Valencia Half Marathon, 22nd October 2023

Another weekend, another race for Lynne Cornell, this time a bit further away than Yorkshire:

This is a race I’ve been looking forward to for several months and it didn’t disappoint. Physio instructions were to go and enjoy it and not go mad which is exactly what I did. Friday saw me collect my race number, t-shirt and goodie bag number 1. I thought it was good, but Steve disappointed with lack of chocolate!

Sunday morning I left the apartment at 7:30 to walk to the start – only a mile and plenty of others going in the same direction. It was a bit chilly (13 degrees) so I had an old sweatshirt to leave at the start.  Others had puffa jackets, beanies and gloves – normally me!

There are 9 starting groups depending on anticipated finishing time, and I was near the back in group 8. Group 1 started at 8.25, but different to the GNR in that you don’t have to be in your pen when the first group set off. We were due to start at 8.55 and most people seemed to arrive at 8.54! A perfect day for running-16 degrees, cloud and a gentle breeze.

Then we were off – a lovely route around a lovely city, with so many crowds lining the route shouting “Vamos”. Water points and Aquarius (bit like lucozade sport) points every 5k, plus roller skating paramedics. Loads of bands and music on the route. At mile 12 I saw Steve who had been tracking me.

The final mile was amazing-the crowds were unbelievable. Collected my medal and then goodie bag number 2. A strange experience! You were given an empty cloth bag and moved along the counters. Water, energy drink, orange juice, chocolate protein drink, a banana, a packet of 3 persimmons (!) and a coin. Steve again not happy about the lack of chocolate!!!! I was delighted to get round and enjoy it especially as I wasn’t sure after the Redcar half if I would be able to make it.

Now looking to which overseas half I can do next year!!!!

Both the men’s and women’s Spanish records were broken in the elite race, but Lynne can be proud of a finishing time of 1:53:10, finding her way back to fitness!