Having travelled down the day before the race via the train it gave us ample time to find our hotel and do a trial run to the start line. As the clocks were also changing that night we wanted to make sure we had plenty time to get organised and get to the start line for the morning of the race.
On the morning of the race after meeting with the other half of our fabulous support crew (Sharon’s sister Suzanne) we had about a half hour walk to the start line from our hotel (which turned out to be quite luxurious!). As we approached we realised that the waves were not exactly managed well, this resulted in the race being very congested.
Shortly after seeing Amanda Holden and two pacers set off we joined our wave, the atmosphere was electric. At 9.40am we set off from Pall Mall on to Covent Garden then a switch back at Holborn, just after mile 1. Mile 2 consisted of another switchback and a sharp turn at Somerset House. Over the Thames to the South bank and a further 2 switchbacks mile 3 and 4 were fairly straight along to St. Pauls for the first time! Miles 5 though to 9 were pretty convoluted (I’ll let you look at the map for yourself). the remaining miles were more straightforward and Mile 10 had the only significant climb at the Tower of London then a switchback all along the river past the London Eye to Westminster and finishing at Downing Street.
Sharon finished in a time of 1hr 59 min 47 secJulie finished in a time of 2hr 05min 26 sec
Lorraine finished in a time of 2hr 08 min 36 sec
The course itself was fairly flat but had quite a few twists and turns, at last count I think we ran past St.Pauls cathedral 4 times! All the landmarks were well sign posted throughout the course, and the support round the course was amazing. Almost the entire course had some kind of support which really made the event feel very special.
All in all we all had a fantastic time, although a pb would have been the icing on the cake running a race in London with two good friends and fantastic support made this a very special race. One which we will remember for a long time I’m sure.
A big thank you to Sharon’s sister Susanne and Lorraine’s mum Lawra for there amazing support on the day and to our families and friends at home for all their virtual support.
Julie
5 comments:
Well done all three! Its quite a task to travel to a major race, deal with all the logistics and still run a good race and you all did just that. Great report too.
Alan
Great report Julie. With this being a new race I was keen to hear how it went and what the route was like. I went down to watch the World Championships last year in London and watched the marathon which passed St Paul’s I think four times. From a spectator point of view this would be a good race to cheer on the runners. We saw so much of the marathon because of the number of laps it did. It sounds like it was a magical atmosphere and I am glad we had Harriers represented at it. Well done to all three!!!
Julie B
Well done all three of you on a great result away from home and a great report Julie.
Julie, well done for trailblazing a new race for the harriers.It was a really informative report and as well as running a good race you all appeared to have had a great time.
Well done to all three girls on your times it's good to see the club vest in big races and all three wher back at training on Tuesday night
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