Women from all over the country joined together on the 18th of April at Castle Combe, Wiltshire and made a little bit of sporting history by competing in the UK’s first ever women-only half marathon at Castle Combe race track near Bath. And Sportsister’s Danielle Sellwood was there on the start-line with them.

The Better Half series started in style with blue skies and lovely sunny and still conditions. Despite a few minor teething problems (signage on the road next time please!) there was a definite sense of excitement and a genuinely happy atmosphere generated by the many groups of women who had arrived en masse to take part.

The route took runners on a three lap course to allow for the relay changes. Personally I am not so keen on lap courses, but it did mean that groups of supporters were regularly on the sidelines to cheer us on.

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Each lap consisted of once around the two-mile Castle Combe race circuit, a rather unforgiving tarmac track. Then out around the perimeter road for another two miles or so which was more varied and allowed for a little shade.

The first lap was the toughest for me, mentally knowing that I was going to have to do all this again twice was a bit demoralising.

However at the end of second lap the reverse happened and knowing I was two down, one to go, gave me a bit of a boost!

The hot weather certainly tested the runners and I was glad that I was carrying my own water - that said there were water stops at every two miles which was adequate. And if you needed a sweet treat, jelly sweets were also being handed out by cheerful marshals!

The highlight of the event was without doubt the supportive crowd which included the WRN founder Pauline Beare, who cheered and clapped all the women start to finish.

Would I do it again?

I would certainly do another Better Half event, not sure I would do this course again though unless I was looking to clock a good time.

Good for:

• A great atmosphere.

• If you like a women’s only event - then this is for you.

• Small race feel, you won’t feel intimidated by too many serious athletes.

• The course was pretty flat and fast, good for a fast time.

Bad for:

• A few organisational problems that will hopefully be ironed out by the next event.

• Quite expensive to enter - but you do get a nice technical t-shirt as part of the deal.

• Laps - you either love them or hate them!

Next events

• Sunday 11 July, 10:30am, Oulton Park, Cheshire.

• Sunday 19 September, 10:30am, Pippingford Park, East Sussex.

Enter: www.womensrunningnetwork.co.uk/Events

Danielle Sellwood - Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine