Race Report by Jake Tallent-Wing

Well.. this race was on and off so many times that if it was a light bulb it would've blown by now! With the achilles niggle looming over me for the last 2 weeks I didn't know if I'd make it, but I've had so many issues mentally with half marathons I needed to get over the mental block.

So on what was a perfect Sunday morning, I put on that Coastie vest, laced up those race shoes and headed to the start line. It was packed with1600 people! Crazy!

Managed to find the room to squeeze in a cheeky selfie with Elvis and Steve (TRAC). As we watched the pacers creep up the field with their flags on show, we all got our watches ready and awaited the bell to start.

The start was congested and required a couple of twist and turns before you headed up and over the bridge into the town. Littered with members of the public cheering and shouting out names, the turnout was incredible.

I had been told the course was flat and from the off this was pretty clear. Mile 2 fellow Coastie Martin Cooper crept up behind me and after a brief catch up and hello he ran off into the crowd to set off on his run.

This was one of the best marshalled races I have ever ran. Water stations were located at 3, 6, 8 and 10 miles. Plenty of marshalls to guide you through some of the twist and turns of the country roads. The only thing we really had to worry about was some of the puddles from the previous days weather!

The miles passed by and before I knew it I was half way. I planned my gels at 3, 6 and 10 miles and on the 7th mile I think the carbs finally kicked in. A boost of energy came over me. I kicked on and felt like I was passing people for fun! I've ran only 2 half's before and at the 10 mile mark I've crumbled. Today this wasn't going to happen. I gave that 10 mile board the finger and thought to myself not today. Today I beat this race distance!

The 11th and 12th mile passed, and then it was only that dreaded last mile to do. So many people had come on to the streets to cheer everyone on. Children with posters and sweets it was amazing.

The 13th mile for me was a little emotional. I felt strong which was massive for me. I tried to get my breathing under control ready for a decent finish.

The finish took us back over a bridge which was only a small incline but felt like a mountain.

A few of us have a saying at Margate parkrun and that's not to be overtaken after the cafe. Today was going to be very similar. On that last bend I made sure I wouldn't be overtaken and had an amazing sprint finish with a fellow runner. Checked the stats and I peaked at 5m20s mile pace!!

And that was it. The race was over. I checked my watch and clocked it was a massive PB by 4 minutes. I let out a little man cry and gathered with the other fellow Coasties that made the race. Smiles all round. PBs and a race that went better than expected.

This has to be one of my favourite races to date and would recommend to anyone wanting a half marathon PB.

Next stop is Smugglers 10k then Brighton Marathon!

Results (chip time):

Martin Cooper - 1hr 33m 48s
Elvis Cooper - 1hr 36m 11s
Jake Tallent-Wing- 1hr 36m 53s