Near, far and wide

Last weekend saw the return of two major runs - Indian Queens half marathon, a firm favourite in the Cornish running calendar and London Landmarks Half Marathon, a epic 13.1 mile route taking in some of the best landmarks the capital has to offer. 

Indian Queens took place on a hot day, the route considered a flat and fast one, to complete a half marathon. This 13.1 route is a multi terrain route, with amazing scenery. Over the course of the route, there is a gained elevation of 1100ft. The route consists of 2 one way loops, with a middle section being both ways for the athletes. The athletes start and finish at Indian Queens, run towards the Owl Sanctuary, from here the athletes run towards the Pony Centre, where the runners enter the middle section, where they will double back on later during this race. From here athletes head towards Black Cross, then Killaworgey. From this point athletes enter the second and larger of the two loops, taking in Tregoose, Tregaswith and Trekenning. Then returning to the middle section of the route, crossing over the railway line and finishing at Indian Queens.
Clive Finnimore completed the route in 1:36:45, who completed the route 36th out of 225 runners. Darren Hardwick came 9th in his age group and finished in 2:02:02 (1:42:02). With Louisa Chisholm, who finished 2nd in her age group and completed the route in 2:08:00.

Julie Gregory was the only Pioneer who took part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon, this year. This is a truly amazing route, taking the athletes through the capital and having an opportunity to see some of the most iconic elements of the city. Whilst running the athletes need exceptional mental strength to prevent themselves getting distracted from the buildings and history of the capital. The athletes start at Nelson's Column, where they run upto the amazing Covent garden, cross over the river and instantly return to Covent garden. Looping around somerset house and then moving on the Blackfriars for their third mile.  From here they go to St Paul's Cathedral, and loop back to Somerset house and on to the Royal Court of Justice. For mile 6 and 7, athletes run back to St Pauls' Cathedral and head out to Bank of England and on to Monument. Athletes then zigzag between Bank and Mansion House underground stations, before heading up to Bank underground, and the tower of London. At this point the athletes get to the 10 mile mark. From here, this is the longest straight line along the River Thames all the way back to Westminster, looping back to Embankment and finally finishing the race at Downing Street. 
Julie Gregory completed this route in a highly impressive 2:41:12