Bedford Half

A beautiful sunny morning greeted runners from all over the country to the Bedford Half Marathon, billed as, "The last big half of the year!"

The course is undulating and, despite the beautiful weather, had a strong headwind for the first nine miles or so.  From then on, it was mostly downhill and clam offering everyone the chance of a strong finish.

Eleven NRR members resisted the temptation of the previous night's Christmas party festivities and made their way to the start line via a well organised bus transfer service.

After working their way through the busy first mile, the field split out and everyone found their rhythm.  

Mark Kennedy  was first home for the club, completing his tenth half marathon of the year in 1:37:15.  Pete Moor was close behind in a great time of 1:38:08.

Terry Begley recorded an amazing time of exactly 1:40:00 and Roger Taylor was next in 1:42:03.

Jon Panter completed his first ever half marathon in a brilliant 1:41:52 and was followed by PB star Charlotte Yarker in 1:43:33.  Next to finish was Jo Windrum, completing her first half in 1:44:25 and Caroline Powell also scored a PB with 1:48:34 (she set a target of two hours).

Time for another PB for Jon Dilworth in 1:48:56, over 14 minutes of his previous best.  Eamon Kennedy enjoyed a great run in 1:50:21 and it was great to see Richard Gent (2:03:59) back in action.

The Bedford Half is a highly recommended event with its excellent organisation, friendly marshals and unusual souveniers, this year it was a fantastic shoe bag.  We'll be back next year for more.

265 Mark Kennedy 1:37:15
289 Pete Moor 1:38:08
348 Terry Begley 1:40:00
392 Roger Taylor 1:42:03
398 Jon Panter 1:41:52 - 1st Half
441 Charlotte Yarker 1:43:33 - PB
468 Jo Windrum 1:44:25
602 Caroline Powell 1:48:34 - PB
611 Jon Dilworth 1:48:56 - PB
650 Eamon Kennedy 1:50:21
961 Richard Gent 2:03:59