Where Bideford, Devon
When March 5, 2006
First Man Pete Waumsley 01:12:11
First Woman Dinah Cheverton 01:20:49
Last Finisher 02:58:45
No. of finishers 767
In 1999 the Bideford Half-Marathon had a field of about 150. This year's race saw close to 800 turn up at the start line. It's a race that's clearly gaining in popularity, and the scenery and organisation have a lot to do with that.
The downside is, of course, that it has become a little too big for some runner's tastes, and there were a few gripes this year about overcrowding at the start and a shortage of drinks on the course.
The majority of the field, though, reported a thoroughly enjoyable run over a scenic course on a gloriously sunny day. The route is generally flat, and what undulations there are are confined to the first half.
Once past those inclines, a negative split was likely for most of the field over the flat final six or so miles, much of which is spent on the Tarka Trail - inspiration of the story of Tarka the Otter.
