Want to get your fitness back on track? Sign up for the Surrey Half Marathon. Jane McGowan has her childhood memories on the run...
To say that I have found running late in life is something of an understatement. Even at school, I was never one of those ruddy-faced, strong-thigh types whose mud-splattered shoes flew deftly round the cross-country course. Rather, I was the one at the back, chronically asthmatic, a little overweight and keeping company with the underage smokers.
Fast-forward (ahem)
30 years or so and the tide has turned. A while ago, I found myself struggling into spandex to embark upon the NHS Change4Life Couch to 5K plan: a programme for beginners aimed at creating stamina, with runs building up from one minute to 30 minutes in duration.
Yes, three times a week, for nine weeks, I ventured out in the rain, wind and hail with only DJ Jo Whiley – one of the programme’s training ‘voices’ – for company. Gasping for breath, I would strive valiantly to stay active for a few hellish minutes, while Jo calmly whispered timings in my ear.
But then, on Easter Sunday 2018, the suffering and self-discipline paid off: at the grand old age of 47, I completed my first ever 5km run. Believe me, it was one of the very best moments of my life.
With the programme completed, however, the key thing is to keep up the good work – perhaps by entering a race. And, as luck would have it, we have one of the finest on our doorstep: the Mercer Surrey Half Marathon.
One of the biggest events in the amateur running calendar, the ‘Surrey Half’ (with 5km option) takes place this year on March 8, starting and ending at Woking Leisure Centre and covering 13.1 miles of closed roads via Sutton Green and Whitmoor Common.
Among the flattest courses in the South East, the scenic route is popular with club runners looking for a personal best, while the well-surfaced, even terrain makes it an ideal first competitive 5km for the outright novice.
“The event is multi-award-winning and it’s all based on reviews people have posted after the race,” explains event manager Hollie Light.
“The timing is also key. Not only should it be a bit more pleasant weather-wise, but a lot of people who have entered the Brighton or London Marathons use our run as a warm-up, as it helps them gauge pace and fitness levels.”
Now in its seventh year, the Surrey Half attracts some 5,000 runners, with a further 500 signing up for the 5km and 500 more for the children’s race. Support from local residents and businesses is excellent.
“There is a really good atmosphere – thousands come out to cheer and we have live music and DJs around the course,” says Hollie. “We also link up with nearby businesses as much as possible, and the event has so far raised around £400,000 for charity.”
This year, the team has striven to make the run green with a raft of environmentally-friendly innovations, such as fewer plastic bottle stations, more bicycle escorts – rather than motorcycles – and a hybrid lead vehicle.
“We’ll be trialling compostable cups and encouraging runners to manage their own water supplies by using refillable water bottles and packs,” says Hollie.
In addition, the Surrey Half prides itself on its pre- and post-race offer to runners, which includes a meditation session for nervous runners in the build-up to the event and a yoga class at the end. There is a warm-up with Weybridge-based wellbeing guru Fit with Frank, plus a wealth of food and drink options for runners and their supporters in the onsite ‘village’.
“It really is an amazing day. And there is still time to get involved. We have free training plans for all abilities. Once you’ve entered, just download your plan to ensure that you are run ready.
“It’s a great New Year’s resolution. And all those who complete the run – whichever distance – get a huge medal.”
The 2020 Mercer Surrey Half Marathon (Mar 8) is sponsored by GlucoRX, Halstead School, Synergy Physiotherapy, Freedom Leisure and Fitstuff and is raising money for charities Harrison’s Fund and Woking & Sam Beare Hospice. To find out more or to register, visit: surreyhalfmarathon.co.uk