Redcar Running Festival – 22nd September 2024

by Andy Turnell.

After achieving a lifetime best in the half marathon at this event last year, I had high hopes for a better time when I entered this years race. By the time I reached the start line however, I had other targets in mind.

I’d struggled to recover from the calf strain I suffered back in May and, although I’d managed a half decent time at the Darlington 10k in August this would be the first time I’d attempted more than that distance for over 4 months.

I knew that if I had problems “en-route” I had the option of bailing out at 5, 10 or 15k as the course is 2 laps and you pass the finish half way round each lap.

My revised target was sub-2 hours so I knew an average pace of 5:30 per kilometre would see me home if I could keep going.

I’d been feeling some discomfort in my calf towards the end of the recent track sessions but told myself that it was just soreness through lack of training, fingers crossed.

Conditions were pretty good. Decent temperature, no rain and not too much wind. I did have a nasty moment warming up though when I turned back towards the start and went over on my right ankle as I caught the verge. Fortunately, no damage done.

I knew I didn’t have many miles in my legs and set off at what felt a comfortable pace and hoped for the best.

I can’t be sure which lap the photo was taken on but I hope it was the second with about 2 miles to go.

My pace slowed towards the end as I expected but I managed a push to the line and was pleased and relieved to have come in under 2 hours and with no calf issues.

Fingers crossed for an injury free return next year.

Results,
Half Marathon
Place Name Time
20 Lee Thompson 01:18:26
26 Wayne Pearson 01:19:46 1st MV55
120 Kimberley Clay 01:32:50
175 Paul Campbell 01:39:54
299 Andrew Turnell 01:55:46

10k
Place Name Time
37 Matthew Brimm 00:42:46
48 Peter Coser 00:44:58
100 Amanda Taylor 00:49:52 1st FV50

5k
Place Name Time __
65 Frank Best 00:32:07

Andy