Congratulations to Hazel on completing the Jedburgh Half in the fantastic time of 2:02:35 (to be confirmed)
It was an early start in order to reach Jedburgh before the roads were closed at 10am. The organisers were helpful and friendly and everything was well organised. The race starts on a (small) hill which was an indication of what was to come with an undulating course out of the town into the countryside. Having started well back, but with a deliberately slow start, there were lots of runners passing by. However, Hazel ran at a good steady pace and was soon picking off runners one by one.
The wind picked up but was still at the backs of the runners, and with lots of local people supporting everyone at various hamlets and road ends, this was one of the most enjoyable sections. At about 5.5 miles the front runners were passing by on their route back. A great welcome was given by the people of Eckford who had hung orange balloons out beside a sign congratulating everyone on reaching the half-way point. Of course, this brought the sense of foreboding as being half-way meant turning back to Jedburgh and facing the wind.
However, nature’s worst and a long, though gentle, climb didn’t stop Hazel from continuing to pass runners . Another flat section, the sheer elation of reaching the 10 mile sign and then the effort of a steep and long climb up the junction back at the A68. But unbelievably Hazel still continued to pass people
Then the relief of the downhill into Jedburgh! With the knowledge that the end was close Hazel started to speed up despite the continued gale in her face. Finally the last few yards with loads of encouragement from the crowd and then the finishing line and great cheers! What a fantastic achievement from zero running to a half marathon in 7 months! Hazel could easily have completed the course in under 2 hours if it hadn’t been for the ferocious winds.
A huge thank you to John Sayer, organiser of the Jedburgh Half. What a kind and helpful person who even went as far as checking every inch of the course and letting Hazel know about every kerb (numbered and described in detail) and every hill. A fantastic job by him and his stewards who encouraged Hazel at every opportunity, and to the local people who cheered on all the runners. Put this one in your diary for next year