Run Whitstable & Herne Bay Spring 5k, 10k, and Half marathon

Thanet Road Runner ‘Matt Stanley’ took on his 1st ever Half Marathon. Read all about it below….

 

 

I first thought about doing a half marathon back in February of 2024, whilst doing the TRAC C25K course. It was Week 8 Run 2 and I found myself jogging with the lovely Jo Holl. Jo asked how it was going and what my plans were running-wise in the future. I said I would like to do a couple 10Ks in the coming year and then a half marathon in the spring of 2025. I asked Jo if this was a bit optimistic and she encouraged me to realise it was quite achievable and to go for it.

 

Last autumn, I tried without success to get into the London Landmarks and, having a holiday booked for when our Kent Costal Half Marathon was being held, I alighted on the Whitstable & Herne Bay Spring Half Marathon on 23rd March 2025.

 

I downloaded a basic 12 week training plan from the Runner’s World website and started my training in the New Year – eventually arriving at the big day.

 

Getting up early on race day to eat breakfast in time for it to go down before the start, I was pleased to see the forecast was for overcast conditions and very little wind.

 

Arriving in good time at Hampton Recreation Park in Herne Bay where the start and finish was, I found parking very easy and collection of my race number very straightforward and well organised. There were public toilets on hand – a little ropey but they did the job. As there was also a 10K and 5K race being held the same day, it started to get quite busy and hectic so I was glad I got there in good time.

 

We lined up at the start to listen to the race briefing. I mentally checked off everything I had rehearsed in my training. Water? Check. Gels? Check. Playlist? Check. Watch GPS connection?  Check. All seemed good. The only change I had made was to wear the new club buff on my wrist – not only as something to bring me luck, but to do a real job as well, helping me deal with the inevitable sweat and snot!

 

The race set off promptly at 0900 and we headed out on a 1.1K loop back to the start and then out for 2 x 10K loops. About 2 miles in I realised one of my laces was coming undone – the one thing I’d forgotten to check pre-race – annoying!

 

The course was almost entirely along the concrete promenade between Herne Bay and Whitstable and it was, as advertised, dead flat. Although I went out quicker than I planned, I was able to hold the pace quite nicely. I was heading towards the half way point of the first 10K lap when I realised to my horror that the turnaround point was at the top of a hill – I thought they’d said it was entirely flat!! However, the hill actually provided some relief from the monotony of the concrete flat and it was a joy when we turned round and went back down.

 

By the time I finished the first lap, the 10K and 5K races had started so the course was quite busy. As I headed out on my second loop, I got a cheer and wave from my nearest and dearest and cracked on. Things were going very well until I got to mile 9 when I could feel the energy going in my legs. I had been fuelling fine and realised this was where I was going to have to dig deep and just keep going. I completed mile 10 running down the hill for the second time and the marshal called out that there were only 3 miles to go – just a parkrun left! I took a final gel and a glug of water and went for it. Having 3 races at the same time meant there was always someone to keep up with or close down and pass, and that was very helpful.

 

I tried to not look at my watch and just focus on getting to the end. I was delighted to cross the finish and see my family and two dear friends who had come to support me. I’d done it!

 

It was a lovely course with lots of good support – cow bells and cries of ‘come on Thanet!’ could be heard throughout.

 

Before the race, I had set the goal of running it without walking. If I could run it sub 2:30:00, I would be pleased, sub 2:20:00, I would be delighted. The family sweep stake ranged from 2:18.00-2:42.00! I actually did it in 2:14:35 – I was chuffed to bits and I can’t wait to do my next one.

 

I’m so grateful for all the support I got from my family as well as everyone at the club who have been so positive and encouraging. But a special mention must got to the club buff! Not only did it perform magnificently on Sunday (going straight in the wash when I got home), but it reminded me throughout the race what a privilege it is to actually just be able to run, and what a pleasure it is to be a small part of the TRAC family.

 

Good luck to everyone who have got marathons and other spring events coming up. Remember to double knot your laces and wear your buff with pride!!

 

We loved that race report Matt. A running journey from C25K to Half Marathon. What an inspiration you are!!