Firstly, GOOD LUCK! In this blog piece I hope to give you some information about the course, so that on the day you just have to show up, fix up and enjoy. All additional unbiased information can be found here. Full Course Fly-By
The course will start on Union street where there will be masses of crowds. It is always great to have so many crowds but don’t get to caught up in the hype…keep to your race pace. It is so easy to dodge in and out of runners, high-five wee kids and sprint like Usain Bolt in the opening 1km but that will come back to bite you. Soak up the atmosphere, be thankful that you can run down one of Aberdeen’s and the North East’s oldest pieces of history Union street.
TOP TIP – Pace yourself
Miles 1-2
If you have done the Park run or Baker Hughes you will be familiar with this piece of the course. It is flat but has a couple of sleeping policemen that you will have to negotiate. The wind will decipher whether this is a nice easy run or if it is tough start…if it is the later you will be rewarded later. Count how many new wind Turbines you can see, or the amount of supply boats on the coast…it helps the miles pass on this reasonably flat part of the course
TOP TIP – If windy, drop in behind someone at the same pace…but remember to share the work drafting.
Miles 3-4
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This part of the route takes you up to the AECC where I personally have witnessed Robbie Williams, The Saturdays and Girls aloud…I hear good bands play here too. Again reasonable running with the faster paced runners running in the opposite direction it is a great chance to look out for friends, colleagues or running buddies…give them a large cheer and shout…you’ll get the same back and it is like receiving a welcome boost.
TOP TIP – use this part of the race to drink or gel up if it has been part of your plan, take advantage of the flat-ish road.
Mile 5-6
This is my highlight and favourite part of the run. Initially climbing off of King Street you are met with a down hill into the Brig O Balgownie. The bridge was rebuilt in the 16th Century and originally built-in 13th century. It previously had a span of 12 meters, but now count your steps as you cross over it, it is more than double that now. Height wise 15m drop to the water. Scenic and gorgeous as you then enter into the first real piece of a climb up to wards the Halls of Hill head for the new loop. The loop itself is undulating but run-able before rewarding down hill. Pace the first hill as you will get a chance to break even here and use momentum into the Seaton Park ( second great addition). Wildlife reserve on the left use to hold the Aberdeen football festival where great players such as Paul Gascoigne have graced…NB some not so great players like myself have played against teams from all over the world on the marshy lands.
The tail end of the park brings you up “Satan Hill” a local hotspot for hill reps… pump the arms up the hills like your playing drums the rhythm gets you up the hill to the cathedral.
TOP TIP – Lean Back on the up hills , lean forward on the down hills. With both use the arms!!
Mile 7-8
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After the cobbles of old Aberdeen and generally dropping from the height of the Halls to the park you have climbed back up to a level running through the Campus. The new library stands on your right side as you run through, a perfect square. The mixture of new meets old as you pass Kings Collage where the history of students completing their degrees and celebrating on the lawns has gone on for not just decades but numerous decades. Along the old high street clock the Pub, Shoe Shop and the old town house at the end before turning back into a grateful down hill 300-400m before turning back onto King Street. Drink as you can and keep your pace in check as the running gets a bit flatter for the next 1-2 miles
TOP TIP – Watch your footing in the campus, the kerbs and cobbles are uneven. Can be tricky if wet.
Mile 8-9
Back on to the beach, if windy work with that person you have been tailing all the way around you’ll both benefit. It is flat here and now is the chance to settle yourself before a gradual uphill finish. The beach will have a large crowd too and use this energy to get you down and around the driving range and the Fortress of Pittodrie.
TOP TIP – You’ll need energy soon – this might be a good place to do it. Gel up!
Mile 10-12
This section is hilly, both up and down – more of the previous. You’ll climb the infamous Baker Hughes 9km hill, turn right before the top and head along Seaforth, drop down to King Street across and past the fire station before negotiating the hill up past the college, the Blue Lamp, and the corner Brewdog. Turning Right at Brewdog you’ll drop down to the crossing between Bon Accord and St Nicholas centre before the climb up to the Theatre, up hill through Skene Street and then finally to the Five Roads roundabout and from here …. the home straight.
TOP TIP – Use the arms, use the support, Dig Deep and smile for the cameras…Pain is temporary but a pic on Facebook is forever.
Mile 13 (+0.1)
Its longer from the roundabout to Union street than it seems, but that’s ok its down hill. Reap the benefit of the long climb previous as you charge towards the end of the race. The support will be as a good friend once said “Superb” ( a man of few words). Slight bend to the left onto Union Street and the bunting, flags, noise from the crowd will bring you home. Check your watch….turn your legs…one final push….you’ve done it. You have completed the Great Aberdeen Half Marathon. Get your medal, take a selfie, pat yourself on the back and buy a beer. WELL DONE!!
Enjoy your run. If you have any pre race questions I will be in Run 4 It on Holburn Street on Saturday from 12-1pm during collection. Feel free to tag @physiorun in your selfies to share your success. Well Done!!!
If you have any post run problems – contact the SPEAR Clinic on 01224 900102 for us to help you out.
Thanks For reading
James
