NSPCC Milton Keynes Half Marathon 2013 [photos, route map and my report]

I ran another half marathon today, this time heading to Milton Keynes to run the NSPCC Milton Keynes Half Marathon 2013.

The first thing to say is that it was obviously hot hot hot today!  Temperatures were up to 28C which made running difficult at times, but fortunately there was a fair bit of shade in the end and some water stations on the course too.  There were also supporters all the way round (many with water pistols / sprays - thank you) and there was a nice, friendly atmosphere. Official timekeepers Race Timing Systems recorded 1129 finishers and temperatures ranging from 22.8C to 28C!

Here is the NSPCC Milton Keynes Half Marathon route 2013:

NSPCC Milton Keynes Half Marathon route 2013

The Half Marathon started at The Webber Independent School who allowed their grounds and facilities to be used for this event.  As a result, there were changing rooms, proper toilets (as well as portable toilets in the grounds), massages in the gym and I believe the cafeteria was being used too.  From here the Half Marathon course then followed paths and roads around the lakes, wooded areas and canal of this area of Milton Keynes, before returning to the school field for the finish.

The route provided pleasant running (though some of the bumpy paths didn't help my legs at times) and almost the entire run was on tarmac (the exception being the finish on the school field.)  At the finish there was a medal, a banana, water and a cereal bar (+ a flyer for the Maidenhead half marathon on September 6th.)  There was then a great service where you could enter your race number into a computer and get an instant receipt showing your gun time, chip time and finishing position.  (The chips were really good too - just a paper loop on your shoe laces, no return needed.)

Other notable parts of the day were the high energy warm up, enthusiastic commentator on the PA and jazz band on stage at the finish.  What should have been a difficult run in the end became an enjoyable morning - thank you!

Some of my photos from the NSPCC Milton Keynes Half Marathon 2013:

NSPCC Milton Keynes Half Marathon 2013 - waiting to start

NSPCC Milton Keynes Half Marathon 2013 - start

NSPCC Milton Keynes Half Marathon 2013 - finish line

NSPCC Milton Keynes Half Marathon 2013 - jazz band at the finish

and finally, here is the NSPCC Milton Keynes Half Marathon 2013 medal - maybe not my favourite half marathon medal to look at, but I feel like I earnt it today...

NSPCC Milton Keynes Half Marathon 2013 medal

Good job, see you next year!