A fairly flat course through uninspiring industrial estates and farmland. A strong head wind made it hard going on many of the exposed sections. Unfortunately a combination of sign sabotage and insufficient marshals resulted in large groups of runners taking a wrong turn and running various distances from 11 miles to over 14. I believe Craig was one of those opting for the longer run. Those who know my navigation skills will be surprised to know that I stayed on course but I had the benefit of being able to see the leaders in the far distance and had a couple of Eyri runners as guides just ahead. Apparently I was the last runner in the top 50 or so to follow the correct route.
As the race leaders entered the last mile they began to catch the crowd who had inadvertently only run 11 miles. So the finish was a farce and the results were completely cocked up. The Wilmslow runners I believe all ran the full distance so should see their positions promoted when the short distance finishers are removed.
I was pleased with my time which was a small improvement on Four Villages and my best since 2009. Janine ran her second fastest HM time to finish 3rd V40 - although possibly higher in the final results.
Rob
1 Andrew Davis (Maldwyn H.) 1:08:45
6 Rob Downs 1:13:28 1M45
26 Sarah Lomas 1W(Stockport H.) 1:19:02
61 Craig Hunt 1:26:03
157 Janine Ellis 3W40 1:34:54
254 John Porteous M55 1:43:16
287 Sharon Jones W45 1:46:14
470 ran
Full results and statement at http://wrexhamathleticclubraceinfo.webs.com/racenewsupdates.htm
Photos on http://www.racephotos.org.uk/
http://www.mickhall-photos.com/
Nice bread though!
It has made the internet press
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/half-marathon-sabotaged-moved-signs-122606235.html