James Watson and Leonard Foulk both took part in the Buxton Half Marathon on Sunday May 26th.
Here is James’s account…..
This was a lovely Half Marathon made even lovelier by some typical Buxton weather – rain – beautiful rain. In fact there was so much of it there was no need to stop for water.
Having helped with the club’s races recently I am beginning to truly appreciate the immense efforts that organisers make in staging races. Buxton AC did a great job by picking a beautiful route involving 460 metres of climb (including a cruel 5km uphill from the start) as well as ensuring that their Marshalls were super cheery and welcoming to their town. They also had a small technology hitch that they expertly rescued (please let that not happen to us!).
The course took everyone up onto Axe Edge before a long descent past Chrome Hill and Park House – are there any more beautiful spots in Derbyshire (after Wirksworth)?
Next, payback time as we then had to climb up from Crowdecote to the quarries and eventually drop down onto the A515 before a long ascent through Harpur Hill before a further descent back into Buxton and the welcome sight of the Pavilion Gardens.
Our races times? Well I got round in 1.47 and Leonard 2:33. I was very pleased as I ran my first half almost half a life time ago in roughly the same time so not ‘arf bad.
More than anything though it reminded me how much I enjoy the Half Marathon distance – a tough challenge without the sheer fear that a Marathon holds.
Definitely recommend it for the 2020 League!