Cambridge Half-Marathon, 9th March 2025
Aoife Campbell and Lynne Cornell were both representing Claremont in this one. For Aoife it was a home town run with family and friends that she had been much looking forward to. She ran well in the unseasonably hot weather, though commented that it was “Not the time I wanted but a lovely day all in all”.
Lynne Cornell was there as a running tourist, and also posted a very good time. Lynne sends her usual thorough account:
“It was early in 2024 when my friend Susan (the other half of the Green Goddess paint throwing duo) said she could quite fancy doing the Cambridge half marathon. She grew up here, so in August we duly applied for our race places and booked our accommodation.
The months passed quickly and we found ourselves arriving in Cambridge last Wednesday, spending a very pleasant few days exploring the city, Susan visiting places from her childhood.
The weather was spectacular, especially for March. We managed to fit in Coldham’s Common parkrun too. Sunday morning the sun was still shining, and fuelled by a Premier Inn breakfast we set off to the start at Midsummer Common. Bags dropped off, we went to the start where Susan and I went our separate ways as she was in a different start zone to me.
The start seemed chaotic as everyone in start zones A to G seemed to be together. However it seemed to work and soon we were off, and I appeared to be in roughly the right position. It was already very warm and even I didn’t have the usual hat and gloves on.
The first few miles weaves its way through the city centre along roads and streets we had explored during the previous few days. I shan’t list them all, although Susan could and did when she got back! We also went through the grounds of 3 colleges which was lovely: St. John’s, Trinity and Kings.
The first water stop (much needed) was in the grounds of St. John’s. In cups though, so no scope for carrying any with you. After about 5 miles the route took us out of the city and into the countryside along The Fen Causeway and Barton Road to the villages of Grantchester and Trumpington. Water stop 2 at 6 miles was very much needed with the sun beating down and no opportunity to head for shade as there had been in the city.
Through Grantchester, which is a beautiful village with a pretty church, lots of pubs and The Orchard Tea Garden, where we had been carb-loading on scones a few days earlier. Then onto Trumpington and a water stop (now desperate!) at mile 9. Some kind people in Trumpington handing out ice pops apparently, although I didn’t see them.
Then along Trumpington Road back into the City centre, where we weaved our way through narrow streets and the grounds of Jesus College back to the finish at Midsummer Common. Waiting for us was a decent medal, a t-shirt that fits and a delicious cold alcohol free beer.
Collected bag and went to the meeting point to find husband (mine!) who wasn’t impressed with the lack of chocolate in the goodie bag! Sat in glorious sunshine waiting for Susan, who arrived soon after. She did great, and most importantly really enjoyed the whole experience.
Just wondering where she fancies next?!!!
Well done to the other Claremonter Aoife, who finished in a great time. I didn’t see her as she was way ahead of me!”
| Position | Runner | Time |
| 1694 | Aoife Campbell | 1:35:53 |
| 4083 | Lynne Cornell | 1:49:56 |
