Having
had representation at Liverpool 'Rock n Roll' Half Marathon for the
last 2 years, this year Reepham Runners contingency grew well in to
double figures!
The Liverpool squad for this year included, Chairman and organiser
Richard 'Splits' Dade, Mike, Dom, Grovsey, Charlotte, Vikki, Phillipa,
Maree, Dave and myself. Guests included Chris who ran last year, Aaron, a
work colleague of Mr Dade's and Craig Farr.
An early start on the Saturday as we left Cawston bright and early
to rendezvous at Wymondham to leave in a 9 seater car Richard had
pinched from work the night before! First stop Cambridge services for a
fry up around 8am then back onto the bus for some more banter and
eighties tunes!
We arrived in Liverpool around lunch time and we were staying at
the Premier Inn Moorfields, about a mile walk from the start. Once we
had sorted rooms and dropped the bags, it was time to slip one in. Mr
Jolly had spotted a cracking little real ale pub around the corner from
the hotel and we all arranged to meet there. Not before Mr Dade and
myself managed to slip in a quick snifter at the Premier Inn bar....
Just the one in the real ale pub, we were being sensible......! Now
a walk to the South Echo Arena, to the expo and catch up with Maree and
Dave. The Expo is not great, a quick wander round a glimpse of the
bling which was on offer tomorrow. Time for a quick photo of the squad,
then it was onto Bierkeller Liverpool, a sports bar, come real ale bar
and time to watch the FA Cup Final. Myself, Richard and Dom agreed that
this would be our final pint in here, just the 3 today unlike others on
the trip.......Mr Groves!!!
For once, a great FA Cup Final to watch. Some of the guys drifted
away early. But we had arranged a great together for 7am to eat at the
hotel. Last year, it was very difficult to find some where to eat in the
city, as many places were booked. And given our numbers, this made
sense.
Early night, prep gear for the morning. Mr Jolly had kindly
organised ribbons in memory of the people who had lost their lives in
Manchester the previous week. So these could be pinned to out shirts!
Alarm set for 6.30am for an 8am leave down to the arena for the start.
Baggage delays meant that the start was pushed back to 9.15am as
security was very tight, which was good to see. I got to my pen just
before 9am for the staggered start and by the time we were ready to go
it was around 9.22am. The first 3 miles is undulating round the city,
taking in Matthew Street, where the original Cavern Club stood. Funnily
enough we would be back down here this evening for tonights
entertainment, but back to the race for now.
After 3 miles, you make a climb in the China Town and then a long
hard climb coming up to the 4 mile mark, which I had completely
forgotten about since last year. From then on, its fairly easy going.
Bands adorn the route every 2 to 3 mile. A mixture of gospel choirs,
rock bands, acoustic, steelpan bands makes this a very atmospheric race.
And the people of Liverpool certainly turn out in force to support it.
After the 4 mile mark, you run through various parks including Sefton,
take in a little bit of Penny Lane, before turning onto a promenade on
the 10 mile mark and heading back to the South Echo area and the finish.
A head wind this year, meant that the last 3 miles was heavy going.
Upon, finishing, my second quickest half ever, I found out that Dom
had finished in 3rd place!!! Exceptional running, Richard and Grovsey
finishing just over the 1:30 mark. Again great running. Mr Jolly had a
great run as well. Charlotte and Phillipa were both pleased with their
times and Vikki banished memories of the Norwich Half Marathon, again
with a great time. Sadly Maree did not make the start line due to injury
but Dave again came home in a good time.
Right the serious bit out of the way.....now the concert. 90's band
Republica were headlining this year and they were not on till 2pm. It
was now 11.30am. First band on was 12 noon. Having picked up our medals -
cracking as always, We headed to baggage - on the floor of the arena to
pick up goodie bag and t-shirt. You always get a free pint as well with
is run, so that went down well as we headed out of the arena and onto
the concert plaza.
Needless to say more than a few beers were had - you've probably
all seen the photos by now, kindly taken by Rob and Craig so I don't
need to say no more!!!
I vaguely remember leaving the concert area around 5pm, a quick
freshen up and then we were all out for a Pizza and onto Eric's in
Matthew Street, Eric's is a longstanding venue for live music and both
the bands we saw that night did not disappoint. We still all had some
energy to throw some moves on the dance floor!!!
I rolled back in with Mr Dade at 1.30am.....Liverpool had again beaten me!!!!
A very subdued breakfast the next day and we were back on the bus
for the long journey back home - some very tired hung over people
aboard!!
We were back in Norfolk for around 2pm.
If you're not yet signed up of this race in 2018, the please do so.
A great weekend - an ideal chance to get to know your fellow runners
better. The last thing for me to say is a big thank you once again, on
behalf of the squad, to Richard Dade for his enthusiasm and organisation
of this fabulous weekend! |
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