Chepstow Half Marathon

Run Through Running regularly organises 5K, 10K and half marathons at Chepstow Race Course. This time there were 185 successful half marathon runners and I was the oldest woman (the only V70): although I would have liked to be a little faster, I was happy with my 2:26:58. Debbie Frost (V50) completed the 10K in 1:21:16.

It’s a quick and easy to drive from Stroud to Chepstow Race Course, especially early on a Sunday morning in November. The course sits in attractive undulating countryside. The half marathon route goes 4 times round a mostly cinder path, with some tarmac and a little sand. To make up the distance each lap includes a steep hill behind the grandstand and an out and back 500 m run. Lap running isn’t really my thing, but it was easy to track how far I had run!

Running conditions were excellent: the weather was mostly cloudy, with almost no wind and occasional weak sunshine.

There was a very friendly atmosphere, staffed bag drop, and a coffee van – the basics for a small event. There was also the usual manic commentator who deserved a medal for keeping up a continuous stream of chatter.

I’m not sure I would recommend the half marathon, but it might be fun to sign up a group of Allrunners for the 5K and/or 10K events.

Val Kirby