Hereford Couriers 5k Series – 11 April 2012

Barrie Roberts reports: On Wednesday 11th April 2012,after a busier and more intense working day than usual, my wife Katie and I set off for Herefordshire. (I had planned to run a 5000m track race in Cardiff but realised that I mightn`t get there in time).

I had discovered that there was a 5k road race taking place in Hereford that evening. The Venue was the Hereford Leisure Centre. We arrived at our destination in good time and were greeted by the Hereford Couriers AC Chairman who was very welcoming.

Entries on the day had to be in by 6.45pm and the entry desk was located at the Racecourse end of the Leisure Centre. There was a certain amount of `hanging about` as the person with the numbers was late turning up! Entry on the night was £5.
The Course was described as accurate, fast, mainly flat, single loop course starting at the entrance to the car park and finishing on the athletics track. Half an hour before the Start there was a heavy downpour of rain, including hailstones. The Race started promptly at 7.15pm.

The first stretch was uphill and on the road for about 2/3rds km and then we turned left at a large roundabout and headed west. I know we were heading west because the evening sun was in my eyes. This section was mainly on pavement, but one had to look out for kerbstones and it was somewhat congested with runners.

We then `snaked our way through` a housing estate and then the final section was along pavement back to the Leisure Centre —- but near the end the surface changed to hardcore prior to the final 300m on the athletics track. The 5k Course went around the `outside` of the Hereford Racecourse.

The Race was well organized and marshalled. Good parking, changing, shower and toilet facilities + hot drinks and snacks available at the cafe.

I finished 61st out of 85 and was second in my age cat in a time of 22.47 which is faster than I have gone for a long time over this particular distance. There are a further 2 races in the Series and for those BvHers who want a fast 5k this could be your opportunity.

Further info on this series: http://herefordcouriers.wordpress.com/5k-series/