps I'm a long-time wild-camping backpacker who used to walking for days without a shower, so maybe have lower standards of hygiene that others!
Hope your run went well, swanscot.
When I used to do lightweight camping, many years ago, we took our washbags into pubs with us, and had a quick wash there - a bit embarrassing occasionally, but it worked!
I'll be down in Keswick for the Great Trail Run too - Mrs Malcy and myself are making a weekend of it. Hope we might bump into each other at some point - I'll be wearing my C25K T-shirt. My plan is to head over to the Keswick swimming pool,& fitness centre and get a shower there. Not sure how much the cheapest activity is, but it'll be worth it.
I meant to add, I would do as you suggest and use the local swimming pool - maybe have a nice soak in a hot tub if it has one, then shower. For the two races I participated in this was not an option as they were both miles from the nearest town. Mind you, I don't see why HRH Liz couldn't have thrown open the doors to Balmoral Castle and invited us in to use the facilities!
Run tourism cont'd...
Do NOT do this at home
And sometimes...you just run...and run...and run
W7R2 - Lotions, potions and a sweaty run! 
When do you run?
