I was so pleased that it was a bit cooler than last year! I remember really struggling then in the heat. Last year there were problems with the timing. I knew I had not run well, but I was not as bad as the results showed. This year they had made sure that there was no repeat and used StuWeb for the results. This was still a low cost run, but there was electronic timing. It can be done.
The race starts at Q2 Academy and goes onto a rough path downhill to the canal. The local Scout group was acting as marshals and they did a great job. Even when I warmed up they were telling me which way to go (I got lost on the warm up two years ago!) and they were encouraging. A little loop and then onto the tow-path. Under the bridge we had just gone over and then on to the next one. Off the canal and then the uphill part to go, on tarmac this time, back up to the school.
This was a two lap course, so round again. I managed to catch up with someone I usually beat just before the end – he said: ‘Where have you been?’ as I passed him! I just hung on then to make sure I remained in front. I was beaten by others who I usually beat, but it was better than last year and I was relatively pain free at the end. All good then!
There were showers, cakes and soft drinks. The goody bag was useful. Good local run.
Lesley Pymm
I havn`t run the West Bromwich 5k for a while,but I have fond memories of competing in it. `We` could do with some more good local runs.I`m glad to hear that the marshalling and timing was `sorted!` Congratulations on successfully completing the Race.
PS. Runners world (September issue) has just come through my letter box. Pertinent quote by Seb Coe`s late father,who used to coach him. 10 CLASSIC RUNNING MISTAKES And how to avoid them p72