On Sunday 3 April 2005, Phil and I ran the Lincoln 10K. This was the second time that we had run the event, last year being the first. The race is into its 9th year and was much better organized this year than last year. The start is about a 10 minute walk from the baggage tents and toilets and the finish is a 25 minute walk away from the baggage point, so it is not a user friendly race in that respect! However, the route takes you through the centre of Lincoln, around the Cathedral and finishes in the Castle grounds – so it is a very picturesque event and the sights are very historic.
The route is partly uphill but otherwise flat and includes a few sections on cobbles. The crowd support is excellent and there is water at two locations en route. The finishers’ medals are very good quality and the entry price includes free admission to the Castle for family and friends afterwards. The event is well sponsored by Radio Lincoln and other big corporate entities and the number of entrants this year had increased by 1500. Total entrants were 4000, but we understand that only 2900 actually turned out to run.
This year we were all issued with ankle chips, so our times should be accurate. The weather was ideal for running and I was really looking forward to seeing if I could do a PB. I am pleased to say that I did – 52 minutes. This was 4 minutes quicker than my previous PB and I was chuffed, considering the race included quite a few hills. Phil managed 43 minutes. He was surprised, if not frightened to find out that I was only 9 minutes behind him! He informs me he will be giving up the moment I get anywhere near to beating his time – well, he might be giving up sooner rather than later, based on my progress this season!
We would recommend this run to anyone wanting a great weekend away in a location that offers many historical sights to see and a pleasant run. We were there as Phil is from Lincoln and his parents still live there. In four weeks time there is another 10k race. This has been going for 21 years and we may do this as well. We have done this race before and enjoyed it immensely. Anyway, we had a great weekend, combined with a trip to see the parents. What an enjoyable way to spend the weekend.
Jane Greenfield