On Thursday I raced the seventh 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.
It was an incredibly mild March evening which led to very good race conditions. It was also still light when we arrived which was the first time since the first or second fixture and definitely a nice change. There was a very nice sunset over the coastline which put everybody in a good mood.
The start was delayed by about 5 minutes because there was a group of bikers blocking the promenade outside the Grand Pier. However, they were soon cleared and we could get started. There was a strong turnout and everyone was in good spirits due to the good weather. It was a more competitive race this month with a fairly strong field showing up.
As he has done in other fixtures Adam Tango Holland (Tavistock AC) set a very quick early pace from the start and he was closely followed by David Awde (Bristol & West AC). I have started to expect this quick start so realised it was best to run my own race and held back at a pace I felt I could maintain for the 5 mile course.
After about 1 mile I closed in on Adam and David and drew level with them. I ran with them for a little while but just before we got to the second turnaround point I started to pull away as I was maintaining my pace and they were slowing slightly.
I kept my pace going and managed to extend the gap as we went into the second lap. I continued to grow my lead in the second lap and had to dig towards the end but held on for the win. I felt strong but definitely had to work in the second lap. A few others commented that it felt like the wind increased in the second lap and I would agree with them but overall it was very good racing conditions.
I won the race in 25:18 followed by David Awde (Bristol & West AC) in 26:07 and Adam Tango Holland (Tavistock AC) in 26:27. Charlotte Taylor (Bristol & West AC) ran a very strong race to finish fifth overall and first female in 26:43. Penny Guess (Southville RC) finished second in 31:11 and Alice Smith (Weston AC) finished third in 31:43. In total there were 187 finishers. Full results here.
The race starts and finishes just outside Revo Kitchen on the seafront where registration and the presentation also 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 Prom Run! Kinisi Run Hub are proud to be supporting such a great event and I can’t wait for the next one in April!
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.
