One of the many coastal runs that fylde coast runners offer. If you have done the windmill 10k before you should know what to expect with this one.  Just extends a bit further on one of the main roads. This race is a couple of loops up and down the coast of lythm st annes around the famous windmill!  I believe the course used to go round fairhaven lake but a lot of that area is being worked on for the sea defences so the course goes up and down one of the main roads.  

Fairly flat course with a bit of an incline as you head away from the start but not too challenging.  Starts and finishes on grass which bogs you down a little if you are not used to it.

Well supported race, great marshalls, team of pacers and as ever a fantastic FCR medal at the end.  Only gripe is this is the second FCR event without a Freddo!! hehe

I competed this race for the second time.  The route had changed since 2017 and not for the better in my opinion. It took the route to be more road than unique features and park. 

It was well marshalled,  but very few of them spoke at all.  Only real local support was at the finish.  If it wasn't for running with a friend I'd have likely dropped out with boredom. 

It was disappointing to see that the 12 mile water station was being packed up too,  just over 2 hours in with plenty people still going and the sun shining.  I can't comment on the other stations,  but surely water stations should be there till last runner goes through,  especially in the heat?

Toilets on the course were limited,  cost 20p and took you a detour from the course to use. 

Then there is the question of distance,  this course measured 13.21 miles, bit longer than it should be. 

I attended the Windmill Half on a bit of a whim and although it was a 3 hour drive away, it was good fun.

Very well organised, there’s ample parking and the race pack collection was easy and straightforward.

The start was good, there were two announcers on the PA system who kept everyone in good spirits and are a credit to the race.

The course itself is really flat, however it is repetitive as effectively there are 2 x 2 loops. Myself and other runners near me really struggled with working out the mileage, at some point our garmin’s were nearly a whole mile out, and my mile 5 and 6 were basically signposted 4 and 5. however the signposts 7 to 8 could’ve have been more than half a mile apart so it eventually evened itself out by mile 9ish. 

The finish area was really busy, I was pacing a friend at came in at around the 2 hour mark, however by this point a lot of finishers and spectators were crossing over the route. This would have annoyed me if I was going for a PB.

The finishers medal is big and blingy, you receive this along with a freddo and a bottle of water.

PROS

Flat

Fast (on a cooler day)

Friendly

Parking

Support and marshalls 

Price

CONS

Repetitive

Lack of toilets (portaloos arrive at 9:30)

Mileage signs incorrect 

Busy finish area

My 2nd time doing Windmill Half after taking part last year. Resistration was straight forward with numbers collected from Fylde Coast Runners HQ or on raceday itself. Nice atmosphere pre race.

A man & woman on the P.A kept runners & spectators entertained.

The race itself is fast & flat on a normal day however the high tempratures made conditions difficult. It’s basically 2x small loops & 2x large loops.

Mentally it’s quite challenging because you run many of the paths/roads 3 or 4 times. Seeing Mile #7 marker when you’re on mile 2 is slightly off putting but this is only a minor gripe.

Support from spectators was very good, some had hose pipes & wet sponges to cool down runner which was very kind. Marshals were generous in their encouragement.

Runners were rewarded with a beautiful, chunky meda, water & a small chocolate bar. Maybe an extra food item for finishers, something savoury might be a good idea?

IN SUMMARY...

HIGHS: Fast, flat & scenic course.

LOWS: The loops aren’t to every bodies liking, especially when you see mile markers that clearly aren’t correct.

BOTTOM LINE: This race will suit PB chasers. The medal is beautiful.

Pros

• Arrived to see well placed signposting, advising where to register/pick up number. Start line, ect.
• PA system keeping runners well informed.
• Six water stations on the course.
• Good local support, including people with hoses and sponges, helping keep runners cool.
• Good medal.

Cons

• Portaloos didn't arrive until 30 mins before start. But queues at paid public toilets, closeby.

First time I've done this event and wasn't disappointed! Registration simple and straightforward, baggage dropped off then we were ready to run. The start was a bit congested due to narrow paths so couldnt really get into your stride till 1.5miles in along the coast. It is a 2 lap course with out and back sections so if you dont want the leaders lapping you or see them flying past the opposite way then maybe it isn't for you. Great PB potential with course almost pancake flat. Was told in race email that there were 6 water stations but on the day there was only 4 meaning an almost 4 mile gap between stations during the race. Local support was minimal with most people enjoying a walk along the coast themselves but Marshall support was a lot better. I had 3 hi-5's from Marshall at entrance to fairhaven lake every time I passed her.

I've done many Fylde coast running events. Always great value. This was another example. 

Race number collection was simple & straight forward.

The race itself was based & run at the beautiful Fairhaven Lake, Latham StAnnes. It can be a little awkward to get to but nothing a taxi didn't solve. It cost £11 for taxi from out hotel in Blackpool. There is also a regular bus service.

The race was run in hot temperatures.

Scenery was quite stunning.

It was a flat, 2 lap course run mainly on paths, although there was a grassy section which was testing on tired legs.

The nature of 2 lap races mean you often see mileage signs for 2nd lap distance.

This can be quite demoralising.

Local support was decent but not spectacular.

Marshal support was 1st class.   

Finishers were rewarded with a fantastic, solid medal & water. 

A finishers shirt would have been nice but not to worry. 

In summary, this is a brilliant race.  

If you want scenic running with top bling then this is the race to do. 

This is the first time I've taken part in the event after I'd heard so many good things about it.

It's a little local race (I say little but I think there were around 900 people there today!) and it's brilliantly organised. The marshall's are fantastic and for a small local event, there is loads of support on the course from members of the public.

The course is out and back along the seafront and past... wait for it... the windmill. It was lovely in the sunshine but there were a few downsides...

•It's laps. You do two laps and then round to the finish line. I'm not a big fan of laps.

•The wind. It is damn windy on that sea front (windy all year round apparently!). So one minute you're loving the sunshine and the next, you're fighting strong wind!

•I personally found the course a bit dull. Out and back on the promenade and then onto the road to make up some distance. It was nice to be by the sea side at the start, but then it would have been nice to have seen more of the area instead of running the same route twice. 

But the medal is huge and does not disappoint! And it's a pretty flat course, so good for PBs (if you're good at tackling wind...)