With Covid19 secure conditions in place, 2020 Hullavington Half Marathon was always going to be different this year. Race bibs sent out beforehand and your individual start time listed on the website.

I had no problem getting there from the A429 (Chippenham) road direction and finding the race event car park (nearby field). Plenty of room to park and to keep distance, but just over half a mile away from the race headquarters at The Hullavington Arms pub.  I just left my car when it was time to warm up, get my temperature checked and get to prepare for my start time.

The race started at 10am, with four runners being released every minute. It wasn’t the fastest runners first, they were listed midway on the list.

I started at 10:21, with a 30 second count down outside the pub. You start off with one small loop back around one of the local street called ‘’The Parklands’’ that brings you back to the starting area, you then proceed on, to do a big 12.75 mile loop.

The route is all country roads throughout which were all reasonably quiet to be honest. One long straight stretch of road (Fosse Way, between mile 4 – 6 that stands out for me, you can see it slightly climbing small in elevation that plays on the mind mentally as you can see runners a mile ahead.

I wouldn’t say it was a hilly route by any means, yes, It was a few inclines, highest of 426m between mile 8-9, but with the small gentle building early on, your building up for a really nice fast downhill 5k to the finish line.

There was two drinks stations on route, but none at the finish line (Covid-19) which was a slightly annoying personally as that’s when I needed it the most, but it’s understandable.

With it being out on country roads, there isn’t many supporters on route (Covid-19 plays a part in that again) But it was a lovely clear day with the conditions excellent for running and I really enjoyed it.

Everyone marshalling were very organised and polite people to speak to, 10/10.

You get a great medal (one of my favourites) and choice of many cakes to choose from for your efforts.

But with the circumstances and all, Stampede Sports did really well to put this event on.

(If the weathers good, you can really get a PB on this course)

Thanks for reading,

Pip