The event was a great opportunity to run in a fantastic venue and the course made the most of the available running surface and wasn't limited to repetitive loops of the circuit. Even the pit lane was included and the track itself was noted to be one of the best surfaces that any of the runners had raced on (even if the circuit was deceptively hilly). One of the many positive aspects of the course twisting around on itself was that runners often had a great view of the participants streaming around the track which added to the atmosphere. The twisted, convoluted nature of the course however may have contributed to many measuring the course as slightly long on their GPS devices.
The 10K and Half Marathon races went off together before diverting off around different parts of the track. Louise Kennedy, competing in the 10K, was nursing a few painful niggles so opted for a slower pace which allowed her to take in the sights and sounds of the venue, clocking a finishing time of 1:23:56.
Tony Johnson, who had entered the half marathon at the last minute, came home 85th overall in 1:28:28 and commented that he really enjoyed the race.
Wayne Baxter was next in a time of 1:59:10 which he was pleased with as he returns to fitness. As a self-confessed MotoGP geek, Wayne found racing at the home of the British round of the series especially appealing.
Sylv Hull was last back for GRC in a time of 2:05:21, a near four minute half marathon PB which was definitely made easier by the colder weather and favourable surface.
All agreed that the race was very well organised, with fantastic support around the track (a steel band being a particular highlight) and a brilliant medal. Photographers were plentiful which most runners would agree could be regarded as a mixed blessing. All the runners with rewarded with numerous goodies at the finish line which were a slight challenge to carry as no bag was provided, presumably in a commendable bid to reduce plastic waste.
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