GLOUCESTER SPORTS BLOG

Great Manchester 10km

I was lucky enough to be invited (as a last-minute replacement) to run for the Midlands in the Great Manchester 10km yesterday, so thought I would let you know how I got on! A fantastic experience, being in the elite section alongside the likes of Haile Gebreselassie!

As we were waiting for our race, we were in a fenced-off area which had dozens of people peering in to see if we were anyone famous, now I know how it feels to be in a zoo! As we got closer to the start time, our bags were taken on the transport truck to the hotel and we were allowed to run up and down the start section. Gave a nod and a smile to Haile who returned in like, felt very pleased with myself but quite aware that I was so very lucky to be in that kind of company.

The 5 top Kenyan and Ethiopean athletes were introduced to the crowd and we lined up directly behind them. The gun went and they took off! It was a slightly downhill start but the leaders went through 1km in about 2.40! I tried to go off conservatively but still went too quick in 3.05. Wearing my Brooks Green Silence I went through halfway in about 16 minutes, spot on for what I thought I was capable of. Sadly, no-one told me how many inclines were in the second half, not hills but enough to sap your legs.

I struggled between 6 and 8.5km, then managed to pick up a little as the crowds got bigger and I got closer to the finish. The noise was great, just a shame that I slowed over the second half and finished in 51st (out of approx 25000) in 32.46. Great event to do and incredible to be allowed so close to some of the greatest runners in the world. Happy running