Race date:  Sunday 6^th May 2018

Race Report by Vikki McAuley

Having secured a new sub 2 hr half marathon PB at Sheffield Half I was hopeful of taking a chunk of time off that on the flat course at North Lincs .  However, eating my porridge with the sun shining brightly, even at 6.30am and high temperatures predicted, I realised I might need a more realistic plan.

I picked up fellow Strider Steve Irvine and the hour to Scunthorpe passed quickly as we chatted away.  I have often run with Steve’s wife, Lisa at Strideout and it was nice to have some company on the drive.

North Lincs is a well run race with a nice track based HQ and a good atmosphere.  It was already warm as we set off.  My revised plan was to set off with the 2 hr pacer and see if I could pick up the pace after half way.

It really was hot!  Hitting the first water station at 3 miles I picked up a bottle of water and carried it with me.  Each station I chucked the remaining water down my back and picked up another one.

At half way I asked my legs if they could speed up a bit.  They said ‘no, not really’ but the steady start did mean I was able to maintain the same pace.  By mile 11 it was disconcerting to see some people by the roadside needing medical attention.  The course is around country lanes with no real shade so there was nowhere to hide from the sun.

I kept going at a steady 9 min mile pace and came in with another Half Marathon PB, ok, not by much but in the heat I was happy to claim that.

Thanks to the strider who gave me a cheer on the final straight and Steve was waiting for me at the finish where you are presented with a medal, a T shirt and a muffin.    When we got back to the car the temperature gauge read 25 degrees.

Now, I am certain I changed my club before the cut off but annoyingly I am not listed as a Strider in the official results.  Hopefully this is the last time it will happen.

First Male was Daniel Kestral from Rotherham Harriers in 1.10.42 and the first Female was Rachel Robinson from Marshall Milton Keynes AC in 1.20.29

Steel City Striders results below and the full results are here :