Tewkesbury's international season continued as your webmaster jetted off for a weekend in Frankfurt to catch up with an old training partner. No detail was missed as we prepared for this scenic half marathon with a 3 mile shuffle on the Saturday morning, followed by a breakfast of German sausage. Tapering down with a few beers, a curry, and an evening spent alternately watching footy and listening to a 1980s metal covers band, there was no doubt that the half marathon was going to a unique test of mind and body.
The Germans do know how to put on a race, with superb levels of organisation, excellent facilities, full road closures and the obligatory beer tent in which to collapse afterwards. Feeling surprisingly refreshed at the start, I jogged the first half, then picked up the pace back through the vineyards, finishing in under 1:34 and collecting a goody bag whose contents are on show here!
This is the second time I've done a German half, and they are great events. 1600 took part in this one, and runners of all paces are welcome. Race directors are happy to translate instructions into English, and fellow runners always seem very friendly and welcoming. You might like to try this link if you're interested