Liverpool half marathon Sunday, 25th March, 2007

Scenery: The Liverpool Half Marathon is a 13 mile road race with a flat, very, very undulating, horrendous course and combines the relaxing surroundings of Sefton Park with the emerging dynamic profile of Liverpool city centre.

PB potential: 5/4 - horrendous mountains for which you needed a safety rope.

Atmosphere: 10 - the route was a mass of spectators.

Organisation: 9 - nothing spectacular, but efficient.

Value: 1- the goody bag was very poor, (one biscuit, a little bottle of water, a large tub of Vaseline!!!!!) You had to pay £3 for T-shirt.

Beginner Friendly: 10 – I’d do it again; yes great atmosphere.

Club results: 1^st Wesham runner with a spectacular run was the youthful Mr. Michael Edge (Peter Pan) 1:32

2^nd Wesham runner was Carmel Sullivan in a time of 1:32:20

 Team result: 1^st Vet 45 Wesham Men’s - Mr. M Edge

1^st Vet 80 Wesham ladies (Carmel)

 The race was due to start at 09.30hrs but due to the large volume of runners the start was delayed by 15 mins.

We caught the bus, which was part of the package, from Albert Docks for the short journey to the start at Sefton Park. (Not been on a local bus for years - don’t they smell!!)

Once we arrived, the first words Carmel said where, “I’m dying for the loo - can’t wait - got to go quick.” Sounds like Julie. Off we went, and, of course, there where plenty of portable loos and, “yes”, massive long queues. It was like an old folk’s home doing the conga. Luckily mine had toilet paper in, result!!!! 6/10 for poo.

We lined up for the start with the other 5000 runners; “BANG” went the starting pistol just missing a marshal.

The race took us round Sefton Park for 2 miles and out to Albert Docks, where we caught the bus. If I had known this I would have hid in some bushes and waited.

At one point we were running down this mountain enjoying myself when, I realized, bloody hell, we’d have to climb this bloody thing on the way back. Luckily I had an energy gel which Carmel did not know I had, ha ha.

At 5 miles I was 1min in front of Carmel and was pulling away at the half way point. I glanced over my sexy shoulder, (my right side), flicked my hair away from my eyes and there she was just 4 runners behind me. Well panic stations kick in; what shall I do? I know - run a bit faster - which I did.

 As the route took us away from Albert Docks along the main road, at about 11 miles I again glanced behind me again, flicking my hair to one side, and Carmel was not to be seen. “Yes, yes got rid of her - now I can enjoy the run”. Then, as I turned a sharp corner, I could not believe it, (no, she was not in front), there was a massive mountain locals call it “EL EVEREST” - one of the largest mountains in Liverpool. It went on, (just like this letter), and on, for ever. If you stopped you were in danger of rolling back to the bottom.

At the 12 mile mark we where back in Sefton Park. There was a brass band playing which was ‘brill’ and, guess what, they where playing the “Rocky Theme Tune” It didn’t bloody work as I was shattered after my mountain experience!!

As my GPS informed me I was at 13 miles. I looked ahead and the finish was nowhere to be seen. Did I go the wrong way round? No, can’t be, there are runners by my side! Then I remembered, last year my GPS measured the course at 13miles 85, and it was the same again - not impressed. At 13.1miles my time was 1:27 - will this count for my standards?

Back to the race, I again looked over, this time my left shoulder, and bloody hell there she was with her base ball cap on like a teenage thug, less than 20 sec behind me and she was smiling - cheeky sod. I had to put a spurt on and, quickly, as I could see the finish line. The crowd was going mental cheering ME on, “Go MICKY - go on, you can beat her!”

I looked up to the sky for some help from the great one. He must have heard me and granted my wishes, (12inches), no kidding! I managed to find some energy and left her trailing and looking sad as I crossed the line to finish well in front of her by 20 seconds. As Carmel finished the race, the announcer shouted out, “Come on Carmel from Wesham.” Could not believe it - a Fleetwood girl gets the clap again. Joking apart she did brill and we both really enjoyed it yet again, and “yes” my GPS said the same as last year 13.85 just short of 14!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At the finish line we saw two friendly faces: Ron McAndrew and Mrs. McAndrew bless them.

On a serious note, when we crossed the line we were informed that Dave Clarke had passed away. May we pass on our deepest condolences to his family.

Written by: Mick Edge

Submitted: 25^th March 2007

Edited, (with tongue in cheek), by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor