Race Report Meadows Half Marathon by Kathryn Fairfield
I was hoping to finally get a chance to run Smokies 10 Mile race in 2025 but unfortunately it didn’t end up going ahead. With this weekend earmarked on my marathon training plan for a race the closest two options were Lasswade 10 or something at The Meadows Marathon series, hosted by Edinburgh Uni. The options were a 5km, 10km, half marathon, full marathon or relay. I opted for the half which was 9 anti clockwise loops around The Meadows with a turning point up Middle Meadow Walk each loop.
My race prep wasn’t ideal with a couple of niggly health issues but Sunday 3 March arrived and I set off for Edinburgh for the weirdest start time I’ve experienced – 1.20pm!
Registration was at the Edinburgh Futures Institute and as Kenny and I walked along in that direction I got a good nosy at the marathon and 10km runners who were all mid race. The wind was strong and i realised this was going to be a bit problematic for even pacing. As I walked up Middle Meadow Walk I realised that the incline was worse than I remembered and you could see all the runners really slowing down as they climbed up. I made note of where my turning point was which was a sign attached to a cone – high tech!
With ten minutes to go I was brave enough to take my trackies off and brave the biting cold wind. I warmed up (well jumped about for 2/3 mins) and then finally took off my hoody and went to the start. A quick count down and we were off. As predicted the wind on the way out before the first turn was strong, as you then went diagonally across the park you got a wee bit respite, straight along the Melville Drive side was a chance to put the foot down before turning back into the wind and then up the incline. Lap 1 done! Just repeat another 8 times!
As you’d imagine on a Sunday the whole area was extremely busy with entrants, supporters, dog walkers, families, folk playing rounders, Deliveroo drivers and umpteen other people and groups. There were marshalls at key ‘junctions’ in the park who generally managed to keep the runners flowing with ease, and I only had to jump for cover a couple of times. There were two water stations and also some lively groups of students on ‘the hilly bit’ handing out sweets and general encouragement.
The laps ticked over ok helped by my playlist and also having Kenny, Bramble dog and a few others there to support me. By lap 7 I was sick of the wind which had picked up and even blown some cones over, and also sick of the hill! I realised on lap 8 I was probably not going to PB so just concentrated on getting it finished so I could go for a hot chocolate with family and friends!
In the end I was a minute off my PB but still pleased with my time and the overall race experience was better than I thought it would be! Logistics are easy, nice toilets at the start, convenient to get to, if you like loops or can at least just get in ‘the zone’ then this could be an event for you.
The medal is fantastic and is made from recycled bottle tops. The tshirt is fine but – time for a running rant – it is unisex….or a man’s tshirt if they are being honest. I could’ve said no to a tshirt but haven’t done an event for ages so opted for one which I won’t personally be doing again unless race organisers offer female fit.