adidas Women’s 5K Challenge 2011

Because this race holds a special place in my heart (it was the first event I entered back in 2006), I couldn’t wait for 11 September and the start of the adidas Women’s 5K Challenge. And the event did not disappoint.The morning dawned breezy but bright as I made my way to the event, along with my sister, Gemma, and good friend, Kathryn. It was their first experience of a big race, so I was eager to show them what all the fuss was about! As we reached Hyde Park, wearing our adidas Pink Ribbon kit in aid of the race’s official partner charity, Breakthrough Breast Cancer, there was a great buzz in the air. The event village was well organized and well laid out, with plenty of portaloos, hydration stations and changing facilities. Everyone around us seemed eager to get to the start line, donning charity T-shirts and pinning on race numbers. As the race commentators informed us of the elite and celebrity runners taking part, we made it to the start line and, following a touching and heartfelt minute’s silence, to remember those who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attack ten years ago, we were off.This race route is a beautiful one, taking in the leafy surroundings of one of London’s most famous parks, as well as the banks of the Serpentine, which was glittering in the sunlight. The only drawback is the fact that, as the race is so popular and the crowds of runners so dense, it’s very difficult to break into a decent stride or find some space – this is definitely not one for PB chasers! However, Gemma, Kathryn and I were happy to take it easy as we chatted while weaving among other runners. At about 3.5K, the way cleared as runners spaced out more evenly and, when we had just 500m to go, we went for a sprint finish (all thanks to my enthusiastic sister!), crossing the finish line in 31 minutes.After collecting our goody bags and medals, we strolled back to the race village, happy with our 5K achievement and eager to tuck into the fantastic food provided in the hospitality tent.The adidas Women’s 5K challenge is a great, if crowded, race, with a fantastic, beginner-friendly atmosphere. It’s certainly one I’d recommend!