Sun, Sea, Sand and Sweeping Winds - Blackpool 1/2M

Submitted by Howard on Sun, 27/02/2011 - 18:00

Club Races

A fantastic turnout of 15 Sadd's made the trip to Blackpool for this the 22nd running of the Great North West Half Marathon. Early morning squally conditions eased as the start time approached, with a little sun coming out to take the edge of a stiff sea-breeze coming off the Irish Sea.

This was the 2nd race in our Club Champs for 2011, with a number claiming good early points again. Gaynor Kean headed home nine other Sadd ladies to taker her 2nd 100pt maximum in two runs, though a great run from Shiela put her less than two minutes behind. Good runs too from Ruby and Abigail giving sterling support.

In the Men's race (where were you all??) James and Howard locked horns, but the sound of Howards Garmin going off every minute (forgot to change after Tuesdays speed session ;-) spurred the former on to win by 36s, taking the 100 points in the bargain. Charlie ended up limping home after forgetting his trainers and buying a pair two sizes too small!!! followed by Alan who started off limping, all ably supported by Tony G.

Results: http://www.ukresults.net/2011/gnwhalf.html

Well done to all who ventured over, and lets try and get a few more out for Midgeley Moor, a short Club Counter on 26th March: http://www.saddleworth-runners.co.uk/content/midgley-moor-0

A grand day out

Submitted by keano on Tue, 01/03/2011 - 12:56.

Really good day, its ages since I've been to the Seaside, and i can't remember the last time I was in Blackpool (I know that it was definitely for very different reasons)

Run was good too, I've never done a 1/2 Marathon road race before so it was a good experience for me. and it was nice having a chat to the different people as you went along, and to top it all the sun shone.

I Will definitely make sure I complete the club champs this year as so far I've enjoyed the races I've entered.

Was Fantastic to have Al back running too who after several months off due to injury, illness and more injury and illness decided that he would use the race as a little training run.

Gaynor

I AGREE

Submitted by jill boustead on Mon, 28/02/2011 - 17:52.

This race far outlived my expectations. I throughly enjoyed the day. Well organised event, fine weather, traffic free course and great company. A great way to spend a Sunday.

I like Blackpool!

Submitted by susan hinde on Mon, 28/02/2011 - 12:19.

I know its the “thing” not to like Blackpool but if you take away the town itself and look how long the promenade is, and the beach is, its fantastic. I really enjoyed the race, watching all the dogs going beserk on the beach as I was running along and I didn’t think it was too blustery, I thought it was perfect. I even got sunburnt, tho’ realise thats cos i was out in it longer than everyone else. I’m hooked again now.

That wasn't sun burn it was

Submitted by barmy charlie on Tue, 01/03/2011 - 10:23.

That wasn't sun burn it was frost bite!

BLACKPOOL

Submitted by tg on Mon, 28/02/2011 - 10:45.

WHAT A GOOD DO!
Although it's not my favourite place in the world I really enjoyed the race and atmosphere in Blackpool yesterday. The heavy rain I drove through on the way there magically stopped and for the run we were treated to bouts of almost warm sunshine albeit with a cold breeze from the Irish Sea.
The course was cleverly designed to give spectators lots of opportunities to cheer their loved ones at all stages of the race.It was mainly on the pedestrian and cycle paths which appear to go on for miles alongside the sea below the promenade.
My time was comfortingly under 2hours which I am quite pleased with given my enforced lay off for most of last season.
Tony G