3 of the finest A&T runners made the trip to Helsby for the 4 Villages Half Marathon with John Foulds making his 10th appearance in this race. Steve Coleman had the best preparation possible taking my spare place at 10am yesterday. We met John there and swapped tales of great races, most involving massive hills or outlandish locations over a coffee. I have to admit i just stood and listened given my lack of war stories of me vs. the hills, roads etc. I think John nearly fell over when he saw Steve at a race at 9:30 am for an 11 am start!! Maybe this will be the start of a new trend, eh Steve? Fashionably early could well become the new fashionably just in time.
The race itself got away on time in near perfect conditions with just short of 2000 runners starting the race. The course was undulating and had a few tough hills on it, starting with a steady climb, a flat, another steady climb, gentle down hill,etc, im sure you get the picture. The worst point was (in my opinion) around the 9 to 10 mile point with a tough climb followed by a steep downhill section which made my feet feel like they were on fire. The last couple of miles were thankfully pretty much downhill giving opportunity for a fast finish.
Steve was first A&T runner home in an excellent 1:27:20 followed by ever consistent John in 1:36:01 and yours truly in 1:48:20, knocking 5 mins off my last half marathon.
Overall a well recommended race which is very well organised, scenic, quite tough and has beer in the goody bag at the end. Maybe one for the club calendar for next year.
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