I was unable to compete in the March version that got cancelled due to the Beast from the East, but the delay meant that I could sign up for this event.

I had looked forward to this, because after stepping up slowly since last Autumn from walking / running 5K parkruns to running half marathon distances without stopping, this was my first event at this distance.

The weather beat me on the day though - the warmth and humidity took its toll, and although I was running target pace for about the first half, I was reduced to occasional walking after the tiny down and back section, that seemed to remove my mental ability to push. Probably my body talking though, because on examining Strava stats, my pace was at tempo and my heartbeat at threshold! I have run 13 miles twice since, and each time my relative effort score was much lower than this particular Sunday run.

The water stations were vital, and well spaced. I started with my own bottle, which I topped up at the first and third stations, as well as drinking the bottle I got at the second. I managed to not need the last station, probably because I was doing a lot of walking at this point, and had my own water left, though it was so warm it was totally not refreshing me.

Overall the event was well run, and a brilliant package at the finish.

My only criticisms are that I couldn't tell what the announcer was saying at the start, but this is partly down to my unfamiliarity with a Clackmannanshire accent.

Second criticism is the traffic on the roads, particularly at the start. We were running through moving traffic at some points, which wasn't completely safe.

All in all though, looking back, I can't say I enjoyed it because it was very hard work and I was disappointed to have to walk, but I am still proud of my time. I will definitely be signing up for the race next year, when I can hopefully get my revenge!

I did this event for the first time this year and loved it.

Easy race pickup prior to the the race and managed to park the car with no stress (tip: car share if possible) Busy at the start but chipped event, good local support then quieter along the long road parrallel to the orchil Hills. Long drag with the wind in our faces made it a little challenging and then you turn left around mile 10 and over the bridge and tackle 2 hills then a downhill fast finish.

Nice T-shirt at the end which I still use for training runs, very well organised event and I'd recommend this one to anyone looking for a 1/2 around this time of year.

Neill

This course was a great warm-up race a few weeks before my first marathon.  It could have done with an extra water station purely because of the heat.  Safety overlal was well marshalled however at one point a taxi jumped the police barrier and veered left to avoid a car nearly taking out runners.