WELLNESS
Running The Show JOG A MEMORY ADAM MOFFAT, DIRECTOR OF THE CAMBRIDGE HALF MARATHON, TELLS NICOLA FOLEY WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THIS YEAR’S RACE
fter weeks of pavement pounding, early rises and achy legs, the city’s runners are winding up their
training plans and readying themselves to take on the iconic Cambridge Half Marathon, which returns to its traditional springtime slot this March. Known for its amazing atmosphere, it’s become a beloved city event – and a challenge most local joggers will aim to conquer at least once. It’s also a fundraising juggernaut, having made over a million pounds for Cancer Research alone, and typically generating round £350,000 per race for charitable causes. If you’re after a PB, you might be interested to hear that it’s (anecdotally) one of the UK’s flattest half marathons, and definitely one of the most picturesque, taking in some of Cambridge’s most beautiful architecture and scenery. The event in its current format launched in 2012, thanks to running enthusiast Ben Baldelli – who approached the council with an ambitious plan for a city-centre half marathon. “They liked the idea, but told him he needed to get a full- time organiser involved, so he approached us at OSB to help make it happen – he’s still involved today,” explains event director Adam Moffat. The debut was a success – attracting 3,000 participants – but things have scaled up significantly since then. A decade on, it’s a much bigger
MOVING FORWARD Completing a half marathon is a massive achievement, and our city has one of the best
he stresses. “It’s frustrating when people spend 12 weeks following a training plan, buy new trainers, test their kit and race day breakfast – but if they turn up late, they’re naturally stressed and it can really throw their plans. There will be queues for the toilet, the bag drop or bike check-in – it’s not a quick process, this is a big race. We recommend arriving an hour before your start time.” Looking to the future, Adam hopes the Cambridge Half will continue to go from strength to strength, adding more famous landmarks to its route and encouraging even more local participation – as well as levelling up its fundraising. If you’re tempted to have a go yourself next spring, he has some advice. “Come along and watch it – because that will really give you a feel for what it’s all about, and how special it is,” he enthuses. “And if you do sign up, make use of all the free resources we provide, and have a goal in your head. Whether that’s a charity you want to support, or simply getting fit – because you will get fit! – keep that goal in your mind. There will be bits of your training where it’s hard and you don’t have motivation, but that goal really helps drive you on – and trust us, the feeling of accomplishment at the end will be incredible!”
“I’d be lying if I said that Barton Road isn’t a tough gig!” he laughs. “But it is manageable – it’s got a drinks station, and music to distract, but there’s no getting away from the fact that it’s hard.” The glorious sights on offer for the rest of the race make up for it, assures Adam: “For runners, getting to go under the King’s arches, and by the chapel on the right – it’s really special. Then there’s the Jesus College leg, which is beautiful, and just
operation, with some 15,000 runners and a crew of 600 staff and volunteers – not to mention the thousands of supporters that line the streets. As with the most recent race, which took place in October, the
before the home stretch of the race on Victoria Avenue. It’s really peaceful; a chance to compose yourself and reflect before finishing the race and meeting the crowds.” If you’re taking
COME ALONG AND WATCH IT
route begins on Midsummer Common, taking runners out to Elizabeth Way and along Chesterton Road, before heading back into the historic city centre, past landmarks including Garret Hostel Bridge, the Fitzwilliam Museum and King’s College. After that, participants head across the Fen Causeway and out towards Grantchester – tackling what Adam concedes is the most punishing bit of the route.
part, Adam has two top tips. Firstly, keep an eye on the weather and plan accordingly (previous races have seen conditions ranging from snow to balmy 20°C heat). But most important is to make sure you don’t arrive late. “This applies whether you’re running it for the first time, or you’ve run a hundred races – however you’re getting to the race, make sure you’ve really planned that bit,”
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