Silverstone Half Marathon

This was a race I’ve wanted to do for some time, and it didn’t disappoint. I was as far as I know the only Thanet Roadrunner taking part.

 

This event was a 5/k, 10/k, and Half Marathon.

 

I arrived 2 hours before the start of the race as this was what the organisers recommended. Note for anyone thinking of taking part in years to come its approx. 30 minute’s walk from carpark to the runner’s village.

 

Weather was about 7 degrees with slight drizzle with no wind. And many people could not decide if they needed thermal clothes or not. I decided to run in just my club running shirt with no thermals which was the right decision for me.

 

The village had plenty of toilets and the number collections was quick and easy. Only criticism I have was there was no food stalls and only one small cafe for hot drinks.

 

We entered the running track course 30 minutes before the start. All runners started together 5/k, 10/k, and Half Marathon. The wheelchair race started 2 minutes prior to everyone else.

 

The course obviously was very smooth under foot and very wide in certain places. I decided to stay with the 1.50 pacer for as long as possible from the start, and after 5/k I found myself around 2 minutes in front of the pacer which pleased me.

 

By the time I had run 10/k I was happy with the pace approx. 8.15 and felt good. The course was set to be 3 laps the first being the main formula one course with the other 2 laps being the small course

 

The inner 2 laps have some hills to contend with, which surprised me as I thought the course was flat. I reach mile 9 and the pace was approx, 8.30 and I was still in front of the 1.50 pacer. By mile 10 I was beginning to feel the legs tiring and began to think I may have gone of to quick at the start.

 

I slowed the pace down slightly for miles 10/11 which helped me for the final push for home in mile 12. Running through the final mile I noticed the course measurement was not correct as I ran 13.1 miles still had 300 metres to go to the event finishing line.

 

I ran the half marathon in 1.50.08 which I was very happy with. My final time was 1.51.57. Would I recommend this to fellow club members yes I would , great course, great medal and organised well.

 

Paul.