With marathon training well under way, a group of 7 senior men and 1 senior woman with assorted expectations made the short trip up to Wrexham for the ever popular Village Bakery Half Marathon on very fresh February Sunday morning.
Upon arrival, despite the British weather doing its' best to try and snow and aside for a little wind, conditions seemed perfect for racing on this fast, flat 2 lap course through the lanes surrounding Wrexham Industrial Estate. Cups of tea were consumed, race numbers collected and Luke even managed to resist the bacon butties on offer, then it was off to the changing rooms (the boot of Grant's car) to prepare. Much layer-removal (and cursing) later it was off for a short jog to the start line.
Neil O'Hanlon set out his stall straight from the off and disappeared with a breakaway group just behind the leaders. Luke Butler, Gabe Morris and James Hickinbottom settled in working as group with Kev Francis and Grant Lloyd a bit further back. Jacqueline Macey flying the senior female flag got off to her usual fast start with Pete Butler in pursuit.
Neil remained out on his own for the entire race and ended up coming in first finisher for the club (18th overall) in a very respectable 1:16:40 (PB). The group of Luke, Gabe and James remained together until just before the half way stage where James made an attempt to break away, only to be hauled back in by Gabe around 7 miles (who then disappeared up the road) then Luke around 10 miles. Gabe ending up second finisher for the club (29th overall) in 1:17:54 (a 13 minute PB) with Luke 32nd overall in 1:18:18 (PB) and James 33rd in 1:18:25 (PB). Meanwhile, Kev Francis has moved ahead of Grant and pushed on to record his fastest half marathon time for 9 years finishing 3rd MV50 in 1:21:52. A personal best was also on the cards for Grant finishing inside his target time in 1:23:44 (PB) in his first race as an MV40. Jacqui was next home for the club in 1:37:41 - her 2nd fastest half marathon time ever followed by Pete in 1:42:48 - a solid performance from Lord Butler on his return from injury.
Photos courtesy of Bryan Dale
