Bacchus Half Marathon

This is my first blog for quite some time. I have several good excuses for not blogging, some of them are even good ones. However, this blog is about running and not excuses.

This is the second year I've run the Bacchus Half Marathon. It takes in part of my most loved trail, The North Downs Way, Steve has dubbed this 'our playground'. It's where we run, laugh and sometimes cry ( that's usually me) and fall over (usually Steve).

This year it was once again very hot and we decided against running in fancy dress. I was feeling exceedingly apprehensive, my running lately has been nothing short of shambolic. But, I am still trying to get out there and run and enjoy. It's that spirit that encompasses the Bacchus, fun and enjoyment. Based on the Marathon du Medoc, you can run a half or full marathon and whilst you run you can enjoy a 'taster' of local Denbies wines on the way round.

I set off adamant to be hardcore and not drink the wine. This lasted till the second water station, where I sampled a wee drop of something grapey! The water stations were absolutely fantastic, each stop was more like a picnic with water, fruit, crisps, jelly babies and wine! My pace was slow, but I kept running on the hills, much to the surprise of people as I puffed past.

The views from the Bacchus, are stunning and really not to be missed, a great reward after running up the side of Ranmore common. The marshalls were all friendly and cheery and very encouraging, even when by the last station, some runners were clearly a little merry!

I completed the half in a smidge under 3 hours, and whilst it's not an epic time, I am pleased I did it. I am also delighted that after sampling at least 4 wine stops I was still able to run. Never again can I use the excuse, 'Oh I've just had a glass of wine- I can't run'. Next year, I'd love to run with a friend, drink more wine, dress up and enjoy the day with someone else... All applications gratefully received :o)

Thanks to the Events to Live team for another fun, well organised event, (although halfway up the hill I heard someone say they should be called 'Events that make you die' ).