Tag: half marathon

4 Oct 2015 – Cardiff Half Marathon

Clive and Jenny Kent travelled to Cardiff for the weekend, staying with Jenny’s sister. Sunday morning dawned overcast but dry, and we headed into town along with 22,000 other people. After finding the bag drop next to the castle, we headed to our respective starting pens. Jenny managed to meet up with her book group friend Aimee somehow!

Clive started behind the elite people and went off quickly with sub-7 minute miles, then remembered to rein it in. It was a bit of a slog for a few miles and then the big-race atmosphere started to help. Unfortunately, his IT band was an issue but he kept the pace quite high. Running back into the centre, the crowds started to become raucous, which pulled him through to the end, where he finished strongly in 1.35.30, taking 8 mins off his PB.

Jenny and Aimee had a steady start alongside Mickey Mouse and the Wacky racers. After 3 miles she picked up the pace and had a good run around Cardiff bay (overtaking Alfie, Gareth Thomas, and taking the chance to say hello!) and up into town, dancing to live music and cheering crowds spurring her on. It very flat with only a couple of speedy downhill sections. It got harder to keep the pace up after about 10 miles, but the cheering squad made a well-timed arrival with flags! She managed a sprint down the finishing straight in 2.21.11, taking 13 minutes off her PB. 

A well-organised race and our results were texted to us 30 mins after the finish, which together with the lovely roast dinner and cuddles with Alice made the long drive home well worth it.  [Jenny]

   
 

27 Sep 2015 – Robin Hood Half Marathon

It was an early start for the Nottingham half marathon – with 13,000 runners due and a 9.30 start there was no time to be wasted building up pre race nerves. At £30 entry fee it wasn’t the cheapest event going but I think it was well worth the money…….it was well marshalled, plenty of water stations, loads of support throughout (thank you to all the people I heard supporting The Striders – you certainly gave me a boost), as well as a decent goodie bag at the end (including as many bottles of lucozade sport as you could manage to pick up)!

I did this same race last year and was warned with the change of route it was much hillier this time round – I needn’t of worried though – the main hill of the event was out the way by mile 2 and running through Wollaton park and part of the university campus made it a really enjoyable run.  [Sarah]

Results:
Luke Eggleston – 1.34.12
Sarah Procter – 1.55.19
Stuart Gregory – 2.16.09

26 July 2015 – Snowdonia Trail Marathon

Nine Striders headed off to North Wales for the inaugural Snowdonia Trail Marathon (and half).  Both routes were off-road courses that took in a visit to (almost) the summit of Mount Snowdon – via the Ranger Path for the half, and the Pyg Track for the full marathon, which included around 6,000 feet of ascent.

As Llanberis filled with runners and tourists on the Saturday afternoon ahead of the race, the warm July sunshine masked what the mountain weather forecasts were saying – Sunday (race day) would be very windy, wet and would feel like minus 6 in the wind chill towards the top.  The organisers announced full body waterproofs, hat and gloves would all be mandatory kit…

Katie Hateley and Luke Eggleston completed the “half” in 3hrs 01min and 3.03 respectively, with the “full” being conquered by Jim Hatherley (5.31), Rob Beers (5.38), Rich Gray (6.25), John Houghton (6.35), Dan Valencia (6.38), Michael Atton (6.40) and Simon Bottrill (6.42).

Full report from Rob is below:

——————————–

I entered this not long after it was announced, sounded brilliant and not soon after was joined by Dan Valencia and then it got silly with a whole horde of us being tagged in things and entering it but of course all in a brilliant way.

So somehow we got it all sorted, accommodation, transport, food, directions and made it to Jesse James bunkhouse in Llandeniolen for the nine Stilton Striders doing the race (7 doing the Marathon, 2 doing the half).

Despite rocking up in North Wales to staggeringly nice weather, the forecast for the race on Sunday was quite severe with heavy rain predicted so we thankfully were all well kitted out or so we thought.

The quickly sold out 800 field started at 10:00am in wet weather running both the half and full Marathon with already many people walking in the first mile on the road over towards Llyn Cwellyn. Suddenly avoiding those who chose to start walking or who wouldn’t recognise running courtesy was a bit annoying the first few miles over the mountain path but the field after the top started to string out more on rather a lovely descent where by then the race split in two (half and Full routes).

A mile of road between Llyn Cwellyn and the village of Rhyd Ddu before heading into the trails of Beddgelert Forest which provided some scenic and enjoyable trail running. Into the popular tourist village of Beddgelert itself before taking the path alongside the river that comes out besides Llyn Dinas, very muddy along here and wearing winter fell shoes paid off massively, indeed she did take a stud today.

The course veered the steep side of the Gwynant valley, circumnavigating the lake with some stiff climbs and quite technical woodland before coming out at the Gwynant campside and then the long pull up to Pen Y Pass which was a real stamina drainer.

Pen Y Pass, the highest road in the UK was 20 miles in, so in your head it’s a `mere 10k to finish` looking at my watch and thinking Hmm if this was a Road Marathon I’d be finished by now, the Pyg track for most is un-runnable with huge sections of rocky outcrops and as we ascend higher and into worse weather, many sections are climbs and scrambles rather than even walking. Its 22 miles and in and the temperature is dropping quickly, the rain hammering down and blowy as anything, I can’t explain what this feels like after your already tired from running and all the previous amount of ascent. Seriously ask any member doing the full and given the chance they would’ve retired from the race given the chance, it was severe, making it to the top wasn’t the good bit but getting down a bit further and the temperature rising was much more satisfying. So I reach the top, OK maybe I should point out I’m still wearing my Stilton vest at this point as too cold to put my base layer on, thankfully I’m directed downhill and I make it to train bridge and know I’m going to live to fight another day. Whilst I consider myself and fellow Striders doing this event very strong runners it is a concern for those perhaps not of our ability doing the event and hopefully the race organisers will think seriously about pre-requisites for race entries for the next event of this race.

The long descent down the Llanberis path finally see`s the legs wake up again, although when we hit road again it’s not the easy way back to the finish but were re-directed through some woods, then again at the side of Castell Dolbadarn and then just as I think we’re going towards the old Hospital finally the finish comes into sight.! I know it had been misjudged mile wise but to find out it was 29.3 miles rather than the advertised 26.2 was irresponsible of the organiser, especially given the terrain and the freak weather. The last and most dangerous section of the race 9.3 miles took over 2 hours to complete which really says it all how tough it was.

I had a lovely welcome from Katie and Luke who had done the HM and from Jim when I came in; apparently I was very blank and dazed. I sat there in the hall after dripping wet huddled in my coat before eventually realizing what I`d done, 29.3 miles including Snowdon! And only 7 minutes behind one of Strider`s fastest runners! It certainly took time and kind hearted Jim fetching me a cuppa to realize the magnitude of what had gone before. I know young Simon Bottrill suffering with recurring injury and repeatedly telling anyone who`d listen beforehand he was considering dropping to the half, yet ran the full and was last Strider which he was slightly down about-It doesn’t matter! Your first Ultra good man, massive endurance both physically and mentally to have done it at all, I salute you!

Scariest, toughest race any of us have ever been in bar none, we all felt great we did it and had an absolutely awesome weekend that we will never forget. Thanks to the team who came away hope we can have such a great trip next year wherever it may be, not only an unforgettable race experience but a great bonding experience where tears of laughter were never far away.  [Rob]

24 May 2015 – Weald Challenge 

The Weald Challenge, comprising of 3 distances; 50km Ultra, Marathon and Half Marathon, followed the long distance paths of the Wealdway and the Vanguard way. The start began at 10.30am the road outside the Primary School in Chiddingly Village. Myself and Jenny Kent ran the half marathon distance, which took us over a route made up of 75% of beautiful footpaths/bridleways snaking through undulating fields and wooded archways.

The weather started off warm, rising to an uncomfortable 20 degrees C for myself. The first check-point/drinks station was at 6.2m, so I chose to take around 300ml of water, which was lucky because of the slight mis-direction at around mile 4. This took many runners around 1.2m out of their way, and was attributed to a herd of cows taking umbrage to runners using a footpath across their field. Later, a directional arrow was also sabotaged twice during the race and took away possibilities of a course PB for those returning to the race. The race organiser was very dejected about this and sent out an apologetic email.

The drinks station was well received at my mile 7, and had coke, jaffa cakes, other cake and lots of water on offer. Trestle tables did the job!

The elevation and terrain challenged me considerably, but maybe that was due to going off way too fast, a normal occurrence! However, some single-file action at stiles gave me an opportunity to recover and I started to make some good time. At the end I received my bespoke Weald Challenge mug, which was filled quickly with free hot tea. Unbelievably, to me, on seeing the results, I clocked 1:57:30, and came 5th out of 210 entrants! Not a half PB, but well chuffed, considering the course! Jenny Kent, not yet a fully-fledged Striders Member, clocked 3:17:32 over 14.8 miles after building up to this over the last few months. Jenny also waved down a car to drive another participant, who was in a bad way, back to the village for some help. [Clive]

  

10 May 2015 – Bosworth Half Marathon

Two striders headed to Market Bosworth to take on the best that Leicestershire and Rutland has to offer in the Bosworth Half Marathon, which incorporates the Leicestershire and Rutland ACA championships. Nearly 600 runners lined up at Market Bosworth Water Trust on a warm and mostly sunny day, with just a touch a breeze to provide some relief. 

The course follows the undulating roads that wind through the villages and countryside around Market Bosworth, passing by, as the organisers point out in some detail, many sites of historical interest linked to the recently re-interred King Richard III. With two tough climbs towards the end of the race, this course offers little in the way of PB potential. First there is the 120ft climb along Fenn lane into Sutton Cheney at mile eight, closely followed by the 115ft climb into the town of Market Bosworth at mile ten. However, both Striders rose to the challenge on the day. 

First Strider home was Mark Stoneley in a time of 1.33.31 (58th), followed by Iain Howe in 1.48.18 (219th). Iain Howe’s performance was particularly impressive given his recent comeback from injury. [Mark]

26 Apr 2015 – Shakespeare Marathon

It was once more unto the breach as Rob Beers and Dan Valencia headed to Stratford upon Avon for a crack at the Shakespeare Marathon. There certainly were quite a few thousand running it but it seems to have been strangely overshadowed by some other Marathon going on today? 

So a good performance was needed to burn the odd pound of flesh but very heavy traffic in the early going as runners from the full and Half Marathon are not sorted out in any order and the streets aren’t overly wide.  Finally after three miles were out in the country and not people dodging, Dan has set an impressive split pace given his Ashby 20 time and although the course isn’t as flat as I’d believed(at all) it’s very scenic and enjoyable. 

Water stops throughout the course are very numerous (actually so are WC`s) however Gels/Mars bars or similar nutrition nope.  It’s a two lap course but slightly different on the second lap,  Dan hadn’t been well in the few weeks leading up to the race and tells me to push on at the halfway point, he had been running superbly the first half.  

The worst part is the offroad compacted trail which is bad enough the first lap is the second lap it goes on forever and compared to the earlier scenery is as dull as dishwater. Last three miles become more of a struggle but I get in at 3:30 I clocked which made my brow bound with victorious wreaths, Dan was a bit miffed at himself at 4:04 but given his first run for a few weeks and illness I thought it mighty credible, its 26.2 miles!  

Good performance from Stuart Gregory the only Strider running the Half Marathon, running 2:12 and jangling his Car keys in his back pocket throughout!  

As a race, they claim 40% goes to charity (doesn’t 100% of Leicester?) it’s very meagre on the goodie bag given the entry price (Banana/Water/Medal) but it is a nice race although there are parts of it I don’t feel are suited to the outright Road Runner(sharp turns along the canal, the trail parts) , very scenic and enjoyable  I think possibly even a PB course for those running the half marathon (PB or not PB that is the question).  [Rob]

———————–

Shakespeare half marathon

With Rob and Dan running the full marathon, Stuart was the only Strider to take on the half marathon, after a steady start Stuart began to lift his pace from mile 3, completing the first half of the course in just over an hour, Stuart then maintained his pace to the finish to compete the course 24 minutes 3 seconds faster than last year in a course PB of 2hr 12m 56s, only 5 minutes 1 second slower than his PB for the distance set in Nottingham last September. [Stuart]

12 Apr 2015 – Belvoir Half Marathon

The 33th Belvoir Half Marathon, raising money for the Hose village Hall. A scenic circular flat route in the Vale of Belvoir always producing a few Pb’s. 497 runners successfully completed the course despite extremely windy conditions, with 15 Striders taking part.

First home and looking good for the London Marathon were Chris Southam (representing first claim club Coritanians) 1hr15 in 7th position and Darren Glover in 1hr28 in 38th, next a strong Mike Bryan in 1hr31 58th , Mick Atton continues his remarkable form producing a stunning time and PB of 1hr34 98th, next in a determined Dan Valencia produced another PB time of 1hr37 130th closely followed by young Luke Eggleston 1hr38 in 137th , Ben Pickard 1hr39 151st, John Houghton 141 PB 172nd, Shane Sharkey 1hr53 279th and finally Shaun Staff 2hrs29.

A strong Lady Strider contingent was led by Jenni Wisher in 1hr45 222nd closely followed by Vicky Lowe looking in great form for London 1hr47 234th closely followed by Louise Houghton 1hr48 240th , next in Susan Pettingill in 2hr17 452nd with Diane Atton completing a strong Strider showing in 2hrs32 488th. 

Much needed support on course was provided by Greg Pettingill, Rob Beers, Wendy Piesley, Laura Pickard (who also raced the 4.5m ‘fun run’), Simon Bottrill and Rich Gray.  Apologies for any others we have missed!  [John]

12 Apr 2015 – Sheffield Half Marathon

Stuart Gregory was the only Stilton Strider to make the trip to Sheffield for the plus net Yorkshire Half Marathon. This year’s half marathon took place on a brand new route, with the first six and half miles being up hill with big crowds all around the course. Stuart started the race at the back of group two and paced with the group until the start of the main incline at 2 miles into the race, and having hung on to the main pack until mile 5, he slowly dropped off of the back towards the summit of Ringinglow. His pace then increased again during the second half of the race as the up and quite a lot of down descent into Sheffield began, Stuart then held his own until he crossed finish line in a time of 2.25.13. [Stuart]

15 Mar 2015 – Loughborough Half Marathon

Seven Striders made the short trip to Loughborough for the annual half marathon.  On a fairly cold March morning, Natalie Teece was the first Strider home on the undulating course, as well as second female and first FV35, in a time of 1.28.39 (45th). 

Natalie was followed exactly 10 minutes later by Luke Eggleston 1.38.39 (145th) and a few minutes later by Michael Cooke 1.43.26 (193rd), Michelle Farlow crossed the line in 1.49.05 (283rd), with Sarah Lawrence 2.09.28 (569th), Sue Pettingill 2.16.38 (624th) and Stuart Gregory 2.19.00 (646th) completing the completing the Strider contingent.  [Stuart]