Hello Harriers
On a dark wet morning three hardy Harriers found themselves on the 0704 train to London Victoria (the only time when engineering works changing the destination has worked in our favour) headed to the Royal Parks Half Marathon.
A family team of Matt and Pru Clements was the company for me on our way up. Being organised and communicative, we bumped into each other by chance at Tonbridge station. (to confirm, Matt and Pru had travelled down together).
The weather was surprisingly good with rain and wind holding off until the majority of the field were through the finish making good running conditions. A beautiful course took in Buckingham Palace, Birdcage Walk, Horse Guards Road and Trafalgar Square, where we were cheered on by those ‘uncooperative crusties’ (in the words of our PM) from Extinction Rebellion, before heading back to wind itself around Hyde Park.
The race is heavily driven by charity fundraising, and I (forgive me) traded in my deckchair for a Great Ormond Street Hospital vest.
I received some great support from Matt as we crossed paths on an out and back part of the course, as well as some superb support from GOSH and other charities.
Worth an entry although places (I think) are balloted. Not every year will the tent area at the start and finish look more like a festival mud bath than a half marathon meeting point!
Provisional Results:
13. Patrick Bareham – Chip time – 1.17.24 (PB)
921. Matt Clements – Chip time – 1.38.38
TBC. Pru Clements – Chip time – 1.38.38
Thanks
Patrick