Over 1,300 runners completed the second Destination Basingstoke Shire Half Marathon on Sunday 7th October. After heatwave conditions last year, it was a return to more seasonal weather with cool, misty conditions making it perfect running weather.
The course record set last year was smashed by a young Kenyan elite athlete from TEAM RUN FAST, Andrew Lesuuda in 1:04:19, with his team mate, Agnes Chebet, winning the women’s race in 1:19:20, laying down the challenge for future years. There were strong performances throughout the field and inspite of the hills, 13 of the top 100 runners achieved personal bests, suggesting that it is a faster course than the profile suggests.
The race started on time and progressed out of town with full road closures throughout to allow runners safe passage into the rolling Hampshire countryside, through the villages of Cliddesden, Ellisfield and Farleigh Wallop. There are some challenging hills (mile 4, 6 and 8) and would have been some lovely views without the mist, although it did recede through the day. Support on the route – even in the most rural parts – was very strong, with runners commenting on friendly atmosphere with support from spectators, (especially at the village pubs!) and very enthusiastic marshals.
Feedback on the race logistics was very complimentary with plenty of free parking, toilets and efficient distribution of timing chips, queuing was kept to a minimum. First aid cover was efficient with 4 ambulances and a doctor on the race course with full back-up at the finish area and background support and co-ordination with the NHS Ambulance service.
This is a new race but one that has quickly established itself, managing to combine the friendliness and atmosphere of a local race and strong support from local clubs, with the good organisation and facilities of much bigger and better known races, this looks set to become a key race in the south’s run calendar.
Details of the 2013 race will be announced soon, more details of the route, photos and entry for next year (when it opens) fromwww.basingstokehalfmarathon.
Contact: Race Director – Felicity Edwards, Destination Basingstoke 01256 461167/ 07921765354 felicity.edwards@
Photos: Sussex Sport Photography.com
This was a fantastic race which I highly recommend. Really suprised at my fast time depsite some very challenging hills. What goes up must come down!! Definitely do it again next year!!
Sounds great. Actually, as we train regularly on “undulating” (read highly hilly ground) we can attest that sometimes uphill and downhill courses can be easier than totally flat. The undulations use different muscles. Obviously, steep slopes up or down can be bad, but a gentle up and down is easier than 13.1 miles of flat flat flat!
Sounds like a race to watch for next time, though!
Rob
Race-Calendar.com