A very busy period of racing, with many testing themselves over half marathons as the marathon season fast approaches. We’ll start with a marathon and a very impressive early season marathon marker with Nick I setting an 8 min PB in Tokyo in 2.29.51 and leading home the large GB contingent in this World Major.
A nice win at the Rhyl 10 in North Wales by Martin G before moving on and up with 1.55 for Martin G in the Trimpnell 20 miles, another fast PB as he chases the London Marathon . Matched by Paul P leading home the Hillingdon Half marathon as part of his 19 mile marathon pace training stint, backed up 3 weeks later with 69.53 to PB in the Fleet Half, first civilian in the HM Forces champs. Fastest of all has been Chris W in the loaded Reading Half, 66.10, placing him at the sharper end of the national rankings.
Bob E just days shy of his 60th Birthday set a PB of 93.55 in Barcelona – and he’s done dozens of halves as the years have ticked by so this was very pleasing to accomplish. Whilst at the Big Half in London Will G was the first V40 to finish, a mighty 68.27, aged 44, in the wind, whilst a returning-from-injury Chris O was right on 70.00. Big PB by Daniele, over 3 minutes advance to break the 80 minute barrier. Whilst at Hampton Court, Andy T’s 84.45 for a half marathon represents 13 miles at a pace he could just about handle for 1 mile a year ago. Other notable step changes by Megan whose 95 minutes is 10 mins ahead of a year ago whilst Owen B’s 87.27 in Paris is a 7 minute advance over 18 months – achieved at 51 year s old. Also, amongst other, PBs at half for Suzanne in a very windy Inverness and Carrie by 8 mins in Dorney with 1.40; and a fine 73 mins PB by Charlotte in the Thirsk 10 miles.