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Gosport Half-Marathon
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Comments
Bit dissapointed to be honest. Never really got into a decent running pattern and felt like I was having to fight all the way. Lots of reasons such as being tired, didn't have a watch to get the pace right (strap broke) and I laced a shoe too tight which started to make my toes numb!
I see there's lots of comments about the course, to be honest, I didn't like it. The start was terrible with the bottle-neck, the chicane and then the narrow cycle path. It took over a mile before I could start to run freely and find my own pace. Found the airfield dull and with no spectators for much of the course, it was a bit uninspiring. I feel sorry for the organisers, they were obviously forced to abandon the old course by the local law makers (apart from closing the start road I notice the Police were conspicuous by their absence this year). The brief run down the shopping street reminded me of the old course and the lift you get when you get on a route with spectators and it reminded me of what was missing this year.
The organisers did a great job but they've had their hands tied and its clearly difficult to live up to the previous events.
MintyMat - Sorry, but the old course is tough to match up to. Nice mix of country lanes, seafront, main road and residential with plenty of spectators along the way. Plus you started at the school, and then passed the start/finish area a further 2 times so plenty of opportunity for family etc to cheer you on. The final sprint along the start/finish straight and through the school gates added a bit of excitement to the finish. I've run this event the last 5 years so I think I'm entitled to say this year's event lacked something.
Great idea to save parking problems by not using the car but I travelled down from Kent - bit far to walk or cycle. The earlier start already meant I had to roll out of bed at an early hour.
Many of us travelled far for the event and infact we even car shared to take some of the load(3 runners 1 car).
Effort or not the new course was NOT good and this has been highlighted by many people of different effort levels.
You must be superfast to have had no other problems with congestion as being forced to run on a narrow path while running a progressive pace and moving through the field I was more oftem than once forced to slow down behind people and wait for the cars to go past before running on the road to overtake.
The joy of a forum is that I am free to state my views. I hope the event survives and that they somehow improve the course. In a few years when the course has settled down again I may be back for another look but for now I shall save the money and enter a race near home or just go out for a long training run.
Gobi
Interesting to read all the postive and constructive remarks on how it went yesterday. I was one of the marshalls of the race yesterday (up on Brune Way opposite Broom Lane as you head up to Newgate Lane roundabout on the cycle lane). Well done to all those who took part. I ran it on Saturday as part of helpers half but managed to aggrivate a recurring knee injury! By all accounts, everyone involved put alot of hard work into the course this year and with it being the first year in this location, im sure improvements where necessary will be made for next year.
Warren.
The marshalling and drinks stations were excellent.
I can also see how you can fix the airfield but I am stumped as to what you can do about narrow paths that are not smooth.
best wishes
G
On a lighter note, the photos are out. Click here for the link.
I'd just like to say thank you to GRR for holding the HM and to all the Marshall's for the support. We sometimes forget that you are not paid to do what you do but are all volunteers - Thanks!
Just to add my few comments to this.
I appreciate that the organisers worked hard to find a new route that was more traffic free and the marshaling was absolutely faultless.
However, I'd hope that the following points can be taken into consideration for next year as it can only make the course better:
Personally, I'm not one for great scenery during races and would far rather the course took in three laps of the airfield (minus the switchbacks!). I appreciate that may not wheel the crowds in, but many runners deliberately chose this race as it has a reputation for being one of the fastest in the south. I know a lot of runners did PB, but I also know an awful lot who didn't (despite being in shape for it).
I hope the organisers are able to take the comments in a positive way. I know it takes a great deal of effort to put on a race this size, and we are very grateful. Hopefully a few tweaks will make it a far better experience next year.
My opinion.
This was an amazing experience. Came all the way from Holland to run and it was definetely worth! Great course with nice views. I enjoyed the part of the airfield. Sometimes was distracted by an heli approaching and landing and forgot a bit the effort of the running, which was great. I enjoyed watching all other runners when crossing them both the runners in front and behind. The marshals through the whole course were so good, very freindly and always supporting, clapping, etc.
The final miles with the coast views was also impressive. And very flat, even it is very similar to the courses here in the Netherlands. However was able to run it in 1.47.30, which it was a PB and amazing time for my second Half Marathon.
After the race, still time to enjoy with friends shopping some running gear, and enjoying a drink and a sandwich and of course a very nice massagge.
What more can I say: Excelent organization and very well done for all the people involved. Congratulations! Next year I hope I can comeback again!
Just to let you know that the £100 which was raised by the sterling efforts of the Sports Massage girls providing pre and post event Sports Massage at the Gosport Half Marathon has now been donated on behalf of the Gosport Road Runners and ACE to the Gosport Youth Leaders Scheme, who aim to encourage young people to take part in more physical activity.