Conwy was the first half marathon that Sarah and I ever ran, back in 2013. It has continued to prove a favourite with Sarah ever since (and it would be for me too if my foot was up to it). This would be the sixth time Sarah has participated in the Conwy half marathon, having previously taken part in  2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018. Yes, it has become an annual ritual!

As mentioned, my problematic foot doesn’t hold up long enough for a half marathon. However, I can still run 10k. So, as Sarah began to walk to the start of the Conwy Half Marathon 2019, I ran my own 10k. We were staying at the Glan Conwy Premier Inn. My run began nearby.

I then ran towards Conwy.

However, before crossing the River Conwy I turned off towards RSPB Conwy.

I then followed the estuary.

I continued to follow the path around RSPB Conwy

It had been raining overnight, but thankfully, while I was running, it remained dry.

I left the RSPB Conwy reserve and ran back towards the Premier Inn and then on up to Glan Conwy rail station since I still had a few kilometres to go. I finished by running back towards the Premier Inn again.

You can view my 10k route below:

At the Premier Inn, I had a quick shower and some breakfast before heading back to Conwy ready to cheer Sarah over the line when she finished.

For, in the meantime, Sarah had been making her way to the start of the Conwy Half Marathon 2019.

She planned to follow the 2 hours 15 minutes pacesetter.

The Conwy Half Marathon 2019 route began by heading out through Deganwy.

Then on towards Llandudno.

After entering Llandudno, the runners passed the pier and began the climb up and around the Great Orme.

It’s a gut-wrenching climb, but the views (if you have the energy to look) are spectacular.

Finally, you reach the top. You can then relax a little and enjoy the sprint down the other side.

While Sarah was sprinting down the Great Orme, I was making my way back Conwy.

It had now started to rain and the mist had set in.

Of course, this made for a tough run-in for the runners.

I managed to find a good spot near the finish line, but typically, as is Sarah’s want, my vantage point was on the wrong side to get a good photo!

Sarah’s finishing time of 2 hours 17 minutes and 10 seconds was her best for five years. Fantastic!

You can view Sarah’s Conwy Half Marathon 2019 route below:

Then it was time to head back. Sarah was obviously feeling tired. Thankfully a hot cuppa and something to eat seemed to do the trick.

The rain by now, however, had completely taken over.

So we headed off to Llandudno for some lunch, before finally making our way home.

In spite of the rain towards the end, this had been another enjoyable visit to North Wales. Sarah always enjoys participating in the Conwy Half Marathon. It is a challenging and rewarding event. So … roll on Conwy Half Marathon 2020!