Race Date: Sunday 2^nd September 2018

Searching for a race to test himself before the Yorkshire Marathon in six weeks time, James Fulcher made a 200 mile return trip to the West Midlands for this event only to find a “lumpy” course and unseasonably warm weather. (Please remind him of that in February when it’s -2 degrees). Promoted by Kenilworth Runners, a new route for its 19^th year starts in the town centre before taking in Kenilworth Castle as it heads off into the countryside and back again on quiet lanes. The saying is that racing gets in the way of training so, in the trenches on long reps, high mileage and no taper this was always going to be difficult but warm weather made James feel that it couldn’t get any harder. The old formula to predict your marathon time is “2x half marathon plus ten minutes” so it will be interesting to see how he goes. No pressure then eh?

Kenilworth Castle started life as a Norman keep evolving over the centuries into an Elizabethan Palace surrounded by gardens and ornamental ponds so the race is ideal for the children too. They can watch mum or dad go past then explore the castle for an hour or so before returning to the town for an ice cream and see the poor depleted soul collect his t-shirt. Link to English Heritage Kenilworth site will tell you all you might want to know.

Race winner was Andrew Savery (Leamingon) in 72:51. He normally runs 70 minutes and a bit so perhaps James can take off a virtual two minutes? First lady Polly Keen (Nuneaton) ran 83:46 with 1019 finishing the course. Full results Kenilworth Half Marathon 2018 Results