The Poznan Half Marathon

 As usual, I didn't sleep that well, anxious that I should wake up in time. Had a decent breakfast at the hotel, and walked out of the door- to rain- I wasn't expecting that.   

I jogged the half mile to the event start.  All the event facilities were inside the Poznan World Trade Center - a collection of exhibition halls.  It had been set up just like the London Marathon expo, with a stage, stalls and lots of stuff you can buy. I'd picked my number up yesterday.  It was great to wait for the start inside the dry and warm - unlike all the other races I've been in.

There were the usual long queues for the loo just before the start.  My estimate is about 10,000 were taking part.

It all started on time in near perfect weather. Slightly cool, with just a very light rain.  The course was completely flat, with great support all along the route.  From the crowds we got the usual whooping, but their version of "well done" is "Bravo", heard all the way round.

The course took us out of the city into a wooded area before looping back. The major hazard was the numerous tramlines at virtually every junction.  A major trip hazard!

All the marshals ( here named "Stewards"), dressed in yellow hi Viz,  seemed  to be completely bored by the whole thing, standing motionless. Even a smile and a wave didn't seem to register with them.

I really enjoyed the run, several other runners tried to engage me in conversation, but my guessed replies  in  English seemed to confuse them.

My time was a surprising 2.05.47, which I wasn't expecting after all the exhausting days I've had in the last week.  I was pretty chuffed with that. The shirt, medal and very generous goody bag ( with beer, chocolate, pasta and a snood) we're all really great.

The whole experience exceeded my expectations.  Just like the trains, these Europeans seem to do things just a little better than us Brits.