Wokingham Half Marathon - 21st February 2010

On Sunday, I competed in the Wokingham Half Marathon, along with nearly 2000 other runners, which included Nick Austin, Keving Harding and Sarah Cook from the club. The race is best known as a warm up event for the London Marathon, and attracts a high calibre of runner. The race itself was won by Jean Ndayisenga, a runner from Birchfield Harriers, in a time of 1hr 04m 04 secs, which I believe is a new course record. Liz Yelling also competed and she won the women's race in 1hr 16m 53secs.

I planned to run the race at a steady sub 9 min mile pace as preparation for my first marathon in April, but slightly overcooked it and came home in 1hr 51m 48 secs. However, the two dynamo's from the club finished in rattling good times of 1hr 27m 46s (Nick) and 1hr 35m 14s (Kevin). I don't remember them passing me though because the last time I saw them was in a queue of 500 people trying to get their kit into the kit tent, whilst wading through pools of mud in the process. I suspect many runners started way after the gun. An honourable mention to Sarah as well as she posted a time of 2hrs 17m and 40s.

Next stop is the Fleet Half on 21st March.

Comments

[Sarah Cook]

Well done len, sorry we didnt see you. The start was rather chaotic with everyone waiting till the last minute to queue for the kit tent in the hammering rain/mud. Although the rain did stop soon after the start. I have to say i found it a struggle and slowed massively towards the end and had to practically haul myself over the finish. Dont think Liz and Jean had anything to worry about. Nice race tho and the all important medal was particularly shiny with it being the 25th anniversay.