Its an extremely well organised event that's great fun to participate in; I've only done this one once but this year my partner's running the Bristol Half Marathon in September so I was there cheering for this race. This will be the second time he's run a Half Marathon, so since he always comes to cheer me on when I run, I'll be going to cheer him on when he runs.
Don't underestimate the role of supporters - the number of times that I've felt myself flagging and a well time shout of "you can do it!" or "not far now!" (as long as it really isn't far to go!) is incredibly appreciated and I know has made the difference between giving up, just finishing and my best ever times.
Being a spectator is enormously rewarding: the effort and dedication and (sometimes) joy you see on the runners' faces is absolutely amazing and utterly inspiring. So many running for charity - sometimes with heart wrenching photos and names of lost family and friends. All of them just trying to be better, healthier and happier than they are - just improving themselves.
Sadly, I didn't see my partner! I watched and watched and somehow he slipped past me and I missed my chance - it has happened before that I've missed him, but when I do we both feel so great afterwards. Certainly I know that when I see him, that I get a real boost and I appreciate it so much.
I'm really looking forward to supporting him in September for the Bristol Half ... even if you're not running, why not head down to the harbourside and cheer on some runners?
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| Look at how amazingly happy that chap in the background is - he's just seen his family! |
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| These girls look like they're having a great time - they've done about 9.5k at this point |
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