I think undulating is best description, I almost broke my PB there last year so I'm returning for another crack (I'm 10 mins slower than you!). It's a lovely route through the countryside and an interesting stretch through Christ's Hospital boarding school.
This will be my 2nd 1/2. Did the Bacchus 1/2 Marathon a couple of weeks ago in 1.50 so hope to beat that time. Not sure what time to aim for as the Bacchus 1/2 had a 2 mile hill climb.
Barns Green is only a couple of miles away from where I live so nice and convenient.
500' climb - so gently undulating. Flat in my book. The inclines are enough to let you push without beating you down. Def a good pb course unless you injure yourself.
Anyone thinking of coming from London? And localites - would it be difficult to get a cab from Horsham station that time on a Sunday? I'm on a PB hunt...
Train station will be open on Sunday. Not all trains stop at CH however (which is closer) & as Imelda says only 2 miles from Barns Green. It is also the weekend when the clocks change.So an extra hour in bed.
Thanks for the tip - CH is clearly closer. Think I'll do my usual trick of just following people wearing lycra whenever they get off the train. As life advice, it's probably not a good idea, but works for half marathons early on Sunday mornings. Look forward to seeing you there!
I'm thinking about this.. Have the White Nights Half in Brighton, then I'm waiting around to see a show on Sunday evening.. Looks like this could soak up a few hours
Thanks for the tip - CH is clearly closer. Think I'll do my usual trick of just following people wearing lycra whenever they get off the train. As life advice, it's probably not a good idea, but works for half marathons early on Sunday mornings. Look forward to seeing you there!
Rebecca, There are unlikely to be many people getting off the train at CH. It is a very rural station. Be sure to have a map handy if you intend to jog over to Barns Green - most of your jog will be on the route itself. Enjoy the race - it's a varied course, in a sort-of figure of 8. You go through the start/finish at half way, which breaks up an otherwise quiet run quite nicely.
Good news about the muddy car parks - almost got stuck last year!
Did just over 1:59 last year, if I can just get under 1:59 I'll be high as a kite. Loved it last year but as we're getting closer those "undulations" are turning into mountains in my mind.
I have only done oen 1/2 marathon race so far which included a 2mile hill & did it inb 1.50 so hoping to go around 1.45. I am quite an inexperienced runner and only started running about a year ago after losing 5 1/2 stone so hqve a tendency of going off to fast!!
Directions to Barns Green from Christ Hospital station. Head out of the station and go up the road. Turn right and follow the road all the way to the cross roads (this is part of the route). Turn left and follow the signs to Barns Green while trying not to get run over by all the Barns Green traffic! You just follow this road straight into the village.
If you don't want to go down the road into Barns Green follow the route signs into Itchingfield and then follw the track to Muntham House School and go into the village that way.
Yes, Toucs done Reading a few times. Love it but always seems to coincide with injuries - last year very bad and hobbled last five miles, would quite like to bannish that memory and do well there so will prob enter again - finishing in stadium is great. There are a couple of hills if memory serves. I want one with zero hills!
Comments
I'm in. What's the course like? Undulating? Hilly?
It's only my 2nd half and I'm looking to improve on a 1:48 I did at the Richmond HM earlier this year.
Cheers,
Dave
I think undulating is best description, I almost broke my PB there last year so I'm returning for another crack (I'm 10 mins slower than you!). It's a lovely route through the countryside and an interesting stretch through Christ's Hospital boarding school.
Barns Green is only a couple of miles away from where I live so nice and convenient.
500' climb - so gently undulating. Flat in my book. The inclines are enough to let you push without beating you down. Def a good pb course unless you injure yourself.
Anyone thinking of coming from London? And localites - would it be difficult to get a cab from Horsham station that time on a Sunday? I'm on a PB hunt...
Is the station open that time on a Sunday - or on Sunday full stop?
Oh I know - Google
Seems like the trains do run on Sundays, one an hr - £2 from Horsham to Christs Hospital. 2 mile warm up jog to the start.
What if there's a jazzercise class on at the same time?
There are unlikely to be many people getting off the train at CH. It is a very rural station. Be sure to have a map handy if you intend to jog over to Barns Green - most of your jog will be on the route itself.
Enjoy the race - it's a varied course, in a sort-of figure of 8. You go through the start/finish at half way, which breaks up an otherwise quiet run quite nicely.
What time are you aiming for Johnny & what did you do last year?
Very dry down here so no muddy car parks..
Did just over 1:59 last year, if I can just get under 1:59 I'll be high as a kite. Loved it last year but as we're getting closer those "undulations" are turning into mountains in my mind.
How about you?
not going off fast is something I've not mastered - especially if it's a downhill start!
Directions to Barns Green from Christ Hospital station. Head out of the station and go up the road. Turn right and follow the road all the way to the cross roads (this is part of the route). Turn left and follow the signs to Barns Green while trying not to get run over by all the Barns Green traffic! You just follow this road straight into the village.
If you don't want to go down the road into Barns Green follow the route signs into Itchingfield and then follw the track to Muntham House School and go into the village that way.
Good luck everyone. Hope the weather is better than last year.
I need to find a flat half next I think.
Yes, Toucs done Reading a few times. Love it but always seems to coincide with injuries - last year very bad and hobbled last five miles, would quite like to bannish that memory and do well there so will prob enter again - finishing in stadium is great. There are a couple of hills if memory serves. I want one with zero hills!