By: Brian Jenkins

Race Date: 29^th Jun, 2025

This was to be my delayed return to the half marathon since completing the Boston (UK) Marathon in April (where I hobbled most of the second half, thanks to a dodgy calf). I spectated at the Buxton Half (being unable to run it) so a proper return to racing was long overdue. I had completed a couple of the 5 mile Road Race League races, so I knew that I was far from recovered, but I could get round (although slower than I would like). My lack of race form meant I was slower up the hills, but more concerningly, I was considerably slower going downhill. If I was to run a longer distance race, it would have to be fairly flat.

After I completed the Penistone 10k, I was a bit more confident about inclines (but still mindful of my niggles). The week after was the RSR (which I definitely wasn’t ready for), and the Ramathon in Derby. After a club run mid-week, I felt more of the confidence I needed to sign-up for the Ramathon.

This being a “Run For All” event (like the Sheffield Half and 10k) I knew what to expect, and I had run it twice before so was assured of no nasty surprises.

The start was behind the Cathedral, and the event village was in Silk Mill Park (next to the river). Race number collection and the bag drop all went smoothly and we formed up on the road with the start mats ahead of us.

The weather forecast was for 25°C so we were advised that the official warm-up was to consist purely of stretches, and there were a few additional heat-related precautions laid-out by the organisers throughout the course.

After the start, we went round the block and then south east past the cathedral, towards the dappled shade of Elvaston Country Park then followed the river back to the city centre past the Pride Park football stadium and the finish, where we had started.

The usual drink stations with water (and occasional energy drinks) were supplemented by troughs of cold water to dip your hands in, marshals with hand-held misters, and my personal favourite: a lorry mounted mister, which, while it looked decidedly industrial, it did the job but the cooling effect was short-lived.

The weather could have been a significant factor in the race, but mercifully, it was overcast for much of the race, so all-in-all, things were not too bad. Mindful of my recovery, I took it easy, and enjoyed the atmosphere.

The route is varied, combining a city centre part, a road part, a park part and a riverside part, before returning to the city. If you want a flat half to prepare you for sterner tests, or for a P.B. then this may well be the race for you.

The race was won by David Bishop (Derby Athletic Club) in 01:08:05 and Emily Smith (Charnwood A.C.) in 01:22:26

Strider’s Result: