Hadrian’s Wall Half Marathon – 15th October 2023

by Gerry Hehir

Sunday morning saw me and Jane heading up to Housesteads roman fort for the start of the Hadrian’s Wall half marathon. It was freezing 🥶.

The race is well organised and runners set off in waves so that the narrow paths along the wall don’t get clogged up.

I dropped Jane off at the start then drove back to the finish at Hexham and got the bus back up to the start. As I said, it was bitter, even with my 4 layers on (haha).

Jane had already set off in the 10am wave and I knew she was going to enjoy the run, the views were fantastic. It might have been cold but the sun was out and sky was clear.

I was in the 10.30 wave and we all just stood around shivering, some real tough people were there in vest top and shorts, I’m sure they were related to the White Walkers from GOT. The race is off road, hilly and technical in places.

The first mile is straight up to the wall from Housesteads then it follows the wall for another 5 and a bit miles. We cross the road and then follow a path down towards the Tyne valley. It was technical and muddy off road again but at least it was downhill. The route then turns and you run through woodland beside the river Tyne, it really is a beautiful route.

The last mile or so you run through the country park and into Hexham where you finish. Jane did brilliant and got to the finish in 2.05 which was about 12 minutes quicker than last year and claimed her just rewards of t-shirt and chocolate and cider 😉. I came in in 2.12 finishing 10th in the 60-69 category out of 146, a little bit slower than last year but after being out of action for a few weeks I was more than happy with my effort.

Roll on next year.

Gerry