Run To The Beat 2010 race report

If, like me, you’re a disco bunny who needs a thumping beat to keep you on your toes, then Run To The Beat is the half marathon for you. The Women’s Running team joined forces on Sunday to tackle 13.1 miles across Greenwich, London, for our first race representing the magazine, and my first big race ever! Admittedly I’m now hobbling around like an old lady wondering why on earth I did that to my body, but the exhaustion and muscle fatigue is mixed with pure elation at having completed my first big race without dying, falling over, or making a complete fool out of myself in front of my boss, or the 17,000 others runners and spectators. (Well, no more than normal anyway). Billed as London’s music half marathon, Run To The Beat wound its way through leafy Greenwich, with numerous bands and sound systems to keep you pepped up along the way, before culminating at the O2 Arena for a boogie by the main stage (if you could still stand up by the time you got there).The race was scheduled to start at 9.45am, but public transport let us down at the last minute, and due to issues on the Jubilee Line the start was delayed by 45 minutes. Although event organisers were obviously not to blame, it was still rather frustrating arriving late and then waiting around in the freezing wind. Fortunately I was with my infinitely more experienced colleagues, so we cheerfully swapped race tips to pass the time before battling our way to the start line. (Top tip: A black bin bag works wonders on a chilly day, as it will keep you warm while you stand around waiting for the start gun, but you can quickly discard it once you get running!)The route was a pleasant meander through the parks and back streets of Greenwich, with enough space (most of the time) to pause for water or tie your shoelaces without bumping into a thousand other runners. The stages were also a nice addition to the route, although they could have been a bit more frequent, and maybe a touch louder! Luckily I brought my iPod with me to fill in the gaps between stages.I don’t run with water, so fortunately there were frequent water stations and good facilities along the course, and the race itself whizzed by. Once I finally made it across the finish line, the crowds were fantastic and I left feeling exhausted but elated. It was slightly chaotic, with the bag collection queue practically blending in with the finish line and yet more tube problems when it was time to leave, but I still really enjoyed my first half marathon, and wore my medal proudly all the way home. Despite my aching limbs, I can’t wait for my next race!