Shanghai Running, We Run Shanghai
Race Review
November 9th, Gucun Park Race Report:
By Mike Morris
Record turn out at Gucun
November 9th 2013:
With us is the midst of the autumn marathon season the scene
was set for us to add a Half Marathon to our regular 5km and 10k
format. Our thinking was that a half marathon could be a good
warm up race for the upcoming Shanghai Marathon. The number
of runners who entered showed it to be a popular addition. Our
original half marathon course was a 2 lap route but this was soon
scuppered when we realised that the Children‟s zone in the middle of the park would have to be off limits. We could hardly have
the half marathon runners halted mid stride by the children‟s train
that circles the Children‟s Zone. So a different 3 lap course it
would be.
After a few trips to the park working on the route and measuring
the course we had an accurate 21.1 km 3 lap course. The addition
of the half marathon also meant that the 5km lap had to be altered
slightly from the last time. But we hope you liked the change, we
thought it was a little more scenic weaving through the sunshine
lawn.
The lead up to the race day was marred by very bad air quality and
many registered runners did not attend on the day. However, on
the day of the race the air quality was fine and the weather was
unseasonably hot, 26 degrees with blue skies and calm conditions.
This was in stark contrast to the next day when the temperature
had dropped back to a more normal 16 degrees.
The races were set to start at 8.30am but we had more runners
turn up on the day to register than we anticipated so the start was
delayed until 9.00am. In the meantime, Zumba Shanghai did a
great job again with the pre-race warm up with their brand of
high energy exercise. They certainly got people moving and we
are glad to see that so many of you joined in and enjoyed it.
Copyright Shanghai Running 2013.
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