Isle of Man Half Marathon 14/8/05
The Isle of Man half marathon is a must on everyone's running calendar. The race takes place annually in the north of the island leaving from Ramsey and following a circuit through the villages of Bride and Andreas. The race starts from a stretch of promenade in the town and continues through an undulating course for about four miles. There were really only two noticeable hills and the rest of the course was flat and down hill on the return to Ramsey. The contrasts of landscape are spectacular on the island and in this race you could look out for loaghtan sheep and Snaefell mountain in the distance. There were 209 competitors in the half marathon this year, seemingly a tiny amount of people when waiting at the start, but everyone really supportive and enthusiastic with a good welcoming crowd within the stadium to inspire a sprint finish! An added novelty was a wave from the islands notable celebrity comedian, Norman Wisdom, who disappeared before I could shout,"Mr Grimsdale!"
Report Claudia Davies
