London Landmarks Half Marathon

Race report by Natalie Wilden

My first official race after doing C25K with TRAC at the beginning of 2024.

This year the course was reversed and according to the website, because of an accident, was 700m meters short which was an issue for some, cutting them short of a half marathon PB on strava.

Myself, Gary, Cathy, Carly, Ela, Sandra, Laura, Janet and Jacqueline were all running. Most of us came up together in a mini bus planned out by the wonderful Carly and a few were traveling up and meeting them there with some loved ones in toe cheering on.

The race was amazing, the atmosphere and course truly memorable! More hilly than expected as the course was reversed but otherwise flat. With plenty of cheer stations and spectators you weren’t alone for long!

It was a beautiful day for running, the weather was stunning with clear skys all around.

A few funny parts of the day included them shipping the toilets away at one station before the end of the race, they were all loaded on the back of a truck. Also the finishing line seeming like it was just in reach and then having to run away from it to get to the finish (wasn’t funny at the time).

This was my first experience going as a group and they couldn’t have made me feel more welcome! True family energy throughout. I cannot wait for the next one as I know most of us have signed up again for next year. This just shows it’s a much loved race.

I myself was running with Gary who is a true inspiration for not just me but plenty of other fellow TRAC members! His determination and effort on the day is something I’ll never forget, having a blister on the base of his foot the size of the palm of my hand and gritting through the pain was astounding. I honestly couldn’t have done this without him and wouldn’t have wanted it any other way!

A few words from Lucy Hallett:

This was my first official half marathon race and I started it with my sister who was running her first ever half for Cancer Research UK. We found out the route was in reverse from last year and that they had to make some last minute changes due to an accident 15 mins before the start so we were delayed slightly, but it was still an amazing day and the weather was perfect! I was aiming for around 2 hours so I was incredibly happy to get a time of 1:53. The crowds were brilliant and they really made such a difference. I wasn’t expecting so many hills! but it was still a great day and I’m really happy with my result.

Results:

Lucy Hallett 1:53:22

Janet Morgan 1:59:27

Sandra Baldock 2:03:53

Cathy Beddoes 2:06:31

Carly Lines 2:06:32

Jacqui Jenkins 02:12:20

Ela Wojciechowska 2:12:45

Laura Thomas 02:21:51

Gary Pearse 3:48:11

Natalie Wilden 3:48:11

Thanks Natalie and Lucy.

A great time for Lucy on her debut and with Natalie another C25K success story. Nothing, to 5k, then to a Half Marathon. What an inspiration you are. Incredible !!