to Torver at the start and then the route undulates around the lake to around mile 9 when the uphill challenge starts. It feels like there is a hill, but also a view, around every corner, and then there is the reward of a lovely downhill and flat run back in to Coniston to the applause of tourists who have joined in the regular race supporters. No medal but a lovely Lakeland slate coaster, which if you are like me, goes in to the collection of others collected in earlier years. The atmosphere in Coniston after the race is unlike any other race I have done – the pubs overflow with runners sharing tales and sampling the local well-earned beers. It is a very popular event and books up quickly but is worth the journey north. Many make a weekend of it –be warned - the B&Bs book up early!
For more information on the Coniston 14 mile visit the website.
Snowdonia Half Marathon, Sunday 6 April 2014
I did this race in 2013, and in spite of the awful weather it was a good challenge. Starting in Llanrwst, the route goes out in to the Snowdonia National Park, with some great scenery and views There is a 1 in 7 hill around mile 3 which goes on for around 350m and you get the reward of a special medal if you run the whole hill. Weather permitting; they give the medal to you on the course at the top of the hill, so you feel well rewarded! This year they have added in an extra, steep hill around mile 10 and you then run down the 1 in 7 hill you came up at mile 3. Sadly the weather on Sunday was rainy and windy all the way round, which meant that it was slippery underfoot at times. And the views were limited. The addition of the extra hill will probably suit those who want an extra challenge, but if they keep to the new route I will be giving this run a miss in the future – there are some challenges I can do without!
For more information on the Snowdon half-marathon visit the website.
Wendy J Barnes (new member of Sandbach Striders)