Had a look and it seems that everyone had a great time. The weather conditions were ideal and the event was well organised.
This was my first experience of a run this size, however, and like others we had stayed in Portsmouth the night before to ensure we were at the event in good time (plus we had a lovely meal out the night before and made a bit of a weekend of it.) When we got to the hotel it seemed like pretty much everyone was there to either run or support. It gave it a nice feel, but it meant making last minute table reservations a bit trying. Not to worry you live and learn. We ate out at a nice restaurant in Port Solent. We had to walk as the hotel car park was overflowing and we would never have got another space when we returned. Another learning curve.
We opted for park and ride the next day and were lucky to get on a bus before the roads closed. Another timely lesson that we would need to get out earlier and allow more time to get to the event. I am used to just rocking up 10 minutes before the start and cracking on.
So, to the event itself, as others have said it is a pleasant journey around the streets of Portsmouth. Well attended for supporters and I did enjoy high fiving my way around. Its also worth noting that it is very a flat course, so good for those with an eye on a PB.
This is also the first event I have attended where energy snacks (other than jelly babies) were being handed out at the run. In this case either Clif gels or blocks. Having never tried and energy gels, etc before I didn’t try them here, but did pocket a couple for experimentation on future training runs. However, judging by themes in the road, plenty were enjoying the treats. As I said I have never tried these before, but judging by the fact there was no sudden surge of energised runners stampeding past me shortly afterwards, the jury remains still out.
One of the other things I noticed was the lack of space. Normally on local runs the field narrows out and you run in your own little space, but with a run this size there were always people to dodge and others dodging you – I did get penned in a few times even 8 miles in. However, whether this is a good thing or a bad thing, I’m not sure. All the ducking and diving around did keep me focussed on what was going on around me, rather than reverting to internal running struggles and what I think is a 10-mile PB (unverified as strava decided to pause at one point), it suggests that a larger pack may yield better results for me.
Normally, I am able to jump in the car and quickly get home to shower after the run, which I wasn’t able to do. Though a change of clothes and plenty of deodorant saved others suffering, meantime. But I did find this a bit uncomfortable.
However, all-in-all an enjoyable event, and plenty of lessons were learnt. I have no immediate plans to return to this particular event, but that’s no criticism of the day and more about me wanting to seek new runs/ places. In fact I would definitely recommend you try it, and I’m glad I did!
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Well done Dave! I watched it on the TV with my son - great to see Rachael Mulvey (Battle 10k 2019 winner) and Maisie Trafford (King's Head Canter 2019 joint winner) in the elite women starting line up. Still can't believe I get to participate in the same events as such class athletes 😮
It looks great but the size of the event and the distance from where I live does put me off a bit. Making a weekend of it does seem like the way to do it so I'm not going to totally discount it.
Did you see any of the junior races (I think they were on Saturday?)? Daniel's improving all the time and is keen to take part in stuff. He prefers fast and flat so I'm wondering if it could be a good one for him? x
If I went again I would want a placve with either a later check out or an extra night, so I could shower afterwards.
Unfortunately, we didn't get to see the junior races. TBH they seemd a bit pricey when I looked for the girls. They did the Eastbourne HM junior events (vey flat) and the BBB10k does a good one, which is basically up and down the high street, so pretty flat too. Both much closer too.
Thanks for the info - I hadn't got as far as looking at the price. I would think he'll do the 10k at Battle next year as he turns 15 in January which is usually the minimum age. Thanks for the heads up about Eastbourne - the HM is a Club Championship race so I might give that a go and he can tag along. He did the mini run at Hastings HM this year and loved it - although he was very annoyed to get beaten by a boy who was jeffing 2k 🤣
I am doing the Bexhill Poppy run next month. Theres a 5k, 10k or HM event. Can be a bit blowy along the seafront but the minimum age for 5k is 13 - which annoyed Olivia as she is 12 and wanted to run this year.
I'd forgotten about the Poppy Run! I'm sure he'd love to do it but he always helps with his Dad at East Hoathly Carnival that weekend. He's a sucker for bling though so I'll mention it to him.
Shame your daughter can't do it - minimum ages seem a bit all over the place. Most 10ks seem to be 15 but some are 16 or 17??
He intends to run Hastings Half at 17 but he has to be accompanied and I'm pretty certain I won't keep up 😊
We haven't done junior parkrun in ages. I think Daniel started to feel a little self conscious as he was usually the oldest one there. He feels much more comfortable in adult races.
There seems to be a point at which girls stop running - there's lots of little ones in junior parkrun but very few of secondary school age. Olivia obviously still wants to run which is great x
Well done, it is a great event but as you say it is very busy. Last year I stayed on the saturday night and walked to the start, so nice and relaxing to travelling down. This year I drove to gosport and got the ferry over which worked well. I think I will be back next year hoping for the elusive sub 1hr.40.
It was busy wasn’t it Whatsapp, but Dexy5 and I learned a lesson from the Bristol 10k and started further forward in our wave than we did there. At Bristol we had to dodge around loads of walkers - often walking astride - from the off, but not yesterday. Had to dodge lots of water bottle tops by one of the water stations though!
I quite like cutting round people and picking them off. I gives me something to aim for. But there was a few occasions where I was completely hemmed in with nowhere to go.
Lovely event. Just have to allow yourself more time around the event. I normally don't like hanging around. Get in and get out, but thats not going to happen at an event like this where the elites were finishing before we had even set off!
Well done on a great run. The logistics of non local, large events are a real headache and I find that's a major stress for me. I did the opposite at GSR last year - got every where way too early and had too much hanging around on my own. Where possible, local is the way to go 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the event Whatsapp and well done on a PB! I love this event (having done it twice) and although my back prevented me running it this year, I aim to be back in the fray next year! 🙂
Oh well done! Getting hemmed in is a pain, I always feel so frustrated but there’s not a lot you can do. But it doesn’t seem to have got in your way too much here 🙂
Large scale events (GSR is 20,000 entries) bring loads of challenges you don’t normally think about. The GSR is logistically easy for me as I live 5 minutes from the start line, but I certainly found the similarly sized London Vitality 10k a logistical challenge (particularly loo queues). And it stayed crowded right through.
Absolutely. I have done a fair few now, but they have all been smaller, or at least local enough that I have a good knowledge of the roads, routes in and out.
It is the biggest 10 mile race in the world I believe they said (or at least the UK if not). Come to think of it I couldn't actually name anothe 10 mile run 🙂
I wish there were more though. I think it could easily become me favourite distance.
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My HUHM 10k Great Bristol Run
