I'd had an eye on several weather forecasts over the few days leading up to this race, as it seemed likely to be a scorcher. On the morning it felt like it might not be quite as bad as I'd feared - but it was.
The heat was sweltering as we collected in the assembly area, and that was in the shade. The start was delayed by a few minutes, I'm not sure way, and it took around 90 seconds to cross the start line. Once we got going my pal Joe and I were careful to run on the shadier side of the street, though even there shade was in short supply.
I had revised my fuelling strategy slightly because of the heat - I had planned to take two gels, timing them to finish each before a water station (at around 5 and 8 miles). I also carried a bottle of water from the start, something I've never done in a race before, and used every water station rather than just two or three. This seemed to work well for me.
The hill on Gravel Pit Road (variously known as Heartbreak Hill, Coronary Hill, Hill of Hell and I'm sure other less polite names) was quite testing. I particularly enjoyed the way we seemed to approach the crest only to kink right and left and find more hill ahead.
There seemed to be plenty of water as I reached each aid station, and was able to employ my usual tactic of heading for the last table avoiding the crowds, though I have heard rumblings of discontent presumably from those a bit further back saying that water was in short supply. There were the usual moans about the water being in cups rather than bottles, but this is the norm these days, and bottles are obviously more expensive, more wasteful and harder to organise.
There was great support from the locals, with hose pipes, water guns and wine gums, or simply cheering from their doorsteps. There was even a police car driving over the bridge shouting encouragement over the loud haler!
The route was very good, with fine views from the bridge, but might benefit from a move to a cooler time of the year, as by all accounts it's been hot nearly every year. I thought the race was very well organised, especially in comparison to my local city half. Birmingham City Council could have learned from this, but instead have handed the reins to the Great Run team for future events - which can only be a huge improvement. I do think there should be more signage around the start and finish areas though.
The St Johns Ambulance and marshals were severely tested as so many runners were really struggling in the heat, particularly on the second bridge crossing.
Finishing in a car park meant space for crowds and for runners to walk back and watch for friends finishing without having to go 'round the houses' and miss them, as is the case at other events.
It may have been one of my slowest ever half marathons but even so, given the harsh conditions I was quite happy with my time of 1:46:03.
Finally, I've heard and read the sad news that there was at least one fatality, possibly more. This rather changes one's perspective, and of course my thoughts are with his/their loved ones.
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