With cool temperatures and barely any wind, the conditions for the Snetterton Half Marathon (3 laps of the circuit) couldn’t have been better for the three BVH members – Michael Eccles, Simon Bales and Simon Partridge – on the start line on 17 November.
Looking for a sub-75 minute time, Michael made his intentions clear right from the off, leading from the front right from the start. And he had company for most of the first half of the race, before pulling well clear of the eventual second place finisher, Josh Holman. Michael crossed the line first, well within his target in 1:11:29 and setting a new course record.
After a 10K PB the week before, Simon Partridge was keen to test himself in his first half marathon in 18 months. It was tight throughout the 13.1 miles, with third to sixth changing hands and in close company for about 2 1/2 laps. Going into the last 400metres, Simon moved up to fourth, finishing in P4 in 1:14:45, surpassing his previous best by 4m21s and totally surprising himself.
Simon Bales was running his first half marathon for BVH and ran consistently throughout the race, to cross the line P14 (P2 40 – 49 male) in a diamond standard time and PB of 1:23:37, well ahead of his time here in 2017. A great way for Simon to end 2019!
And despite Michael, Simon and Simon not realising each other were going to be at the race, the three of them walked away with the male team prize. Well done guys – great results all round!