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| Aiming for sub 3 hours at London |
Grantham Running Club’s Andrew
Pask made the long trip to Hampshire to join over 3,000 runners for
the ASICS Fleet Pre-London Half Marathon. Organised by Fleet & Crookham
AC since 1982, the event is the original “pre-London” Half Marathon which
also includes the Inter Services Championships.
The race route
follows a loop around small commuter town of Fleet and then out into rural
roads through surrounding villages before returning to Calthorpe Park for the
finish.
Andrew, representing the
RAF set-off confidently but struggled to settle into the early pace. Into
a headwind from miles 6-9 Andrew was determined to keep his focus. A first look
at the watch at mile 11 was met with some relief that the pace was
respectable. Eventually crossing the line in 1:28:15, his 4th fastest of
30 attempts at his favourite distance but a minute or more down on
where he wanted to be. Next up for Andrew is the London Marathon in April where
he hopes to run close to the 3hr mark.
Elite athletes who have graced
this classic race include Steve Jones (former world marathon record holder),
Steve Brace, Gary Staines, Bernie Ford, Marian Sutton, Ann Ford and Paula
Fudge. The 'Pre-London' title was approved by the founder of the London
Marathon, Chris Brasher and has been retained ever since 1982.
The race was won by the RAF’s James Bellward in 1:07:34
and Lesley Locks of Hart Road Runners with 1:18:29.
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