This was an inaugural Half held in conjunction with the well-established Marathon and '10in10' (10 marathons in 10 days). The half is almost entirely on closed roads (out-and back on the first quarter of the marathon course) which made conditions far safer and more enjoyable than the 10in10ers had endured for their first 9 days.
The organisation was excellent, particularly by northern standards, and I would have said the weather was perfect had I not heard some Scottish accents complaining about the unaccustomed heat!
I was delighted to go faster than I have done for 4 years but I think the organisers were a bit surprised that the fastest local runner award went to a geriatric Bedford Harrier.
Deservedly and not surprisingly, the big cheers were reserved for Paul Dewar who had spent the days preceding his successful 10in10 by cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats AND BACK and swimming the length of Lake Windermere. That's a bit like 10 Ironmans in three weeks - all to raise money in support of Brathay's work with disadvantaged youngsters.