Northampton Half Marathon

When: Sunday 9th September, 2018 at 09:30.

Wanting to try a different half marathon this year I came across The Northampton Half Marathon.

Registration is also the ideal place for Werrington Joggers. Upstairs in the Old Bank Pub in Northampton City Centre right next to the start line!!! Registration was also open from 13:00 until 16:00 on the Saturday and from 08.00 on Race Day for those who like to leave it late.

The start area was great as it's in the Town Centre outside the pub so there are plenty of good toilets, water and places to get a pre-race coffee (or snack!).

The atmosphere was also really good where the crowds lined the street from the start line giving everyone support and encouragement.

Starting outside the pub by The Guildhall the race warm up was done by a member of the local fitness club. Although she was very energetic it definitely went on too long and most runners lost interest after a while and the ones at the back couldn’t hear her anyway!!

The half marathon also had plenty of Race Pacers but my pacer of 1hr 30 hardly said a word and he lost me at mile 7 anyway!! Not sure why they didn’t wait for me……..lol

Surprisingly I thought the course would be flat so next time I must remember to read the course profile!! It is very undulating with a monster hill at mile 7. (The amount of walkers on this hill was surprising) The downhill was however very steep and then you get another hill at mile 9!!

The race starts with a tour of Northampton's heritage. Starting at the Guildhall, touring the town centre and returning to the Guildhall before heading out of town for some picturesque countryside running. It’s quite a picturesque course once you get out of the town centre and an inspiring finish in the shadow of Delapre Abbey making a terrific backdrop for the Northampton Half Marathon.

There were mile markers at every mile however my Garmin had them out of positon at almost every mile so was pleasantly surprised to find the finish line spot on half marathon distance.

Entry Fees: Half Marathon: £28.00 for affiliated runners and £30.00 for unaffiliated. Entries on the day were £35.00 so well worth paying in advance.

Event Parking was near the finish in Delapre Country Park so ideal for tired finishers. The only issue was the 1.5 mile walk to the start but if you arrive early enough then this isn’t an issue. The walking route to the start was also well sign posted so no chances of getting lost.

There was also a bag drop facility for small bags available at the start area and as if by magic this then arrived at the finish in the car park!

Drinks & Refreshments: There was multiple aid stations around the course and in the finish area providing water, and jelly babies.

Race Goodies: Unique Custom Medal AND a commemorative top! The medal was actually really nice.

Massage: Sports massage was be available for a small fee after the race.

Would I run it again…..YES