On a breezy sunny morning TRC runners took the journey down to Blackfield to take on the Solent Half Marathon. Runners gathered in the leisure centre to collect their numbers, look at the running gear that was on sale and socialise. With time on their hands TRC runners went outside for the traditional team photo. Along with a warmup the sun started to shine as they made their way to the start.
The race began as everyone started their loop around the community centre before heading onto the roads to continue their race. Within the 1st mile the well-known TRC teamwork came into action with runners pairing up in small groups such as Rachel Mcculloch, Amanda Jones and Mel Green as one team. The Barlows of Robbie and Cousin Jacquie teamed up as another and Dean Lucas and Jon Perrett joined forces to aim for a time of 1 hour 45 minutes.
The racers spaced out as they made their way onto the open roads. The sun carried on shining as we passed The Royal Oak and headed towards Exbury Gardens. With downhills, slight uphills and narrow roads we approached the stunning views of Lepe beach with spectators cheering runners by the cafe. We saw the 9-mile marker and here came the hill... out of nowhere Adrian (Rambo) charged up the hill looking strong as he past myself and Neil. The road started to look wider as the miles clocked up or it was me attempting to run in a straight line! I couldn't really tell you at this point haha. We arrived at the demolished Fawley power station and started to make our way down the open road of the Fawley bypass towards the finish.
TRC runners gathered at the sidelines to cheer their teammates in as they completed the course. Shoutouts to Jon Perrett for getting a new PB taking 5 minutes off his previous half marathon time! with more runners coming into the finish line the TRC blue wave was in full effect. But the best was yet to come as the man, the myth and the legend Mike Mills won the V70 age category feeling overwhelmed with joy when collecting the award. Totton decided to make it 2 for 2 in awards as Jacquie Barlow won her age category for last year's HRRL races. A day to remember of awards and ciders at the finishing line! Well done to all of the runners who took part and shoutouts to the runners who conquered Dorset and completed the Run Jurassic Coast race!
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