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First Lady Helena Youde At The Wirral Way Trail Half Marathon

Helena does it her way at Wirral Half

Helena Youde made a strong start to 2019 with a win and new course record at the Wirral Way Trail Half Marathon (Sunday 6 January). She was in good form at this early season race.

A member of Almost Athletes, Helena performed well in three half marathons in 2018, coming second at Liverpool, third at Cheltenham and fourth at Stroud. The top spot eluded her until now.

She was amongst 400 runners (including this correspondent) who took part in the sold-out Wirral Way Trail Half Marathon Winter, organised by Time2Run Events UK. They had hosted a 10K and Fun Run the day before.

The race started from Hooton and followed the Wirral Way Circular Trail to finish at Thurstaston. The route was mainly flat with some undulations in a scenic location that boasted superb views of the River Dee and the Welsh hills. There was plenty of encouragement from spectators including humorous shouts of “chocolate” from two male cyclists to spur on female runners. It helped me to a PB.

Helena Youde was the fastest female in 1:27:24, beating the existing record of 1:29:57 set by Carmel Triggs in January 2017. Carmel came second in 1:31:33 followed by Carol Paxton in 1:32:59.

The race was won by Robert Deller of Wirral AC in 1:17:45. Tom Stephenson of Sale Harriers was second in 1:17:58 with Ivan Munoz Matias third in 1:19:50.

There was a bespoke medal and goody bag for every runner (that contained chocolate!), cake and hot drinks. Free coach travel back to the start and free photographs to download from Mick Hall.

Entries opening soon for the Wirral Way Trail Half Marathon Summer on Sunday 7 July. Visit the website for details.

Image courtesy of Mick Hall Photos.

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