Newbury Racecourse 5k, 10k & Half Marathon

Good late-notice amendments to the plan. A week out from the start, Storm Ciara was forecast and it was clear that running - and even travelling - conditions would be pretty awful. My initial thought was that the race should have been postponed, with money returned for those who could not make it, and I was in two minds as to whether it would even be safe to drive to the event. The organisers decided to go ahead however and, once I had concurred my initial suspicions that they were putting financial gain ahead of runner safety, I decided to give it a go. I am glad I did. The conditions were truly awful and among the worst I have encountered in 35 years of running. That said, the organisers had done everything they possibly could to deliver the event. They moved registration into the Racecourse Buildings, to offer shelter (and because the normal inflatable tents would have blown away), and came up with some sensible alternatives such as holding the briefs indoors and limiting the time spent outside for the warm-up). What really made the race was the positive approach of the marshals and race coordinators. As the conditions worsened to storm-force winds, biting rain and lightning, the enthusiasm of the marshals seemed to grow in inverse proportion to the awfulness of the weather. For their support alone, this race deserves a 5-star review! The goody-bag was the usual high quality, with a themed medal, delicious flap-jacks and drinks to replenish stocks, the parking was plentiful and free, and the toilets were well-placed and acceptable... even for an emergency stop during the race! All in all, I am glad the organisers went ahead... as I now have a new "That's nothing... one time, at Newbury Racecourse..." story to bore all more fellow runners with!