Firstly, apologies to VRB’s who were there. Did look for you but lots of people about. I hope you had a great day. I did.
I arrived early to see a friend off who was doing the marathon. After a while it was time for the enthusiastically led HM warm up. I took it easy, thought I’d save my energy for running. The race village is at New Park in Brockenhurst. Plenty of space for everyone. Loads of parking. Camping adjacent.
We ran out into the forest along flat wide forest trails. Sunny day but not too hot. Turned right and started a large loop through the trees. All well signposted and marshalled. A bit under 4 miles and it’s onto tarmac to start a loop with the road divided and the front runners already coming the other way. Looping around on trail and tarmac to Blackwater arboretum and past huge redwoods. Back through the two way section. Tail runners now coming the other way. Into Rhinefield House Hotel. Lovely building but it’s on a bit of a hill. Out of the trees across Whitefield Moor. Then join up again with the full marathon route, past an ice cream van (nearly stopped for one but not far to go). Head north again to New Park and the finish is in sight. Which would be nice if you didn’t have to run around the whole race village first. Then the home straight. Madame Loris on the bridge prompting the announcer to cheer me on. Medal. Water. Banana etc. Beers. Burgers. Live music.
So how did I get on? I ran like a Loris. I set Garmin virtual pacer for my target pace and stuck with it. As the miles went on I got a minute or more ahead. Lots of things started hurting at different times. At about 10 miles (passing Mr Whippy) it was hard work. Over hydrated this morning. Bladder was going into spasms but I wasn’t going to waste any time stopping. Came in within my target. Having started near the back overtook lots of people and got passed by a few. Most importantly had a fantastic day.
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SlowLoris
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Well done SlowLoris, it was a fantastic 10k course so thanks for letting us know about it. I’ve posted on the b210k forum. Like you say, sorry we didn’t catch up with you but we were probably in the beer or burger queue around the same time.
Well done! Lovely medal, fab description, and what comes through is how laid back and relaxed you seemed. What we want now is some race photos when they are up.
Well done that man! Looks a very nice run. I have put it on my 'to-do' list.
I was there too for the half marathon! I arrived just before 8am and had time to relax. I was just not feeling it on the day but the warm up was fun and that was it, we were off out into the forest. I am glad of your description as to be honest I had no idea where we were going, just followed the signs and other hm runners! The top road at about mile 9-10 was bakingly hot, even the cows were lying in the shade! And the ice cream van was sooo tempting even though I dont tolerate dairy so instead I poured a cup of water over my head. Mile 11-12 seemed to go on forever, seeing the village but not quite close enough. Finally the last 3/4 mile around the village, past the loos (I needed a wee by now but didn't stop!) wasnt as bad as I thought. A little sprint on the finish straight and it was all over. I wasnt expecting much regarding time, my road hm PB was 2hr 18 so as it was trail I was expecting 2hr 20 ish. However I got a new hm PB of 2hr 13!!! For a solo run I was so chuffed.
I was with a few other club runners so we chilled out on the grass in the sunshine listening to the live music with burgers and Pepsi. Such a lovely afternoon! As usual the traffic out was slow but moving but that's the new forest for you, patience is needed!
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Virtual New Forest Half.....done!! 😁
Vancouver Half Marathon
Half marathon trail
Half marathon 
