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ASICS HADDINGTON HALF MARATHON, EAST LOTHIAN

SATURDAY 8th AUGUST 2009

Neil storming to a PB and a new ERN best half marathon time.

A lovely warm day saw Neil Page, Fiona Melvin and Murdo Macleod turn up for this lovely rural half marathon. A field of approximately 250 athletes registered and set out from Nielson Park following quiet country 'B' class roads to the south of Haddington before returning to the start area. The organisers say that is a very scenic, undulating route with a sharp hill at 0.25 miles, a long hill at 3.5 miles, a sharp hill at 7 and 9.5 miles and that there are also long flat sections. Although the course is described as undulating it boasts one of the fastest times in the country with a course record of 63 min 31 sec.

Well, it certainly was scenic and well organised, humply but fast, with Neil managing an impressive PB. The route was well marshalled with water stops every 2-3 miles and there was tea and sandwiches awaiting the runners at the end. Unusually, the race is on a Saturday and starts at 1400 so allows a leisurely breakfast and ample time to travel, register and pick up your number. A medal but no goody bag as such but for the fee and the excellent organisation, this is well worth doing – recommended. Many thanks to Haddington and East Lothian Pacemakers (H.E.L.P) for the event and to Nicola and Rona (and the lovely Lily) for the support and photos.

Some Photos:

The start

Neil and Murdo

Neil on route

Neil entering the park at mile 13

Neil finishing in his PB time

Murdo

Fiona finishing

The ERNs with their medals

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