Race Report – Doncaster City Half Marathon – June 12th2022
Run by ADRC members: Steve Barber, Ken Barber, Chrissie Barron, Stan Bieris, Nev Marshall, Andy Moore, Ashley Young and supported by: Michelle Marshall & Barry Tate
Today the weather was cloudy with sunny intervals and a fresh breeze. The race was arranged by Curly’s and, in his usual fashion, very well organised. Numbers were posted out and the e-mailed pre-race pack contained all the information that you could possibly need including a map of the route. We were asked to park at the Vue cinema (near Lakeside) and walk to the information area (located in the Velodrome behind the Dome). It was easy to collect tshirts and drop bags off plus there were plenty of portaloos available as well as toilets within the Dome itself.
Just before the start time, all runners were walked onto Bawtry Road and the race started promptly. Pacers were available (15 minutes apart) and there was a good atmosphere. The race went down Bawtry Road and then through Bessacarrand Rossington and back. There were mile markers at every mile, and these were spot on with the measurements on my watch. There were also 3 water stations throughout the race and the last two even offered coca-cola as well as water in paper cups to be more environmentally friendly.
Generally, the course is mildly undulating and there were several members of the public supporting as well as the fantastic marshalls and photographers. The weather made the race more challenging as we ran into the wind for much of the way round and it was incredibly warm when the sun was out.
I struggled from about 9 miles in due to a niggly knee which then spread into my thigh, but the encouragement kept me going. The finish was inside the velodrome. When you run in, you think you are nearly there, but they had a cheeky route which made you run past the finish and round the course to get the distance in.
Once the race had finished, further cups of water were given (and there were several tanks around the finish area to refill your cup). There was also a cupcake and a medal as a well done. Overall, the race was challenging but rewarding. I would recommend making this an annual club run due to the convenience of the location and the brilliant organisation.
