RAF Spadeadam Border Reivers Half-marathon

nr Gilsland, Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Karen Chalkley

Seven Striders ventured over to RAF Spadeadam for their half marathon in 2 cars on Wednesday, George, Emma, Barrie(who wasn’t running but came to support) and me in one and Alister, Phil and Kevin in the other. We left behind the miserable weather in Durham and arrived at a brighter Spadeadam. Due to high security we had to take our passports to get into the grounds and show these at the gates. George, Emma and I showed ours, had our names ticked off the list and were given our passes, Barry was whisked off to the office as he would be staying at the base and had to have his photo added to his pass. We drove off to park the car feeling slightly guilty that we had left Barry behind, but George assured us Barry would be ok and knew the way to go! Which he did.

Lose hope all ye who enter here ... We met up with the other car load of striders in the gymnasium and also Steve Maxwell from Blackhill Bounders. There didn’t seem to be as many other entrants as last year collecting their numbers but the atmosphere was good and I was looking forward to the run. Last years’ results were up for us to check at last! I now knew what I had to aim for though thought I stood no chance of beating my time as I’d been much fitter this time last year.

The route is rather undulating to say the least, and yet here I was again and I don’t like hills! But off we went, uphill at the start followed by more uphill all along. Of course there were downhill bits too but the first half was definitely harder than the second. Having since looked at Alister’s Garmin results no wonder I felt tired by mile 6 but then found it easier after mile 8! (The route is uphill till mile 8 then downhill!) Although the route was the same as last year the scenery had changed as lots of forest had been felled opening up the views making it feel like a different run altogether. I had George and Phil in my sights for the first 5 miles until they disappeared altogether. The miles seemed to pass quickly even if I had to resort to walking a bit up some of the steeper bits!

I thoroughly enjoyed the downhill run to the finish where it was lovely being cheered on by fellow Striders and others too. I had even beaten last years’ time by 3 minutes. Everyone was pleased with their results and so were in a good mood to enjoy the lovely food kindly supplied free. Cheap drinks from the bar too made the day even better. The Striders were the last to leave and make their way home. Is this the norm where food and drink are concerned?! I must socialise more often I think!

A thoroughly enjoyable run with good company, worth taking the day off work for, and one I will definitely do again next year, even with the hills!

Results

Pos Name Club Cat Pos Time
1 Athersmith L Leeming M 1.16:52
16 Robson A MV 1.40:49
29 Williams K M 1.52:45
32 Black S F 1 1.55:55
36 Owen P MV 1.58:15
38 Nicholson G MV 1.58:33
44 Chalkley K FV 2.06:46
48 Detchon E F 2.15:56

61 finishers.

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