Where Windsor, Berkshire
When September 24, 2006
First Man Tomas Abyu 1:06:25
First Woman Lucy Hasell 1:15:26
Last Finisher 3:34:07
No. of finishers 3,769
You'd have to run laps around the Queen's banqueting table to find an event more regal than this. With Lord Coe firing the starting pistol, royal horse manure dotting the route and Windsor Castle gazing upon the start and finish, this was a half-marathon designed to make any passing tourist weep with joy.
The 25th Windsor Half-Marathon was no walk in the (Windsor Great) Park, though. A 1pm start on an unseasonably hot September day, combined with harsh Tarmac hills and a busy first couple of miles, left many runners feeling hot and bothered - but spirits and paces lifted once the crowd thinned out and the route began to wind through the shady forest.
Ankle chips and clear mile markers helped everyone keep an eye on their times but this was not a day to be looking for a PB. The heat and hills claimed few casualties, but many would still welcome an earlier start time to avoid these ever-warmer September afternoons.
Water stations were well-manned and just frequent enough, and the enthusiastic marshals and carnival atmosphere - complete with a fun run for youngsters along the Long Walk - made for a memorable day out.
