Bamburgh 10k race, wonderful event, big new PB, missed 60 minutes by 18 seconds!!! 🏃🏃

[ChrisAllen1]

Blimey, didn't see that coming.

So the 10k at Bamburgh must be one of the most scenic on the North East rota. The little village is beautiful but of course completely dominated by the imposing castle sitting high up and looking over land and sea, with the Farne Islands sitting offshore.

Bamburgh is almost an hour north up the A1 from us and with a start time of 9.30 it made for an early set off to get up there in plenty of time.

The steady drizzle eased as myself, Julie and the hound arrived and it looked perfect for running with very little breeze.

After collecting my race number I left them to wander in the sand dunes and on the beach and joined about 800 odd other runner's at the start.

Last minute safety run down completed we set off on time, heading north, past the castle and up a steep ish incline through the viliage with plenty of support to help us on our way.

We then cut in land and the next 5k or so were a succession of country lanes, most of which seemed to be uphill.

Not sure if I agree with whoever said the course was fast and flat.

My time however would bear this out, all my first 5 splits around the 6 minutes mark and my third best ever effort for 5k at 30.05.

I thought at this point a good time was on if I could keep things going and as we reached the coast road for the last section a few downhill stretches helped.

Finish line in sight I tried everything and came home in 60.18, with a second half of 30.13. Even pace and quicker than I ever thought I would do.

Almost 2 years ago I started this wonderful journey and started talking to all you lovely people and back the I couldn't run for a minute without feeling like death.

And here I am, another HM in the bag 2 days ago and now this.

The last few months have been very rocky on the work front and running has helped immensely.

Big shout out again to all the marshalls and organisers as ever and to everyone on the forum, run happy, run safe.

Bling photo to follow.

[misswobble Graduate10]

Fantastic! Well done 😃👍💥🏃‍♂️🏅.

I’d love to run there. It’s awesome isn’t it 👊✊

[ChrisAllen1 Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

Cracking views x

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to ChrisAllen1]

The last time I was there I had planned to run the Blue Riband route but I was injured with shin splint so walked some of it instead

I shall return and run the thing!

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10]

Ooooh so close to that 60 minute mark! Impressive too given the HM you ran a couple days ago! Beast mode, Chris, Beast mode 💪👊🙌.

I'm sorry to hear work has been rocky, but am glad you have running to help you manage the stress. I know, for me, running us sometimes the only thing that gets me through the tough stressful times.

[DebJogsOn]

Sounds like a lovely location.

Great achievements 😊.

Not sure how I used to manage the stresses of work before I started running 😳.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Your running has been Ace Chris, 👌sorry to hear of your work troubles though... hope you can ride it out.😘xxx

[Windoze Graduate10]

Great report. Well done Chris! 😎😎😎🥳🥇

[Granspeed Graduate10]

Oh yes, gorgeous area. Congratulations on your excellent time!! 🎉

[Pancakes86 Graduate10]

Sounds like a great run! Well done on your PB!

[Sandie1961 Graduate10]

Great run Chris and in a gorgeous location. Hard luck on the 18 seconds - that must be so frustrating, but you’ll get there and probably when you least expect it. Hope the work problems are only temporary - it’s still quite a new job isn’t it?

[Anren Graduate10]

Brilliant! Well done

I grew up there and graduated my c25k there on the beach in November visiting my Dad. it is certainly a lovely part of the world, well done on your fantastic time!

[Katnap Graduate10]

So annoying to miss the time of 1hour.

Next time! Hopefully!