Oldham Lord Mayors half marathon, 1st April 07

Report by Karl Cannell

After a disaster of a half marathon in Cyprus (All inclusive holidays and running don't mix) I was looking forward to a good run in the Oldham Lord Mayors half marathon, this will be my second year so I knew what a tough race it is.

The race starts with two laps around the shopping area (last year I was gutted twice round the market and not one bargain to be had) then onto Ripponden road, which is a climb for just over 3 miles, up through Shover, followed by a right turn and onto Delph, At this point the wind was really blowing up on Saddleworth.

Then another stinger when you reach Saddleworth Golf Club with some more of the steep stuff, although for most of the run the views are really good and worth the effort although you may not think so at the time.

After the golf course you are on your return leg through Grasscroft, this is where I hit the biggest problem, the signage wasn't the best and at one point I was actually having to stop and try to figure out my way, thinking I had run of the course or something as there was no signage or other runners to be seen. The right choice was made but I feel I lost some minutes at this point (not good!!!!).

The route then takes you through Lydgate and onto Lees running down Lees road and back into Oldham and the final sting in the tail Waterloo Street which is a bit of a grinder at the end of the run.

Apart from the bad mile markings and poor direction signage I had a really good race coming in at 1:49:24, not the best time but it is a tough race and I'm looking forward to next year.

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