What a buzz! This was our (my girlfriend and I) first running event ever and we had a fantastic time. We trained for about 8 weeks and were really pleased with our times. I did 53mins52secs, Jane 57mins33secs. For a first race, I was very proud of our times and now we've both got the running bug in a big way!

We'd like to run a half-marathon in about 6months - can anyone recommend any around March time? We'd like one as flat as possible for our first attempt! Would be grateful for any suggestions.
Also, I want to run the Great North Run next year - I've heard it is very very hilly! Can any veterans verify this?!

Thanks a lot.

Simon

6 months is pretty slow, even for your first HM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good timing. Congratulations.

Since Flora London Marathon is in April, there a quite a few half marathons in March and early April. Kingston Breakfast Run (www.humanrace.co.uk) is the first to come to mind. Reading Half Marathon is also a few weeks before the FLM.

Lots of half marathons around in Feb and March near London...
- Watford
- Reading
- Wokingham
- Fleet
- Silverstone
- Milton Keynes

Then into April and May there are also:
- Stratford Upon Avon
- Orpington
- Richmond

Lots of those will also have big numbers of people (although not Orpington!)

Then there are also heaps of 5km, 10km and 10 mile races too - enjoy :-)

(GNR this year was undulating rather than hilly - definitely not as flat as Hyde Park but not as undulating as e.g. Windsor Half Marathon either)

Don't want to rush things!!

Thanks for the info. Will check them out. My firend has talked me into doing the Hastings Half Marathon in March - ever done it? Know anything about it?!

Not done Hastings but it is a big event I think so you'll need to get entry in early.

You've still got a week to get your FLM application in...