Haweswater half marathon

[Mon 2nd Mar 2009] Twenty members from the club travelled over to the eastern lakes to take part in this, the second race in the current Grand Prix. The event is based at the small village of Bampton, south of Penrith and at the north end of the huge Haweswater Reservoir. The weather was changeable. With the runners setting off in cool but sunny conditions, but by the time they got to the far end of the reservoir and the turning point, they were running in a torrential hail storm. The course is undulating all the way down the side of the reservoir, but just before the turning point at half way, there is a 1 mile downhill stretch which is very nice, but not so nice when you’ve got to run all the way back up again, especially when it’s belting down with hail stones.

Gary had a good run to finish in 9th place in 1.18.38 after picking up the pace for the final 3 miles. Gary was at the finish to cheer on his dad Trevor who was running his first race for the club after just 7 weeks training. Trevor finished 224th in 1.43.49.

Second back for Blyth was Robby in 20th place in 1.22.03 even after his Harrier League run the day before. Peter Brown followed in 28th place in 1.23.24. Gary, Robby, and Pete just missed first team place by 3 points. Martin Gaughan had a good run, getting ready to take up full time training at the end of the month. Martin finished 5th over 50 in 1.28.24. Joe was 3rd over 60 with Dave Cox 5th in the same category.

Leanne Herron had a good run after the cross country on the Saturday. She clocked 1.42.35 to finish 29th female. Ever finisher got a commemorative mug filled with hot tea at the finish, and all had an enjoyable day out. Thanks to Mal and Robby for organising the minibus. The Blyth results and the Grand Prix tables can be found in the Grand Prix section of the web site. The full results can be found at ukresults.net

Dave K