Wilmslow Half Marathon 2023

Five Harriers made it over the Pennines to take part in the Wilmslow Half Marathon, part of the Wilmslow Running Festival (which included a 10k and family fun run).

Pre-race instructions were very clear – the race was sold out and it was going to be busy.  We expected a long queue at registration for the race numbers but in fact this was very slick with numbers being allocated on the fly with friendly helpful people using an app and tablets.  Even with picking up the finishers T-Shirt, we were in and out in a few minutes.  That gave plenty of time for the obligatory queue for the loos and then a decent warm up.

The weather forecast was mixed with wind and rain due but that proved to be overly pessimistic.  Shorts and vests would have been fine (as those who ran in T-shirts and leggings admitted later).  The start was a short walk from registration and after a brief set of thank yous we were underway bang on 10:00.  The course is mainly flat, a few undulations but nothing compared to our training runs.  The wind couldn’t make up its mind which direction to blow from which meant it did seem in our faces for most of the way.  More so at the end or maybe that was just the tired legs feeling it.

Friendly marshals, three water stations and plenty of support kept us all going and it wasn’t long before the finishing straight was in sight.  Every runner received a medal, water and choice of snack bars from OTE and Tribe which were welcome.

An excellent event and one that should appeal to any Harriers who fancied a half or were training (as we were) for the marathons in Manchester and London in a few weeks.

Harriers results are below with Liz edging closer and closer to the magic 90 minutes and Helen setting a new PB.