Race report by Dave Phillips.
What a superb event this-my 1st CV half. The start is at the entrance of the most beautiful ancient Compton Verney Manor (between Wellesbourne and Kineton) then off we went through the grounds past the lakes and rivers to the road to Kineton. This was all uphill so was this a start of what was to come? Yes for the 3 Massey runners and c300 others.
The route was up and down a lot as it meandered along small country lanes through lovely villages.
Tempo Events the organisers had put water on at every 2 miles + iced lollies at 9 so well done the organisers.
I was most fortunate that my friend Martine who runs Kids Run Free and is the organiser on next Sunday’s Leamington half marathon was cycling round the course and accompanied me for many miles chatting about this, that and the other (the other being was that what used to take me sub 1.30 now takes 3.0 hrs. “Don’t worry” she said “you now get double value for money”. Thanks Martine!
Eventually at 11 we got back into Kineton but the hill up to 12 was an absolute killer and falling backwards was a real possibility it was so steep. Then the Manor House grounds were in sight and a wonderful finish past the lakes to the Manor where the finish line beckoned us all.
This must rate as one of the best halves and out of my 358 it’s right up there at the top of the list.
However to add insult to injury on the long hill at 12 a car came down and a voice shouted “cum on Dave”. It was Peter Paprika who had finished ages ago and was on his way to the pub in Kineton. Still your round Pete then.
Massey time: Dave Phillips 3 hrs 6 min.