Sunday 2^nd March 2023

Report by Charlotte Allen

A sunny day for beginning of April saw 507 people complete the Rutland half marathon run and 40 complete the route as walk entrants.

Unsurprisingly I was a lone strider at this event, yet a spectator still managed to recognise the vest and asked if I had come from Sheffield!

The route itself isn’t quite what I expected, if you would wear trail shoes for the TenTenTen I would recommend wearing them for this too. The first and last few miles are mostly tarmac or at least a decent path, but the bit in the middle was muddy af, a bit like when it has rained and lots of people have been on the TPT, but throw in a few hills too. I say hills, they aren’t Sheffield hills but don’t be fooled into thinking that just because it’s round the water it will be flat.

It was a small event, there wasn’t much at the start/finish apart from a food van, portaloos, a bag drop and your medal/t-shirt-water collection. No goodie bag per se but not necessarily a bad thing as these often get chucked anyway. Cute medal with bluebells on it and a standard black race t-shirt.

 

It’s not a route for supporters to come to, as a large chunk of it is around the peninsular, you can only really see the runners/walkers at the start and finish, and maybe the odd other spot if you park up for some of the roadside stretch. This does mean it’s worth bringing your own sweets along as there aren’t people handing them out along the way (or maybe it’s just me that likes to eat while running?). 3 water stations along the route (plastic cups so if you’re clumsy like me, prepare to just throw it over yourself) and some portaloos along the route too.

One Strider Ran