Once again the experienced Runners World pacers joined the masses to guide the runners around the lake at a consistent speed. Pacers ranged from 6 minute to 11 minute mile runners, each offering participants the chance to get their pacing just right in preparation for upcoming marathons like the London Marathon.
Taking advantage of the great conditions was Steve Murtagh of Harlow Running Club, the first across the finish line in a 25 second PB time of 1.13.35, 4 minutes quicker than his time last year. He said: "what perfect conditions for running. About 4 degrees and no wind, you can't ask for any better than that". Right behind him was second placed Matthew Nutt in a time of 1.15.00 and third placed Matt Molloy in a time of 1.15.29.
The first female home was a stunned Suni Waddell of Highgate Harriers in a time of 1.26.11. She said: "what a great surprise! It was my first half marathon in years. What a nice and pretty course too". The second female behind Suni was Emma Lambert in a time of 1.27.26 and third was Samantha Mcclary in a time of 1.27.59.
All runners enjoyed some free Vita Coco and PowerBar at the finish and official retail partner Wiggle were on hand offering runners 20% off all their running items.
After the race a good group of runners gathered for the Pace Your Race Seminar led by elite runner and coach Martin Yelling. Covering all aspects of an endurance event, from energy pacing to refuelling, the seminar was perfect for anyone taking on their first marathon. One runner who was using Race Your Pace in preparation for her first marathon, Katie Pulleyn, said: "the event is a great experience for anyone who is running a marathon and wants to practice running with a large group of people. Plus the pacers and post event seminar with Martin Yelling are ideal for anyone gearing up for their first marathon race".
The running goes off-road for the next event in the Human Race calendar with TuffMan taking place on Saturday 23rd February at Pippingford Park Estate near Gatwick. The next road running event is the Whole Foods Market Breakfast Run in Kingston on 24th March featuring either an 8.2 or 16 mile route.
