Read our Review on the Hereford Half Marathon 2009…

Pete, Our Resident PT

“Sunday 17th May 2009 saw the 25th Anniversary of what is known as one of the tougher half marathons in the UK, the Hereford Half.

The 6th time I have run this race and have only known it to be bright and sunny on the day. So, on opening the curtains in my hotel room that morning to see grey skies and heavy showers, I was filled almost with a sense of doom and gloom that reflected the weather.

However, true to form, 15mins before the 11am start, the rain stopped and blue sky appeared above us. The record 500 runners looked collectively relieved.

The race started promptly at the leisure centre and after the initial climb up Holmer Road, we reached the first mile marker. I checked my watch. 6:03 for mile 1 – ouch that was fast. I settled into an average pace of just under 6.5minute miles. Even a stitch at 5miles couldn’t stop me as the course undulated through the country lanes and surrounding villages of Stretton Sugwas and Creddon Hill (known more famously for being a base for the SAS). I hit mile 10 in 1:03 and was flying. 12miles in 1:15 Then the killer blow. The finish saw us enter the racecourse and run the last 350metres on soft woodchippings, much like running on sand.

My legs were drained but as I saw the clock on the finish line I knew that a new personal best was mine. 1:22:04 and 10th out of 461 finishers. A smart medal and a meal of steak and chips was my reward for the hard yards. A huge thank you should go to St. Michael’s Hospice of Hereford for again organising such an enjoyable event. I’ll be back next year!”

Peter Morton
Summit Personal Training, North Bristol

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