Cheltenham Running Festival Half Marathon, 13 Jun 2021

Having only raced the weekend before, entering was a last minute decision! I entered into the half marathon and having last raced this distance back in April 2019, with very minimal training. I knew that I was prepared for this race having ran my furthest distance just over 2 weeks prior to this event - thanks to Tim for progressing me up to running for 2 hours, and changing my training around at the last minute for this race!

Running on the hottest day of the year didn't make the run as enjoyable as I hoped, but the marshals around the course were absolutely amazing and the spectators as well.

The course was 4 laps over a mixed terrain around Cheltenham racecourse. I found the first 2 laps really good - I was maintaining a comfortable pace and set for a good time, however I didn't take on enough water in those first 2 laps. So until I got to the water station it was a struggle, but from that point onwards I made sure that I took enough water on keeping myself hydrated.

Overall I finished 54th overall, 4th female and 3rd in my category. Now knowing the course, I'm hoping to go back in September and beat my time.

Naomi Dibb