Another perfect weather day for a race! I could get used to this! A really good route for a half marathon (they also do a 10K and a 3K that follow the same route but obviously turn around earlier!)… the route is all on tarmac and quickly leaves the village to join a very nice cycle path along what used to be a railway line. It’s a simple out and back course. On the way out I thought it was pretty flat….then at 6.5 miles I turned around and started getting a few seconds per mile slower… I thought I was tired…. but then as the route drops back down into the village, I was back onto my original pace! All became clear when I looked at the profile on Strava afterwards…. it’s a very slight downhill run from mile 1 to 6.5… and hence very slight incline up hill back the way! Ah well.. I still mustered a few seconds off my PB! I’d recommend the event though, very well organised, easy route and nearly all traffic free, not too expensive and you get a T Shirt, Medal, snacks at the end and water or lucozade along the way.

Tortoise Results – Matt Pearce  1:26:23 PB (just!) 11th Place overall, 3rd Place Male Veteran

Matt