RW Race Report - Leek Half-Marathon

Posted: 8 February 2007

Where Leek, Staffordshire
When August 27, 2006
First Man Nick Leigh 1:15:46
First Woman Michelle Buckle 1:28:59

Runners come back to the Leek Half-Marathon year after year, attracted by the great scenery and the challenge of a hilly course.

Perfect weather at this year's race on August 27 guaranteed great views from the top of the hills over the Staffordshire moors, as well as good crowd support for a rural race.

There was some debate about what was worse: slogging up the many hills or suffering on the downhills, but at least the tough course generated good camaraderie among the runners.

Nick Leigh suffered the least (or perhaps the most) winning in 1:15:46, while first lady was Michelle Buckle in 1:28:59.

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Discuss this article

Helen Rowlinson 4

Please could someone tell me how to get the route for the Leek half? I only have a rough idea but would like to familiarise myself properly. Thank you
Posted: 10/07/2007 at 13:43

DazTheSlug

http://www.staffsmoorlands-ac.co.uk/leekhalf.html
Posted: 10/07/2007 at 14:25

Helen Rowlinson 4

Thank you - 3 entries on there way!!!!
Posted: 10/07/2007 at 14:48

DazTheSlug

It does look very tempting actually...
I'm doing the Lake Vyrnwy Half, which is 2 weeks after Leek,
but I suppose I could just go steadily round as a final long training run...
<hmmmmm>

Posted: 10/07/2007 at 15:40

Ultra Hamster

Oh yes, I did it last year, its a lovely route. Remember to do some downhill training because a lot of the last 6 miles is downhill (most of the first 8 is of course uphill).
Posted: 11/07/2007 at 11:11

Tony Dobbin

what goes upmost come down!!!
Posted: 16/08/2007 at 22:41

Peter Mannion

How hilly is this course ? is there any chance of a PB ?
Posted: 16/08/2007 at 22:43

Helen Rowlinson 4

Hi -I ran this route last weekend - you have absolutley NO chance of a PB!!! However it is the prettiest run I have EVER done. You will almost certainly get the feel good factor when you come over the finish line - leave some fuel in the tank for the final 1/2 mile - a steep uphill to the finish. Your return route is the 1st 3.5 miles from the Lazy Trout. Best of luck and most of all dont worry about time just ENJOY !!!!
Posted: 17/08/2007 at 08:06

Jean Jeanie

I'm doing this tomorrow too! I'm not great on hills and I've spent much of the week thinking 'Gawd this is gonna kill me'. I'll try and think about how good the views are rather than the pain! 'Don't worry about the time and just enjoy' sounds like good advice. I'm doing the Chicago marathon in October and I'm just going to put this down as a tough training run.

Looking forward to it....I think!

Posted: 25/08/2007 at 11:44