Exeter Half Marathon

Mid February saw 4 pioneers run in torrential rain and winds of over 40 miles an hour, taking part in the Exeter half marathon. However that didn't stop the fab 4 - Emma Clarke, Nikki Williams, Ali and Peter Catnatch having a great time and coming home with some impressive times and finishing places in the race. The Exeter Half Marathon is a great, traffic-free, flat route run along the footpath and cycle track of the River Exe and Exeter Canal.

The route started at the historic quay of Exeter. Running along the river, towards the university playing fields, placing George V's playing fields, before looping around over bridge road, at the edge of Riverside playing fields. From here the athletes take a small windy detour to make up the miles, running towards Matford roundabout and around the business park green. Before looping back to where they have previously left the first loop at Riverside playing fields. Running straight to Grace Fields Playing field and returning along the home straight. However here the athletes need to turn around to complete the route one more time before they can cross the finish line.

Emma Clark came back first for the pioneers with an impressive time of 1:42:33, making her 7th lady overall and 2nd in age cat. Ali Catnatch crossed the finish line in 1:44:43 and came back first in her age group. Nikki Williams finished in only minutes later, with a time of 1:46:36, awarding her with 2nd in her age group. All three female athletes achieved personal best times for a half marathon, given the weather conditions, this is an impressive achievement. 
Pete Catnatch, the only male from pioneers to take part in the Exeter half marathon, finished the route in 2:19:34 and completed the route with the added bonus of being 3rd in his age category.

​All round a highly impressive achievement for all 4 pioneers.

---