This year's Winchester Half Marathon was more successful than ever and, as an official race sponsor, we're delighted to have supported the event become 20 per cent 'Greener' this year. We provide free reuseable water bottles for all participants, which were used on one of the five water stations along the course.
Congratulations to all runners who represented the University in the Winchester Half Marathon on 23 September! In our final blog post about the race, find out how our runners did, the highs and lows of the 13.1 miles and their next running challenges.
Any pre-race routines or superstitions?
No, none.
Race finish time?
2h 26 - later than I aimed for.
Race highlight?
Getting a personal best at the 10km point and when the sun briefly came out.
Race low point?
Cramp at about 13km near the top of that evil hill in Oliver's Battery. Unfortunately, it hampered the remainder of the run.
How did you celebrate your achievement?
Cake! And many cups of hot tea to warm up.
What's your next running challenge?
Winchester 10k, and another half marathon in the new year. I'm still chasing a better time.
Any pre-race routines or superstitions?
To probably have a good evening meal (perhaps pasta) and a good breakfast before (including eggs). I did neither.
Race finish time?
1h 47 (10km in 50 minutes).
Race highlight?
Racing up Romsey Road and a sprint finish!
Race low point?
The long uphill stretch from Hursley to Oliver's Battery and discovering I had blisters in the last half an hour.
How did you celebrate your achievement?
A free pint in The Westgate! Followed by a large stuffed crust pizza from Pizza Hut, then a nap.
What's your next running challenge?
Back to behind the scenes taking photos (for now).
Any pre-race routines or superstitions?
I was in no fit state before to carry out any routines! I nervously had about two mouthfuls of porridge and couldn't hold any form of conversation.
Race finish time?
I finished in 2h 40 - I was hoping for 2h 30 or under but the rain and hills were more of a challenge than I first thought.
Race highlight?
The amazing support and people of Winchester coming out in the rain to cheer us on - it really made the difference.
Race low point?
The wind and rain... dreary conditions!
How did you celebrate your achievement?
A massive slice of cake (and two glasses of wine).
What's your next running challenge?
I hope to take part in the Great South Run next month!
Any pre-race routines or superstitions?
No. I was typically late and had to make a dash from the cark park to the race start with about five minutes to spare!
Race finish time?
1h 27.34.
Race highlight?
The first 500m were OK before the first uphill section, but overall achieving my target time of sub-1h 30 was the highlight.
Race low point?
There were several: getting my shoes soaked running through a stream across the road was one, the second uphill section to Oliver's Battery was really hard work and the final stretch across the Water Meadows - despite being flat - I had run out of steam and couldn't wait for the finish line!
How did you celebrate your achievement?
I had a pint and a sandwich in the Old Vine.
What's your next running challenge?
I don't know, but that's enough running for 2018!
Any pre-race routines or superstitions?
Extra strong morning coffee!
Race finish time?
2h 40.12: I was really pleased with myself, considering the injury (more on it below).
Race highlight?
I enjoyed every minute.
Race low point?
At the 10km point when my knee injury really kicked in, so for the rest of the race I was in constant pain!
How did you celebrate your achievement?
By signing myself up for the Big Half in London next year.
What's your next running challenge?
The Clarendon Half Marathon on 7 October.
Find out more about the University runners who took part in the Winchester Half Marathon 2018 in previous blog posts here and here.
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