The McBride Physiotherapy North Lincolnshire Olympic Year Half Marathon started promptly at 9am this morning, and featured approximately 700 runners taking part in the event.

The race its self was very well organised with dozens of marshals and first aid support staff. This is only the second time the race has taken place in North Lincolnshire, and feature a 13.6 mile course across flat terrain.

From the starting line on Scotter Road near the viaduct, competitors raced down to Asda Roundabout, and then out of town, over the motorway bridge and on to Messingham before turning right at Catch Water Crossroads where a sizeable crowd had gathered to cheer competitors on.

The race then continued to East Butterwick, following the path of the river Trent, before running through Burringham and Gunness before finishing on the centre line of Glanford Park football stadium.

Competitors all received a medal, T-Shirt and goody bag, along with a plentiful supply of water along the route from one of the many stations manned by volunteers. One of the highlights had to be the station at East Butterwick were runners were greeted not just by school children and members of the ATC giving out water, but also by a band playing live music outside the village hall!

While the half marathon was in progress, a fun run for Lindsey Lodge Hospice also took place back at Glanford Park which involved lots people in fancy dress each donating £3 to the hospice to run around Glanford Park grounds and cross the finish line on the centre spot.

The winning time was approximately 1hr 18mins, with my debut attempt at this distance coming in at the end of the field in just under 2hrs 40mins, a full list of times will be available when published by race organisers. Regardless of this I was really pleased (I think euphoric is the correct phrase) with the attempt and to take part in such a great community event, it really was a fantastic experience and I'd urge others to have a go next year. I've already been approached by a couple of other people who've suggested a "Team Visit Scunthorpe" and a pooling of sponsorship, so this is definitely something we'll do again.

So far we've raised nearly £400 for our chosen charity “The Forge Project” with this run, sponsorship of which will remain open for 1 month as of today, many thanks to all who have donated so far, your support is making a real difference locally.

http://www.justgiving.com/TheForgeProject/

We also have a gallery featuring shots taken at both Glanford park, but also while out on the course. We're already thinking about entering a team in next year's race, so if you would be interested in running (well jogging slowly) around the course next year then please get in touch.

http://www.visitscunthorpe.com/ScunthorpePhotos/gallery/Scunthorpe-Half-Marathon

We've received a lot of comments from other runners overnight, and it seems that all of them have unequivocally enjoyed the event, once again congratulations to the sponsors, organisers and Scunthorpe United for hosting the event.

A great local, community event, long may it continue.