Barry O’Driscoll successfully completed the scenic, undulating Hogweed Hilly Half III. O’Driscoll was participating in the event solely for the hard training it could provide as part of his FLM preparations, and hard training it proved. With over 1400 ft of ascent this scenic rural half-marathon involves several long ascents (300ft +) at mile 1 and 8, some more abrupt ascents at miles 5 and 12, frantic descents down sharp gradients (including the final ½ mile), and sporadic flat sections which mother nature did her best to complicate by throwing in some blustery cross-winds for good measure. As could be expected, this was no PB course!! O’Driscoll ran the full course, more than could be said for many, although some of the climbs instigated a pace slightly slower than walking. Nevertheless O’Driscoll was pleased to finish the course in 1:43:32 for 75th place.
There were 259 finishers – winning time 1:18:54
This is a hard but enjoyable race and the Hogweed Hilly Half IV is definitely one for your 2008 race calendar – great atmosphere, well organised and marshalled, free massage plus an abundance of post-race refreshments.