Bring your handicap down with a half marathon this weekend

It may feel and look like winter but the spring race calendar gets underway this weekend with several half marathons set to test runners preparing for their spring targets

The Essar Four Villages Half Marathon that starts and finishes in Helsby, Cheshire has attracted entries from all over the country as have the Brass Monkey Half Marathon in York and the Inskip Derby Arms Half Marathon.

The York racecourse, just south of the historical York city, provides the start and finish arena for the Brass Monkey Half Marathon. The event is promoted by the friendly York Knavesmire Harriers and supported by Up and Running and Sport Systems along with the City of York council.

Renowned as one of the fastest and flattest half marathons in January, this year is again to see the 2000 runners add to their runbritain profiles and improve many handicap scores. 

Last years winner, Yared Hagos (Wallsend) and Felicity Milton (Woodford Green) finished in respectable times of 66-42 and 77-50. Felicity took her handicap score down to 2.7 with her run. This year local runner Becky Penty is expected to feature as she returns from injury having previously impressed with best times of 75-01 for the half marathon and 2-36-19 for the marathon. Becky has a current handicap score of 2.5 but before her injury was down at 0.4

The event, now in its 31st year, is famed for it's warm and friendly atmosphere, encouraging marshals and efficient organisation.

The route is fast and flat, heading southwards through Bishopthorpe, Acaster Selby, Appleton Roebuck and back through Bishopthorpe to finish behind the York Racecourse grandstands.

Final details are listed

http://www.yorkknavesmireharriers.co.uk/images/2012BMRaceInstruction19.10.pdf

Good luck to all half marathoners this weekend!