17th March 2002

• Race Report

• Race Results

Race Report

The race, being the final one in the Suffolk Grand Prix series, saw a good turnout from the Striders despite many training for the London Marathon.

My aim for this race was to beat a close competitor in the Suffolk Grand Prix, and having spotted my rival before the race, I knew my target.  What I didn't know before the race that Katy, my loving wife, had secretly spoke to my rival pointing out that I was the man he had to beat!  Cheers wifey!!

The first mile of the race is all up hill so I took it easy.  However 1km from the start, my rival sped past me so I had no choice but to take up the challenge and shadow him.  The pace was quite strong and I was concerned if I could keep with him for the full half marathon.  At the 5km point, having pushed up a hill I had edged ahead.  In an attempt to keep the advantage I continued to keep the strong pace going and began working my way up the field, leaving my rival behind.

Towards the end I realised that I must be on a blinder of a race, running with competitors who I knew were normally better than me.  When I finally crossed the finish line, I had broken my previous PB by over 3 minutes!  So I must thank my rival for pushing me at the start, who sadly pulled his calf muscle in our racing scrap.

Congratulations go to the others for a hard race and breaking their PB's.  It was pleasing too for the Men's team winning 1st prize.  Thanks go to the supporters, Richard & Anne, Peter & Mary and Jean (on her bike) for their cheers and encouragements.

Rich 

The Stowmarket Striders results are:-

1/2 Marathon

Men won 1st Team Prize...  Yay!

There were 77 finishers.

10 Kilometers

There were 64 finishers.