15 May 2011
1 John Gilbert (Kent AC) 1.07.28
7 Rob Downs 1.14.20 1MV45
18 Graham MacNeil 1.18.00 3MV45
1028 Don Bullough 1.53.50
1045 Carolym Hirons 1.54.05
2160 finishers
Chester is a decent half marathon that has been won in the past by Mike Halman and last year Damian. The out-round-and-back course is reminiscent of Wilmslow but more obviously down on the way out and up coming back. This year the blustery wind was more of a factor although the worst of the rain held off until some of us were through the racecourse finish.
The Kent athlete was gone after the first mile but I held on to the large following group for most of the race and was contesting 2nd for a while. Graham narrowly missed second V45, just losing out to Gary Rowlinson of Sale who was determined for revenge on Wilmslow after having being pipped by Malcolm (in full charging rhino mode) at Mobberley.
Rob
Full results at http://www.sportsystems.co.uk/ss/results/Shell%20Chester%20Half%20Marathon/558
Well done to all our Chester runners. Especially Don.
After Thursday I’d have bet my house on Carolyn against Don, and also would have asked Kate to check out his mental state for attempting a race 2 and half times longer than Mobberley – less than 3 days after he looked destined for the knackers yard or a long recovery! Brilliant – but please don’t overdo it.
I didn’t …. I was still in bed !!
Sharon, a much better looking, more in-form, runner took my place at the last minute – helping Carolyn to another PB.
It is true, another PB. My chip time was 1:53:08! Sharon was a fantastic help and coached me through the last 3 miles (which is always 3 too many in a half marathon for me!)
It was a cold breezy wet day, so even greater credit to Rob and Graham. Sharon and I saw them at the start of the race and simultaneously said ‘well thats the last we’ll see of them!’They were no doubt home and showered before we arrived back at the race course!
Sorry Don. I did think “surely not”. But then again I wouldn’t have put it past you. And well done Sharon and Carolyn.