Always one of the earliest Half Marathons on the Race calendar and being relatively local to me I was only too happy to be asked to pace this event for Xempo - the 2.10 group. 

I had run the 2013 event where there were a few ‘flooded areas’ which resulted in the organisers changing that route to this new one so for me I was looking forward to a new challenge.

I parked just outside Cassiobury park in the surrounding streets within a few min walk to Race HQ, although there were lots of car parks within 10/15 min walk to the race HQ. There were ample  toilets and inside the large Marquee you collected your race numbers and had the sanctuary of getting changed away from the elements as it was freezing cold outside. The bag drop was also inside but by the end as the Marquee was on grass this was extremely muddy so perhaps some matting wouldn’t go a miss in future? 

As a Pacer we are registered by the pace team so we just need to collect our race pack with our back pack/pace flag. A few of us set off for a mile warm up as I always like to run from the finish line back half a mile to get the exact distance for when we are approaching the final part of the race to be able to be 100% confident of the distance to the finish line and adjust the pace if necessary.

The start is split into 2 starts (seniors M & F) and (Vets M & F) on opposite sides of the park that merge together in 1/3 mile. As there are 2 pacers per pace group we were told to split into different starts and to keep an eye on each other across the park to be able to meet at the merge point together. As there seemed to be more people in my side of the start I was later crossing the start line than my pace team buddy Danny Wells (incidentally pacing with us for the first time) 

I ended up being approx 10/15 secs behind him and this remained the same throughout the run. The start was a gentle downhill through the park and out into the surrounding streets on traffic free roads as we headed out into the Chiltern Hills & countryside. The course was described as undulating and trust me this didn’t disappoint as to me you were either ‘climbing or descending’ for the majority of the run. Stunning scenery in places and although the support was sparse around the countryside parts as you’d expect, at the start/finish areas and close proximity of Cassiobury park this was very good. Water stations were well manned with water supplied in plastic cups which I really dislike. Special mention for the Marshals who were phenomenal and really help keep you motivated on the run.

I brought my 2.10 #funbus home in 2.09.52 which I was very happy with as a lot of people gained PB’s which is the highlight for me when pacing. 

You got a fantastic medal, bright yellow finishers  T-shirt and a cup of water with electrolytes in but no goody bag.. I still think thou it’s a great value for money event and one to test your fitness to the max being so early into the year.

Well done to the event organisers and I look forward to joining you again next year 

Gaz on behalf of Xemporacepacing #visorclub #teamblack