Watford Half Marathon Sunday, 4^th February 2007 Click on photos to enlarge

I was lucky enough to escape the office, (a rare occurrence), and sent on a two day course in the centre of London.  By even more luck, this happened to be on a Thursday and Friday, so I was able to stay the weekend down south and visit my brother and family in Bushey Heath, near Watford.  Just on the off chance, I looked on the Internet to see if there were any races in the area that weekend.  I couldn’t believe it – the Watford Half Marathon on Sunday 4^th February. On reading further, it turned out that this was quite a big race, (2500 entries and none on the day), so I promptly got my entry in.

For anyone sent on a course to the centre of London - don’t panic.  The walkways on both sides of the Thames are a runner’s paradise.  I couldn’t believe the number of people running along the banks, even at 9 o’clock at night.  I managed a superb eight mile run taking in the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, and Tower Bridge…

So last Sunday soon arrived.  The race starts and finishes in Cassiobury Park, the main park in Watford with two starts one for men and the other for women and vets.  The weather was spot on, very cold, (frost on the ground), but blue sky and no wind.  My brother Richard and two year old nephew, James came to support me. 

And so suddenly it was 10:30 and I was off.  The first three miles wandered out of the park and into a smart housing estate.  Next, the route went out onto rolling country lanes, all traffic free.  It reached its highest point at about half way, (which I passed in 44:45).  It then gradually undulated down for the next few miles.  At 8 miles, the route entered a woodland track that was a delight to run down.  The last couple of miles went briefly along the main road before circling the park and entering back in for the finish.

As I passed the 12 mile marker, I realised I actually had a chance of breaking the ninety minute barrier.  I stuck my head down and headed for home.  1:29:44 – nearly three minutes off my PB.  Richard and James were there to meet me although Richard failed to get a photo since I had told him I would finish between 1:30 and 1:35! James was just desperate to go on the miniature railway.  I collected my goody bag and T-shirt and headed off to find the train for James.

As scenery goes, this has to be one of the best courses that I have ever done, (although the number of hills reduces the PB potential).  I would definitely do it again.

Later, when Richard took me to the station to catch my train home, a very excited James came too.  As I boarded my train, I was aware he had burst into tears.  Why?  He thought he was going on the train too.

1^st Male: Tomas Abyu – 1:04:50

1^st Female: Liz Yelling – 1:13:42

Incidentally, after looking at the results, I counted myself as having come 15^th.  Out of curiosity, I checked the fourteen in front of me with official photos taken during the race.  Three were males running in female numbers.  Bearing in mind that prizes were given to the top ten and then vets after that, this has a significant bearing on the results.  After previous recent experiences, this is becoming a tad annoying.

Written by Joanna Goorney

Submitted: March 2007

Edited by: Brenda J Earnshaw WRR Editor

(With sincere apologies to Joanna as this report was missed out of the March Magazine)