This is the third time I have done this race. There are no other half marathons that I have done more than once. It took 40 minutes to cross the start line from my corral at the back, but this can probably be expected considering the numbers competing(I was number 20163!). I ran with a friend, who hadn't run it before, for the first 3 miles so I was able to guide her through that section. That was the section through the city centre(including Cavern Quarter), along the front and up to Toxteth, via Chinatown. Then we hit the scenic parts of Sefton Park, Penny Lane and Ottersbury Park, where the shade was appreciated! This only left the relentless slog along the Ottersbury Promenade for the last 3.5 miles, which must be a shock for first-timers! It never seems to end, but it does!

The crowd support, while superb, actually seemed less than usual, possibly because it was so warm that people stayed inside! I love this event and the whole weekend, and am already saving up for 2019!!