This month's Weston Prom Series race was run in memory of Dave Jones, who the series is named after, as he sadly passed away this week. The former Weston Athletic Club chairman created the series 40 years ago and could often be found on the side-lines spectating and cheering on runners. Despite the sombre occasion the sixth instalment of the series saw a strong turnout from all the local clubs.
After weeks of wet weather we had a much welcomed dry evening (it did rain briefly in the warm up though because we can't seem to have a whole day of no rain!). There was a very strong wind which I seem to report every month and isn't surprising given it is on the coast but this month saw us battle a particularly tricky headwind for half of the race (which did mean we got a nice tailwind too!). Despite the windy conditions there were some strong performances!
After reverting back to the traditional two lap course for the January race, the February race was once again ran on the two lap course. When it is windy I usually prefer the three lap course as it means shorter stretches of headwind but it's the same conditions for everyone so everyone is battling the same conditions.
On the start line it looked like it would be a pretty competitive race up the front so I decided I would start conservatively and hold my pace. The race started with Tom Webb (Wells City Harriers), Adam Holland (Tavistock AC) and one other runner (who's name I've forgotten, apologies!) set off into the headwind very quickly and opening up a gap. I hung back but found myself in no-man's land between the lead group and a big chase group behind me.
After the first turn we had a tailwind and I could see the lead group had broken up. Tom was gradually pulling away from the other two who were dropping back. I caught and overtook one runner and then started chasing down Adam who I caught shortly after. I made sure to open up a gap and pull away from Adam with Tom and the lead bike a stretch ahead of me. At the next turn I saw that the chase group had caught the two runners I'd overtaken.
I was locked into a pace I felt I could hold and ran the rest of the race on my own in second place with Tom too far ahead to catch and gradually increasing the gap to the chase group behind me. The chase group had around 10 runners in it until the last mile when it really split and those with something left pulled away. I finished the race feeling strong in second place.
Looking back at my splits I was very happy with my race as my fastest two miles were miles 4 and 5. This was my best performance at the Weston Prom Series since last May and the strongest I have felt in a long time. Things have been building nicely since Christmas which is down to consistent running, regular gym work and solid sessions. I keep telling myself not to get carried away and try to push harder because what I'm doing is working and I don't want any self-inflicted setbacks.
Tom Webb (Wells City Harriers) won the race in a very strong 24:53, I came second in 25:47 and David Thurlbeck (Southville RC) pulled away from the chase group for third in 26:40. The women's race was won by Hannah Taunton (Taunton AC) in 29:30 followed by Penny Guess (Southville RC) in 30:19 and Hannah Green (Bristol & West AC) in 31:54. In total there were 257 finishers. Full results are now online. Well done to all who raced!
The Weston Prom Run Series races start and finish just outside Revo Kitchen on the seafront where registration and the presentations take place. Kinisi Run Hub also have a pop-up shop inside Revo at each fixture. 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 Weston Prom Run Series race! Kinisi Run Hub are proud to be supporting such a great event and I can’t wait for the next race of the series in March!
If you are interested in taking part then keep an eye on the Weston AC event page. There are also 1 mile junior races.