What’s flat, fast and not very interesting to the average fell runner? Answer: a half marathon on Blackpool seafront! Actually, that’s a bit unfair. If you can ignore the lack of scenery (unless of course you like a sea view) then as a “pure” running experience the Great North Half Marathon is right up there. Starting just north of the Northern Pier the race featured two short southerly loops before heading north for two longer loops. A few blue sky moments hinted at the first glimpses of spring with hardly any of the dreaded winter crosswinds associated with Blackpool in February. Eight Toddies lined up at the start. Duncan had a flyer and only just failed to make the magical sub 1:30 mark though was the first Toddie to finish, Janine had another strong finish and was 7th female/2nd F35. Further back there was a mini duel between Sheldon and Stu. Sheldon shaved a whopping 4 mins off his PB while Stu missed out on breaking his previous PB of 7 years ago by a handful of seconds. Rumors that Stu and Dunc turned up at the wrong pier and had to run a mile and a half to the start are currently being investigated by Mr Shanks.
1 72 Duncan Ritchie M50 1.30.18 2 88 Janine McGregor-Stead F35 1.32.32 3 121 Joe McWilliams M 1.36.20 4 129 Sheldon Middleton M40 1.37.19 5 130 Stuart Wolstenholme M50 1.37.30 6 182 Emma Kerwin F 1.42.54 7 197 Lara Middleton F40 1.44.0 8 223 Hannah Prince F35 1.47.0
by Stu Wostenholme