On Thursday I ran the fourth race of the 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!

The December fixture usually has a solid turnout with many runners wanting to get a runout before the holiday period and this year’s edition was no different. Most the local clubs were represented and up towards the front there were some strong runners.

The conditions were decent for this month’s race. It was a little bit wet with some off and on rain but it didn’t rain during the race which was good. However, it was quite windy which is typical for Weston being on the coast but never makes things any easier. On the start line, the race organiser announced that there were 27 mile-per-hour winds which is not exactly what you want to hear before you start!

Like all races this series, this one took place on the three lap course usually only used during the November and December fixtures but a permanent feature this year due to construction work on the prom.

As I reported in my blog a couple of weeks ago about the November fixture I was on a comeback after being injured 3 months over the summer but since the October race have had a number of setbacks. This meant my fitness is not where I want it to be but it’s all part of the sport and I am running which is the most important thing.

On the start line I could see it was going to be a competitive race up the front so decided to hang back and try to build as the race went on. The race started quick and there was a rare front group rather than a solo runner or two. Ben Robinson (Bristol & West AC), Ben Rawlins (Westbury Harriers), Matthew Fuller (North Somerset AC) and David Awde (Bristol & West AC) all went off quite hard. I hung back and formed a chasing group with a few of the North Somerset boys.

I didn’t get too carried away at the start and my first mile was my fastest but only by a few seconds and all of my mile splits were fairly consistent which shows me I paced it sensibly. I am a long way off where I have been in previous fixtures but it was a good runout and will definitely bring me on. I was a bit quicker than the November race 2 weeks ago so that is encouraging. My plan is still to get in some consistent running through until the end of the year and then hopefully push on in January to really target some spring racing.

Up the front it was another competitive race with Ben Robinson (Bristol & West AC) taking the win in a quick 24:52. He was followed by Ben Rawlins (Westbury Harriers) in 25:50 and Matthew Fuller (North Somerset AC) in 25:57. The women’s race was won by Deborah Bruce (Bristol & West AC) in 28:20 with Hannah Taunton (Taunton AC) taking second in 29:46 and Ellen Weir (Thames Hare & Hounds) third in 29:57. In total there were 238 finishers. Full results here. Well done to all who raced!

The 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 January!

If you are interested in taking part then keep an eye on the Weston AC event page here. There are also 1 mile junior races.