Sheffield Half Marathon, 23 Mar 2025

I was feeling a bit apprehensive before Sheffield Half Marathon as I'd only run one other half in the last 9 years. I was plagued by colds and coughs in January and February so I really wasn't sure I was in good shape to take on a hilly half marathon, though we did manage to get some hill training done in the weeks leading up to the race. There is a big incline in the first half of the race so I decided to keep a good but steady pace up the long hill and then push it in the second half when I'd have a bit of downhill assistance! The plan was going fine until about 4 or 5 miles to go when I really started to feel it so I grimaced round the rest of the course as best I could. Despite this, it was great to do my hometown half, the support was brilliant and I got a high five and cheer from my eldest little one. I finished in 1:28:57 and second FV40 so now I've got something to beat next year!

Laura Allen