The spice and challenge of a brand new half marathon proved too much for Wendy and I and despite its close proximity to the Eden marathon, a week actually, we opted for a dig at the New Balance English Half Marathon which was held in Warrington.

Lets do it with a bit of panache (as well as a lot of cash) and fly up to Manchester we said Kathryn from Hayle and her husband Ken joined us.

A 7.30am flight was needed and by the time we landed at Bristol? We found we had to chage planes. We taxied up to the said plane and stopped about 20 yards away. However, despite us having no luggage in the hold (hand luggage was enormous and heavy) we had to board a coach which drove around for 300-400 yards and left us 30 yards from the said plane! Jobsworth or what?

We got to Manchester after a lot of turbulence accompanied by screams from some young ladies and quickly transferred to Warrington and our hotel was right in the town and near to the Rugby League Stadium and train station and not too far from the race HQ.

An afternoons shopping at the Trafford Centre and Ken and I decided to do what most Man U supporters have never done and go to Old Trafford. It was a 5.30pm kick off and by the time we got back to Warrington it was nearly 10pm and the only eating place open was a chippie. Not the best preparation for the race, especially when I got to my room and Wendy was cosily tucked up in bed.

A rainy start to the day didn't dampen our spirits and we walked to the HQ and had a hunt through the NB bargain bins but found nothing unless you were a geisha girl or Tommy Cooper.

Got to the start line and we were told there was a delay which was fair enough because they were managing to close the roads completely. As we waited, I noticed a worm on the ground next to us. Personally I think it was being a wee bit ambitious in the 1.45 to 2.00 start area. I bet if he didn't get a move on at the start, he had a bit of a headache.

Off we went and I gave up chasing the Kenyans early on and settled into a don't do anything silly pace early on. You cross the Mersey (No Ferry Gerry) and Canal and I've never seen so many bridges. For the first 4 miles its a gradual rise, nothing silly like Treggy and Co but it was a chance to go past a few who preferred the pancake stuff more.

Then at four you flatten out and run through some nice villages with drum bands and kids wanting high fives until the elites start running back toward you on the other side of the road. Of course you have the benefit a bit later when you have the privilege of going the other way past many of the more fun runners.

Then you run through a small park and when you emerge you then have 4 miles of gentle slope back down into Warrington. You then finish in the local athletics track where there was a substantial crowd to cheer you round the last 400 metres. It did help that I had the Man of Steel just behind me and the thought of beating a super hero gave me the impetus to finish strongly.

Collect your goody bag and get back to see Wendy and Kathryn come in smiling away after not risking chasing a good time and settle for a good work out. They had their picture taken with the Kenyan winner and looked fresher than he did.

Then its back for a delicious hot dog and garlic potatoes in the local market, a little bit or retail for Wendy and Kathryn while Ken and I went to the pub to watch Liverpool versus Chelsea. The pub was invaded by a swarm of Barrow Raiders supporters who were off to watch their team successfully win their play off against Halifax. Plastic glasses was a bit unecessary although the first couple didn't touch the sides anyway.

A lovely Chinese buffet followed before checking out the Newquay 10K results. More retail followed the next day as well as a Coffee shop crawl and I think my frappucino in Starbucks meant we coverd all of them. There were local industrial museums to visit and a flight in a simulator before a late flight back home.

All in all a darn good weekend. The area is very pleasant and so close to Manchester, Liverpool etc and public transport is so cheap. The race was very good. The course was exceptional and because of the relatively small field of 2000 gave you a chance to get running very early. Without too much effort I managed a 1.45.57 and could have knocked another 3 or 4 off that without risking injury.

Wendy and Kathryn hardly broke sweat for 2.04 and could have done it all over again.

It was fairly well organised and marshalled and the for a first attempt was a success. I would recommend it to anyone considering an away day and the chance to knock a bit off the old PB list. Whether it will expand into a larger field only time will tell. The organisers were hoping for at least 3000 and their first effort could mean they achieve that next time.