Grand Prix 2006 Race 9, Kenilworth Half Marathon (WRRL), 8^th October 2006

This years Grand Prix race series is rapidly coming to a conclusion. The penultimate race at Kenilworth saw 9 hardy souls turn out for the second half marathon of the year. Perhaps a bit over distance for some but the lure of the GP was stronger! This was our first time at Kenilworth because we wanted to support the Warwickshire Road Race League. Unfortunately it means that the last race in our own GP follows only a week later. Such is life? 

The consensus of opinion amongst a number of competitors was that the race was slightly over distance and pretty tough with a number of Warwickshire hills thrown in. However, it’s the same for everyone and doesn’t affect the performance ratings for the GP. The course was well marshalled and the drinks stations spot on, so overall a good event. 

Gordon made an improvement on his recent performances by scoring a respectable 82.9%. Gordon has recently celebrated a birthday and Alex almost made full advantage of this on age grading by only scoring 0.2 % less. If Alex had run 15 seconds faster he would have toppled Gordon from top of the list. “Pricey” made an improvement with 72% but didn’t tell us before hand that he had entered, so no points I’m afraid. John Adams maintains his gradual improvement whilst everyone else seems to be ‘ticking over’. 

With one race to go in the GP the overall winner is decided. With Alex only able to score mathematically a maximum of 280 points, Gordon is in an unassailable position even if he doesn’t run the last race. Alex, in the last 4 races has leaped from 19^th to 11^th to 6^th and now to 2^nd place overall pushing Barry down to 5^th from 2^nd;  John down a place to 4^th and Peter Lawton down to 7^th. Meanwhile, Martin has quietly moved up from 8^th to 3^rd place. With only 1 point separating 4^th to 6^th place and with Ann and Robin still to qualify but knocking on the door then the 5 awards going will be in doubt until the competition is all over….