Race Date: Sunday 20th August 2023
Race Report by Hannah Wright

Location: Roundhay Park Leeds
Distance: Half Marathon (5km and 10km also available)

After booking the race last minute (due to being in Leeds for a hike and hot tub party), I set my early alarm at took the short drive to Roundhay Park to make the 9am start.

I was initially daunted by the 4 x lap course, but the festival had a relaxed vibe which calmed my nerves. There was plenty of coffee stands and loos. The pre event information was useful and highlighted all the free parking and route map. 

There was the usual pre race warm up and then we were ready to start. I was very impressed by the run pacers at the event. It is the first time I have seen a 2hr 40 pacer… so I stuck to him like glue. 

To start the race there was a short out and back section… straight up the hill. At this point the hill was achievable. On lap 4 it was tough. 

After the out and back section it was downhill through the park leading to a short winding up hill section. Then we headed downhill towards a lap round Waterloo Lake. This section was flat and fast. 

The next section was trail paths through Braim Wood with the next hill. This hill I powered walked each lap. After the hill the route passed The Upper Lake and back to the hill at the start line. 

After each lap there was a water station and with the hot weather necessary to take on fluids and fuel. The pacer was fantastic and kept others and myself on track. He gave running tips and kept us motivated on each lap. 

After the race, at the village there was a stretch tent with foam rollers and therabands to use. On the grass was picnic blankets for runners to relax on. I enjoyed a little sunbathing and some stretches. 

There was amazing support from the marshals and supporters all the way round the course. This helped with motivation. 

The race was great for new runners and pros with some very fast finish times. Sorry if I missed any Striders at the festival. I didn’t see any gold and green.