Arbroath Half Marathon
29 September 2024
It’s a curious distance the half marathon. It’s a prolonged level of discomfort, and not one I’m particularly keen on. That said, I felt like I needed a race to keep motivation levels up and this seemed to fit the bill.
Now in its second year, the Arbroath half has the potential to be a great wee race but it’s not quite there yet. The organisers are very keen to iron out any concerns, and there are a couple of sticking points that need attention.
Starting from Victoria Park near the Arbroath cliffs, it’s an uphill start, climbing gradually for about 3 miles, dropping back down towards the halfway point before making your way back. It’s not quite out and back. other than the first and last couple of miles, more a figure of 8 and it’s a pleasant route on quiet country roads.
About those sticking points. Although largely a road half, there’s a tricky off-road section less than a mile in that lasts for about half a mile. Runners also encounter this section on the return. It’s challenging in that it’s stoney and uneven, narrowing to grass, before meeting back up with the road. It’s energy sapping on the way out and ankle twisting on the return. There’s another off-road section about 6 miles in lasting for roughly a mile. It’s spongy, grassy, narrow in parts and goes on for too long.
Issue two is the water stations. The first is at 3 miles, then again at 7 miles, with the third being a return to the first. Great, except they’re not manned so there were cups still in the wrapper and a tank with a dispenser. On the return the third station was manned which was a relief as I wasn’t in the mood for faffing about at the self-service and was desperate for a water.
The challenging route and lack of water resulted in a slower than expected time for me but a small field meant that I was fourth female so I shouldn’t grumble but if the organisers manage to iron out the sticking points, I’ll be back and I highly recommend others give it a bash too.