NORWICH 1/2 MARATHON 15/04/18
Norfolk flat – not when you’re running the Norwich Half Marathon!
Driving there through the fog we wondered if we would need to be in high viz for the race, but by the time we started it cleared to near perfect conditions for distance running. Andy gathered us all together, bar 1 (last minute loo stop!) for a team photo whilst we still looked not too worse for wear…. then made sure we all warmed up.
The whole event was very well organised and started bang on time. I could see the speedy Jags up in front but resisted the temptation to try and keep up and settled into my own pace.
Running around the Showground there were great supportive crowds, then we were out on the road where there was a bit of dejavu as we retraced part of the Valentines course. The first half of the race is flat and fast, but I knew I was approaching the hills. I couldn’t keep up my initial pace but was determined to try and go sub 1:40, so kept powering on, it’s amazing how the other runners around you really help to keep you going. By the last hill my legs wanted me to stop, but I knew I was nearly there.
Back into the Showground for the last mile and we ran pretty much past the finish – if only we were there, but another lap of the Showground to go! You could hear the crowds cheering people in and then I heard them call out that Andy Mulligan had finished – what an achievement for him after the start to his year! When I rounded the last bend and could see the clock I knew my target was in reach if I could just keep my legs going, then the fabulous support of the lovely Jags, cheering us on helped me to sprint (ish) in. As we finished and started gathering we were also keeping tabs on the Brighton runners, adding to the whole excitement of the day!
Amazing running from everyone today with 6 first timers and PBs for Graham Johnson, Stephen Pointer, Clive Cartner and Angela Bell.
A tough but enjoyable run, well organised, closed roads, plenty of water stations and loads of friendly supporters. A goody bag full of nibbles and pre and post massage available, well organised baggage system and a fairly easy exit from the Showground ( no muddy field this year!) All in all a really memorable day of running both in Norwich and Brighton. Go Jaguars!
| Name | Time | PBs | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andy Mulligan | 1.30.48 | SILVER | |
| Graham Johnson | 1.32.39 | YES | GOLD |
| Radly Fenn | 1.33.07 | SILVER | |
| Scott Chadwick | 1.35.55 | SILVER | |
| Elly Young | 1.37.20 | FT & New Age Group Record | DIAMOND |
| Stephen Pointer | 1.39.45 | YES | BRONZE |
| Emma Wilcock | 1.46.31 | SILVER | |
| Nouha Tate | 1.54.18 | FT | BRONZE |
| Roland Talbot | 1.58.34 | SILVER | |
| Clive Cartner | 1.58.16 | YES | |
| Angela Bell | 1.58.15 | YES | BRONZE |
| Katie Fenn | 2.03.17 | FT | BRONZE |
| Tracey Melville | 2.04.24 | BRONZE | |
| Sharon Jones | 2.06.02 | FT | SILVER |
| Caroline Britton | 2.09.13 | FT | |
| Stephanie Hall | 2.13.25 | FT | |
| Sue Emmett | 2.22.04 |