Chester 1/2 marathon
Sunday 29th April 2018
The Chester 1/2 marathon definitely provides a good opportunity to achieve a PB. The route is an out and back and it was interesting to see the leader after about 45 minutes well out on his own and heading for 1:07:59 finishing time with the next three runners several minutes behind. The spectators, marshals, drinks stations and entertainment were very supportive and included a trombone/trumpet (?) player, several rock bands, other music and children offering their hands for high fives. Actually I was aiming for a slow steady paced jog rather than a PB and the course certainly didn't disappoint. Breathing and energy flow were good throughout. The Mapometer hills profile gives a slightly exagerated impression of the hills. Essentially there are three noticeable short hills (start, finish and in the middle). The first half of the race is a very slight uphill but doesn't really get noticed until around 6-7 miles. As an out and back route the second half of the race has a very slight downhill feel to it. My strategy was to get through the first half as the second half looked easier.... and so it was; my pace gradually increased throughout the race. The weather was cool but included some warm sunshine. This was a well organised race with good facilities, good quality t-shirt and a well stocked 'goodie' bag at the finish.
Hill profile from Mapometer.com
| 1 | 11:21 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 10:58 | |
| 3 | 11.07 | |
| 4 | 11:08 | |
| 5 | 11:14 | |
| 6 | 11:23 | Noticeable hill |
| 7 | 11:37 | Noticeable hill |
| 8 | 11:10 | |
| 9 | 10:49 | On the way down the other side of the hill |
| 10 | 10:50 | |
| 11 | 10:28 | Extended easy gentle downhill |
| 12 | 10:11 | |
| 13 | 10:42 | The final uphill section required extra effort |
