Paddock Wood Half Marathon   30/3/08

Two weeks before London and pretty flat this has become one of the most popular events in the south with over 1600 finishers. NEJ had 20 on the start line which was a tremendous effort by the lads and lasses in green. The weather conditions were initially fairly miserable and it appeared that we were in for a soaking, but things soon improved making for good running conditions.

The first mile was quite congested so there was much light hearted banter amongst the competitors, as always the usual “I’m only jogging round today” changed and very soon people were vying for position and the normal competitive nature of all runners regardless of ability had resumed. 

I started with Peter Cane and Keith (the runner bean) Unitt and for a quarter of a mile or so took them both to the cleaners then they eased passed and that was the last I saw of them. Apparently this inter club rivalry took a turn for the worst with Keith sneaking up behind Pete in the final stretch and they crossed the line together either fighting or holding hands, the jury is out until the photographic evidence is available. Disciplinary measures might be required.

Meanwhile back to the race, the hunt was on for Joe Cleverly affectionately known as the Silly Old Sod, now Joe is training for the London Marathon to commemorate his Grandfathers achievement in winning a Gold Medal at the 1908 Olympic Games in London. We had chatted during the week regarding his tactics for this race as the Marathon is only 2 weeks away. Joe had obviously consumed too much coffee and brandy during our conversations as 5 miles into the race I noticed his familiar gait and unmistakeable legs about 100 metres ahead. I eventually caught him at just over 6 miles and said “Joe old boy are you not going a bit quick” he replied “yes” and continued finishing in 1.46 winning the over 70 prize and clocking up an age PB in the process. He really is a remarkable silly old sod. 

As I reached the 12 mile marker I could just see Nigel Kent who had flown out of the blocks and was now suffering for the early pace, for those who are unaware of Nigel’s race plans he generally does this. Anyway thanks mate for giving me the energy to push the last mile.  

At the finish the sea of green began to congregate to cheer in our own and of course the other runners particularly the familiar faces that we had all got to know on the circuit. The 2 commentators in a little caravan were full of witticisms and banter and were renamed after Stuart Hall and Eddie Warring from the 70’s programme Its a Knock Out. By the time I arrived at this gathering there was already a few from the club home, my very own ball and chain Janet being the first and taking 3^rd place in the over 45 age group well done to her again!  Pete and the Runner Bean were still discussing their on-going rivalry as the joggers started to come through thick and fast. Some of our more mature runners and lets be fair most of us are getting that way are quite extraordinary, Steve Jahans and Ian Bartlett are not in the flush of youth and both posted incredible times. I won’t mention John Leach as he is not impressed when referred to as mature (whoops ! I just did). Julie Unitt with Marie Jerner just behind both looked like they had been on a shopping trip, hair coiffured and not a bead of sweat between them. Another more mature athlete attempted to overtake Maxine metres from the finish then he must have noticed the elbows and aborted his mission. Full results are on the results page and this being a grand Prix event the league tables have been updated. Joe Cleverly scored over 80% on the age related value and that is fantastic. There were PB’s all over the place and all 20 had done the club proud as was pointed out on several occasions by the commentary team. Well done to PWAC and the organising team on a job well done.  Next stop London and good luck to all competing.

Dave