Race Report: Great North West Half Marathon 22/02/2015

What better thing to do on a very windy, rainy, cold day in February than go to Blackpool and run a half marathon!

Before the race – visualizing the finish

The half marathon was very well organised by Fylde Coast Running, there was ample parking, toilets and bag drop, showering and changing facilities provided at the Blackpool Hilton. 

“Get me out of here!” – The Start Funnel

The race consisted of two racetrack loops of the North Promenade. The wind was gusting at 26mph from the SSW, so running north we were pushed along by the wind with the rain on our backs, but turning back southwards the wind literally took your breath away.  It was truly grim and you think to yourself   “What the hell am I doing this for?” Then the endorphins kick in and the adrenaline energizes you and you look around and see hundreds of like-minded runners struggling along with you.

Elaine waving – Only 12 miles to go

Matt crossed the line in 1:55:43 and came 14th in his age group and 585 out of 1252 finishers (There were 1499 entries for the race). Elaine finished in 2:07:41 a PB in her second half marathon, 6:19 faster than the Congleton “Sting in the Tail”, 6th in her age group and 857 overall.

Matt striding out

At the end of the race we received a T shirt, a giant 10x7 cm medal and bite-size piece of malt loaf. The downside of the day, were the logistics of getting in and out of Blackpool and the awful weather! 

Elaine about to finish

The upside is that we have booked to do another half marathon in Blackpool on 26 April, because there is a great race atmosphere, the course is flat and the event was very well organised.

Nice weather for ducks

For more information visit the race website.

Elaine W,