Water of Life Half-Marathon

Absolutely one of my favourite events, this one. Great start and finish venue, lovely course. Usually lovely weather too. And a good medal. Everything going for it.

Including me - cos I'm in!

Probably going to do this for a third time - mind you, I was in Marlow last weekend and the river was way over the path, at least on the town side of the river, so a bit of dry weather continuing would be handy - the Marlow Duathlon is the weekend before this, and that runs along the riverbank path

That could be an issue, cfb. Here in Reading the river is back within its banks and at a level close to normal. But the meadows and land along the river are still sodden after the December flooding and in some places still under deep standing water. But surely it will have cleared by late March? Unless it continues to piss down, which it could well do.

not looking hopeful at the moment after the overnight rain we've just had!!

It doesn't look good at the moment, Andy. In Reading there is still deep standing water by Tesco and Thames Valley Park. It's been there for months and is just not draining away. With seven weeks to this event I just hope it gets better in time.

Hi Muttley - agree - multiple fingers are crossed this event will go ahead as planned.

Ill make sure to bring my wellies 

Is this a good half marathon to do for your first one? I have heard good things about the course.

Tayteeblue - it's a fairly easy half, on flat, mixed terrain - assuming we get a bit of dry weather, otherwise it could be like running across paddy fields for a good chunk of the time! Both times I've run it I've been about 4 minutes slower than Wokingham, which is most people's PB course around here.

Thames back up to nearly breaking its banks in Reading, ankle-deep standing water still on the fields along the river. And it's raining out. Fingers crossed.

Hoorah - I do believe it didn't rain at all today, and it wasn't even freezing cold! Ascot is about 15 miles frm Marlow, so I'm hoping the weather was similar.

A lot of the standing water along the river between Reading and Sonning has gone. Not all of it and there is now deep mud where there were lakes on some of the meadows, but overall it's an improving picture. Hopefully the same applies between Marlow and Henley.

Just had an email that the car park is waterlogged and we have to park 1.5 miles away and use a shuttle bus they have organised. Bit worried about how wet and muddy it's going to be? 

Yeah i've heard that too... it's my first and I was really hoping for a dry race!

I have been on some of the route (Sunday's Marlow Duathlon) - anything that is not on a road or stone path is very muddy. The river was actually mostly in the river though, so there will be no wading required! I would say it is definitely one for your grippiest trail shoes.

Yanabanana-  all the best for your first one, and just enjoy the lovely route

Ta for the tip, cfb. It just so happens that I have been buying trail shoes of late.

Trying Torun - it has both, and also some grassy paths, and there is a good bit of actual road - don't worry, the muddy bits will give you a soft landing if you fall over  - Trail shoes would be better, but they don't make that much difference on proper mud anyway. 

Muttley - I'm probably going to go with my knackered old Adidas Kanadias because on balance there is going to be enough of the soft stuff. Probably won't be wearing a vest and shorts this year though, looking at the forecast!