Bath Half – By Joby Hobbs (He doesn't want to talk about his own run) 

A cold overcast morning greeted the several thousand competitors in Great Pultney Street, Bath for the start of the 2011 Bath Half Marathon. As always the two lap course was lined with enthusiastic supporters, encouraging the runners around the route. Jill Richardson started the race hopeful of beating her recent P.B. achieved in December at the Bedford Half Marathon. Recent good form in training and around our very own 'Stag' proved to be a good indication of things to come as Jill completed the race in 1.37.18 to beat her previous P.B by 9 seconds! That was Jill's last race before heading off on the bike around Great Britain but Jill now has sights set on a 1.36 half marathon when she gets back from 6 months of solid pedalling!!

Berko Half – By Steve Orlando

The first decision of the day was, “Should it to be 'Shorts & Vest Club' or not?” and i went with it hoping that I would warm up quickly in the race. I lined up at the start, bobbing up and down trying to see any more Leighton Buzzard vests but no-one obvious.

The horn went and we were off, up to race temperature really quickly so the decision to join the club 'your not supposed to talk about' was the right one. First 3 miles went well, touching 7 minute miles, felt good…………. Then it happened, the sudden realisation that no PB's were happening today, I have never seen so many hills in my life. I tucked in with a St Albans Runner and dug in. Still working hard but my mile times were well into the 9 minute range now.
 
Passing the 9 Mile Marker and my soul sunk at the sight of a MONSTER HILL, at that exact time the sun came out and for the first time ever, I felt like I was over-heating. The heat on my face lifted me to the top of that big bugger and I think it must have been divine intervention.

Legs starting to turn to jelly at 12 miles and took on some water and chomped on a Glucose Tablet, but I was destroyed. Down to Sunday Run Pace now and wishing the finish line on. A very fake smile & wave for the event camera man then onto the finish line. Stop watch battery died but it turned out to be 1:48:19, so not as good as Bedford but I felt good about taking on and beating some MONSTER hills.
 
I was taking the timing chip off my leg when Jane Sauer slapped me on the back and said hi. She was here marathon training, so had 6 more miles to run home after she had finished the race, having finished 27 seconds behind me!
 
Had a sneaky half and a hot dog on site as self congratulations before driving home. I saw Jane looking strong after ploughing through over half of her additional 6 miles, gave her a honk but she was FOCUSED….. Louise Flack also took part in the race and completed in 1:53:25.