Back to back 10ks led me to sunny Southport for the Mad Dog 10k.

When and where?

04/02/24 – Southport, UK

Start and Finish: Marshside Road, near the school

The Route

We turned left out of race HQ towards the start line. It’s a popular race with various dog themed puns. Our starting pens were different dog breeds!

I was in the Husky pen. I accept.

We set off down Marshside road and were immediately hit with wind, or as locals probably call it a ‘gentle’ sea breeze.

We turned left where we then faced it head on. We were on the seafront (although Southport’s sea is like a mile out) and this road goes on for a very long time.

At 3 miles we finally turned left then left again, running through one of the streets and through a bit of a park and some paths.

Eventually we headed back onto the road and back towards the start. The wind finally started to push us forwards. Another long road ahead.

Until we turned right and the wind ended up blowing us sideways. The finish line was so close but so far! Eventually we made it to cheering crowds. Phew!

Race Conditions

Did I mention the wind?!

It was to be expected so we had all mentally prepared for it, it’s just bloody exhausting!

There was rain forecast so I did bring my pre race bin bag along (fellow runners will understand). But it was fine. Dull, but fine.

Apart from the wind, that is.

It was in front of us for the first 3 miles, then behind us for the last 2.

My Performance

Taking times out of the equation and whatever, I’m really proud of myself.

It was a really difficult first half and many around me were giving in and walking.

I kept pushing. I was strong.

What helped was some of the runners around me. We kept overtaking each other and it really kept me going, giving me something to focus on as all I could hear was the strong winds.

I’m also really glad I turned my watch onto clock view. If I knew my average pace at this point I’d have written myself off.

As we got to 3 miles and turned left it was like a weight had been lifted, the conditions improved. I did struggle to get my breath back slightly, so I took some deep breaths and shook my arms. Shook it all off and started to pile on the effort. The group I’d been running with I left behind.

This is where intervals and fartlek runs pay off.

As we made it back to the main road the wind assisted the final 2 miles. Each mile I pushed a little more. I was tired but I couldn’t give up now.

Frustratingly the finishing stretch I had the wind blowing me sideways. It felt like I was running forever, but I managed to sprint finish strong.

Adding the time back in, not quite under a hour but it is my best 10k time in a year.

There is progression here so I accept this. With Liverpool half marathon next month I accepted it won’t be a PB attempt. This is OK.

With this in mind, I do think I should look at running another 10k before my May half marathon as it’d a good progression indicator!

Also, look at the progression for the 2nd half of this race. 😍

Would I recommend?

Yes! It is quite an expensive race (what isn’t expensive these days?) but the race was brilliantly organised.

There was a designated car park with frequent buses to and from race HQ. We picked up our race bibs on the day which was straight forward as was bag drop. All in one place.

There were plenty of toilets and it just felt very relaxing. It’s what you want from a race.

The cost is reflected by the goody bag. Lots of goodies inside including a bag of pick n mix, a buff and a rucksack.

It’s a flat route. The first 3 miles were tedious particularly in the wind, but I think the race is worth doing once.

Official Time: 1hr 29secs