Paddock Wood Half

  • March
  • 13.1 Miles
  • Road
  • 70m
  • TN12 6BE

USEFUL LINKS

Race Route

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Reviews at Race Check

KEY POINTS

A fast flat route ideal for a PB

Often sells out so don't enter on the week of the race

Hug the race line for a quicker time

Plenty of pacers to help you achieve a quick time

Run of the local country lanes

RACE STRATEGY

A fast route with only one real hill to worry about and that’s early in the race when you are feeling fresh. Aim for even splits here if gunning for a PB and there are always lots of pacers to tuck in with and give you the freedom of ignoring your Garmin.

There is a big loop in the middle part of the route. So the race line would be to run tight to the left hand side of the road. You take a sharp left turn just before km 15 or mile 9. At this point switch sides to the right hand side for the race line.

This may sound trivial but bear in mind running in lane 3 of a track makes it 412 meters rather than 400 meters you’d be foolish to run a big loop on the wrong side of the road, it could add on over a minute to your race time.

COACHES NOTES

If you’re looking for a race to run a half marathon PB in the South East of England then pencil in “Paddock Wood”. There’s a relatively small hill early on the route and a couple of railway bridges towards the end, but apart from that, it’s flat folks.

It normally attracts a strong field and a large field meaning there is every chance you’ll find a group running at your pace to tuck in with. This is again a real asset if you are looking to run a PB.

The route itself offers little in the way of distractions and you spend 80% of your time on what seems to be the same country lane.

That itself can provide a mental challenge and the support outside of the town is somewhat limited.

I have fond memories of this race having achieved my first sub 2 half marathon here. I’ve since recorded two more half marathon PBs in this race and hoping to make that four in 2024. Definitely a good race for anyone seeking a new half marathon personal best.

Coach Simon

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