On Thursday I raced the fifth race of nine 5 mile races in the Dave Jones Prom Run Series organised by Weston Athletic Club. These are flat, quick road races along the prom of the Weston-Super-Mare seafront. Kinisi Run Hub are excited to be sponsoring this great series.
This month’s race had some of the best conditions yet. It was bitterly cold but there wasn’t too much wind for once. With it being the seafront there is always going to be some wind but it was relatively still. The temperature was sitting just above freezing but the wind chill made it feel below freezing.
The course was back to the standard two laps out-and-back course after the last two races were the alternate three lap course. It is nice having less laps but mentally I find it more difficult because the straights are very long and you can see where you have got to run to before turning around.
Most of the regular competitors turned up for this one but it wasn’t as competitive as the race before Christmas. Like in previous races, Adam Holland (Tavistock AC) set a very quick early pace so I sat back a bit and settled into a pace I knew I could hold. I gradually caught up to him and by about half way around the first lap drew level with him. I overtook and slowly started to pull away and extend my lead. It quickly turned into a race against the clock for myself.
I wasn’t looking at my watch so wasn’t sure how quick I was running. I have been a bit injured since the Clevedon Boxing Day race so haven’t done much running and wasn’t sure what sort of shape I was in. When I crossed the finish line I shocked myself with the time I ran. I clocked 25:06 to win the 5 mile race which is almost 20s quicker than I have run in any of the other races. Just shows how good the conditions were this month.
Adam Holland held on to finish second in 26:43 and Nick Roberts (Bristol & West AC) was third in 26:49. There was a very competitive race amongst the women. Charlotte Taylor (Bristol & West AC) and Chelsea Baker (Bristol & West AC) set a quick early pace and held on for very impressive times. Charlotte Taylor won in 27:11 and Chelsea Baker was second in 27:41. The women’s race is usually won in around 28:30-29:30. Jessica Heffer (Bristol & West AC) was third in 29:30. In total there were 238 finishers. Full results here.
The race starts and finishes just outside Revo Kitchen on the seafront where registration and the presentation also take place. Many runners take advantage of this and get a well deserved post-race drink and meal in the restaurant. The prom remains open during the race but there are plenty of marshals on the course to ensure any pedestrians and cyclists are aware of oncoming runners.
Well done to everyone who raced and thank you to Weston AC for organising another great Prom Run! Kinisi Run Hub are proud to be supporting such a great event and I can’t wait for the next one in February!
If you are interested in taking part you can sign up to the Weston Prom Run Series here and there are also 1 mile junior races available to sign up for here.