On Sunday 24 September I completed the 6th Ealing Half Marathon. This event has been voted the UK’s Number One half marathon 3 years in a row, which is one of the reasons I signed up.
The sun was out but it may have been a little bit warmer than most runners were anticipating. Although my training had generally been on plan unfortunately I had suffered a bout of food poisoning on the Friday prior to the race, so I was disappointed not to be in tip-top condition. However I decided to embrace the sunny skies and race atmosphere and enjoy the event.
The race starts and finishes in Lammas Park, there were plenty of portaloos, so I didn’t have to wait too long for a pre-race pee and the bag drop was very efficient.
I took part in the group warm-up at 8.30 before making my way to the start pens. I have run sub 2 hour halfs previously, so I ambitiously placed myself in a sub 2 pen.
I’d heard two things about this race, the spectator support is brilliant and it’s a hilly course, both of these are true. Right from the offset the crowds were amazing: cheering, holding up signs, giving out sweets and high fives. The residents of Ealing are obviously very proud of this event and it has a real street party feel to it.
The course goes through leafy suburbs and parks, there are quite a few twists and turns but generally the roads are wide, which prevented too much congestion. Then there were the hills, oh the hills. I will be honest and tell you that I had neglected my hill training as where I live is very flat, therefore my legs were not prepared for this undulating course.
The crowd support really helped push me forward in the last few miles to sprint my way to a sub 2 hour finish, which I was thrilled about (see photo evidence of me approaching the finish line).
Would I recommend Ealing Half Marathon? Definitely! It may be a bit too hilly and twisty for an easy PB, however the slick organisation, beautiful route, super spectator support and marvellous medal certainly highlight why this half has been voted Britain’s best year after year.
Katie Rose Runs 