has anyone out there ever done this race? i'm full of missionary zeal to prove myself after dying in the robin hood half but i wouldn't mind a bit of inside dope.

I'm afraid I've not done it Chrissy, but I have entered it. The good news is that it is like the Robin Hood in that it is 13 miles ;-)

Only other thing to add really is that there are more hills around the Keyworth area - but they're all relatively short and sharp - what the experts call 'undulating'. Enter it anyway, at least then I won't look like the only silly bugger out of his depth amongst the 'clubbies'

I did this race last year and to my suprise set a PB on the course which I have not got anywhere near again, on much easier courses. The course is far from flat, and there is a particualy steep hill on route after a few miles. There are nice encouraging signs along the course to cheer you up. Last year we got a mouse mat depicting the course which was quite good actually and I still have it on my desk at work.

I also did Nottingham last week and I would say that the Keyworth race is a bit more challenging.

Good luck

Gareth

many thanks gary and gareth. clubbies ... zounds! i shall most likely enter anyway in the spirit of kill or cure. undulating ... harrumph. damn it, i'm not going to let that put me off!!! banzai!!!

I've never done this one but will be there this year. I've also heard from some clubmates that it is slightly more challenging than the Robin Hood half, which I found to be tougher than anticipated, so I'll be going out steady again, see you there.

I've run this for the past four years and have entered again this year. It is a reasonably undulating course but nothing too steep. The race is well run and the venue has an area where you can safely leave your kit. There are also good showering facilities and a nice hot drink at the end.

Wel if a few of us have the bug after the Robin Hood - perhaps we should make ourselves known to each other - and if need be someone can push me up the hills - I shall obviously return the favour by pushing people down the hills!!

An excellent alternative a couple of weeks before is the Leicester half marathon. Starts and finishes at Mallory park racing circuit, including a lap of the track at the start.

It is an excellent race (much larger than Keyworth) and a great goodie bag at the end. Slightly less undulating than Keyworth as well, though they are both good races.

Gareth

Keyworth's an excellent race with a nice atmosphere and surprisingly quick considering how undulating it is. One bad hill after 3 miles, another at 11 and a few in between. About 600 do it. If you want a small, fast, flat 1/2 go for the Belvoir 1/2 (in Hose,Leics/Notts border) usually early April and not widely advertised. It's a guaranteed PB course.

Ironman,
do you have a link for the Leicester Half? Had a quick look but couldn't find anything.

www.leicestermarathon.org.uk/

Held at the same time as the full, much like Robin Hood.

Cheers
:-)
mm

Link for Leicester Marathon (and Half-Marathon) is http://leicestermarathon.org.uk/ (note there is no www).

There is a further link on that site for a printable entry slip.

Although the site has loads of parking, last year there was a big tailback to get into it (across half a mile of bumpy field) and the start was delayed - so leave plenty of time.

I ran Turkey 2 years ago, the night after works Xmas party. I was the one who decorated the rose bushes at the start.
2 mins befor the start I was very very ill! I ran it and had 6 drinks at the first water station. Good news though I felt great by the end.
So running is good for you. I had to drive my lady home as she suffered on the run.
Its a good run, I hope leicester is too as I am doing the marathon this year.
See you there.
For race reviews take a look at ww.ropsley.org.uk there are 77 race reviews many over several years.
Add your own views to the site.
Chris

Hello - I'm new to running, new to the site and don't want to find myself out of my depth on these runs and finishing 1/2 hour behind everyone else. What sort of times are we talking about for these half-marathon events?

Thanks for the information on your Christmas party Chris!!! must remember not to organise a party the night before.

As for Paul - my advice, plain and simple is simply to enjoy it. I did 2:03 for the Robin Hood half marathon and am aiming to do something similar for this one. But the important thnig is that this is my target and my time, I am competing against no one but myself. If you are just begining simply aim to get around - that is achievement enough in itself!

The Keyworth Turkey Trot is great fun, no not the flatest course known to man but the route is very scenic and the weather is normally quite good for the time of year. AND you have the chance to win a turkey (for winning it) what more of an incentive do you need?!

I did this one last year too and, after doing some big ones (Robin Hood and GNR) loved it. It is big enough to be an event but small enough to be very friendly. I also got a PB so would concur that it is faitly fast for the number of hills. The pleasant countryside and a nice crisp morning only added to it.

There is a good website at www.turkeytrot.org.uk with a link to some race reviews.

Paul, I've just had a look at the results for last year and runners were still coming in after 2hrs30.

Although I've enjoyed the Turkey trot a couple of times I think the memento is extreamly disappointing, afterall you've just run 13 miles and all you've got is a mouse mat, or a very thin diary (in 2000). I know we shouldn't run for the awards but 10 years ago we got a mug - far more useful and long lasting, even a t-shirt is better even though so many races give them out. Anyone else think like this or an I a miserable so-and -so.

Gary, Sparks, thanks. You're definitely right about running against your previous PB. Just done the GNR and loved it. Think I'll be there on the 8th.