Hello Green Army
WOW….What a weekend that was, I’m knackered. Not much to report on this week, only 1 race, only the BEST HALF MARATHON IN THE COUNTRY took place, on our doorstep, organised by us, you, Helsby Running Club, and boy oh boy what an unbelievable weekend it was. So before I put in Degs’ mahoosive race report,, a few mentions and dates for your diary.
A note from Andy Robinson – Sandstone Trail Marshals’ Run on Monday 2 May – a message from Andy
Every year I run the Trail before the Challenge to check the route out. This year I’ll be doing this on Monday 2 May (Bank Holiday) a few days before the main event. I know some of the Green Army couldn’t get a place, and anyone’s welcome to join me on the 2nd instead – the price is to help out on the 7th (eg helping to man a CP). If you’re interested let me know (andy@crewood.net). I’m also looking for volunteers to provide support on the 2nd, who can drive us down to Whitchurch & then park up at the CPs to provide water etc……………..Sounds good this if you fancy a nice little 34 miler
Borders League Race 4 – Sunday 24th January –Abergele 11am Start
Caravan Park, Beech House Road Postcode LL22 7PP
Both the mens and ladies team are looking for a good turnout once again from the green army, any questions, contact me on social media or Fitzpatrick_chris@hotmail.com
Park Run – Bit of a quiet one this week for obvious reasons but for consolidated results see below
http://www.parkrun.com/results/consolidatedclub/?clubNum=1721
So onto the big one
Four Villages Half Marathon #4VHM Over to Degs for his race report
So where do I even start with this one? Gotta start with thanks to all involved in making the race happen and what an event you all created. Not seen a bad comment about it. It had everything, great support, dopes in last year’s numbers complaining of not being in the results (yes some people hey, surely not a member of the Green Army Gaz?) and of course the non-stop “it’s snowing will it be on” updates on social media. Onto the race, arrived early straight from nights (cue violins and sad music) to help with the car parking and what a job I did 😉 didn’t see any crashes at all. Great to see everything running so well in the baggage area, number transfers etc all being so professionally ran. Lined up at the start with some muppet wearing last year’s number and then we were off. Great support for green army members within the first 50m. The first few miles passed quite quickly, had a chat with a couple of other runners (all wearing this year’s number I might add) lovely countryside to run through and great to have full road closures. Miles 8-10 I found tough but was pleased to see the route changed slightly as I was waiting for the steep hill normally around mile 10. Once at mile 10 having taken Captain Cols advice and attacking the first 10 miles its great knowing you have the best 3 mile finish to any race I’ve done, mainly downhill and the only race I’ll ever clock sub 6 minute for miles 12 and 13. Coming down the last hill wow what support “Green Army” screems heard for miles (Gareth Boyd) and a nice shiny PB to start the year off for me. Brilliant to see and hear so much support for our home race definitely spurred me on for my pb. Well done all Runners great times by all, supporters and volunteers!
Degsy
I echo what Degs has said, I think all the positive comments on social media and there has been tons of it, really tells you how well Laura and her team have done putting on for me the best half marathon I have ever ran in (and also helped out in). Every single one of you who has been involved over the past 6 months right through to race day, the race could not go ahead without this fantastic support. Seeing we have only 1 race report come in from the day, I’ve put a comment from a mate myself and CBH know from when we ran Ring Of Fire a few years back….Adam has summed it up perfectly
Joining the ranks to thank the Helsby team for a great event. In order of my day I was impressed by the weather updates, ease of parking, catching up with old and meeting new Green Army friends, the fact that you were able to support some number transfers on the day, MOTD on TV in the clubhouse to watch pre race, great route with support plus helpful & encouraging marshals everywhere they were needed, downhill finish, reflective memento vest, massage, loads of food options post race and a PB to cap it all off. If I lived closer I’d love to join the team……..See you at the next one.
I think there are too many great stories and PB’s galore to put a mention in for all of you, but well done to Colin Thompson and June Swift for being 1st male and female home. One of my highlights was seeing a picture of Charlie getting chased by a few chickens, and the other was the fantastic support out on the course from loads of you, again too many to mention. Our “GreenArmy” chant really was being shouted very loudly throughout the whole 13.1 miles.
Full list of results below
http://www.raceplus.co.uk/raceplus-index.php?content=1&event_id=FVHM16
PS: DON’T FORGET…BORDERS LEAGUE THIS SUNDAY !
That’s all folks…Happy running green army!
