Evening Harriers
This morning three intrepid Harriers travelled to Richmond for the half marathon at the Old Deer Park.
I entered this to have another go at a half marathon before the end of the year, following the very hot and sticky Big Half and after pulling out of the Kingston Half two weeks ago when still recovering from Covid. I thought I might be the only Harrier there but I was delighted to see that Alice and Emily Manners were also running.
The torrential rain before the start meant wet feet before even leaving the car park and upon arrival at the event centre (which comprised two tents and a baggage van), there were huddles of runners seeking shelter under trees. The rain let up a little bit before the start but was ever present during the race.
This race was advertised as ‘multi terrain’ but was also described as ‘one of the fastest and most scenic Half Marathon courses around’. Whilst mostly on the Thames Path and local roads, the start consisted of a series of laps around a waterlogged field, and further around the course, there was another section of soggy grass to be negotiated, twice! We also returned to the grass for one last finale before sloshing into the finish. I felt somewhat out of place in my road shoes in what felt very much like cross-country conditions!
It was a rather small field (270 finishers with nearly three pages of non-starters) most likely due to the appalling conditions. However, I was pleasantly surprised to finish as 1st Lady. It just goes to show you have to be in it to win it!
Alice also had a great race, finishing 2nd Lady and running her fastest half marathon time. She also proved that she was more than capable of running through the mud so hopefully, she will be signing up for XC soon. (You can’t escape the Cross Country Captain!)
| Pos | Name | Chip Time | Cat Pos | Gen Pos |
| 1 | Nicolas Besson | 01:19:17 | 1st M40-49 | 1st |
| 20 | Jillian Holford | 01:36:59 | 1st F50-59 | 1st |
| 21 | Alice Manners | 01:37:51 | 1st F20-29 | 2nd |
| 57 | Emily Manners | 01:44:46 | 5th F30-39 | 15th |
| 270 | FINISHERS |
Jillian