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Thank you! I cannot thank everybody enough for making my first Windsor half marathon such a pleasant experience. The weather was good (if not a little too warm) the team that I inherited from Alysia were absolutely superb in every department, the sponsors and of course all the runners who took part in this years race - again a big thank you.

We did have our traumatic moments - the fact that almost 400 runners did not receive their race packs due to problems caused by the fuel crisis and the Royal Mail really did not help my health and temper during the last few days. Having said that most of the runners accepted the problem with good humour and understanding and we did at least get everybody to the start line in time for the 1.00pm start!

The race itself was run in very warm conditions, which caused a few problems with the less experienced runners but did not stop Hillary Lelei and Julius Kimtai romping away to a comfortable 1-2, with last year winner, Vincent Garner in 3rd spot. Similarly in the Womens race, the conditions obviously suited young Kenyan Emily Chepkogei who just managed to hold off Jo Deering from Slinkmeisters A Team with Lesley Whiley in 3rd place.

Warm congratulations to these athletes and all runners who completed, what is known as a tough course.

It is my intention over the next few years to make the Windsor Half Marathon the most "runner friendly" race in the UK. I have read with interest your reviews on this race and welcome the constructive criticism. We, as a team, will look at all aspects of the race with a view to improving it - there are of course certain limitations, as we are guests within a Royal Park.

One area where I know we can be of help to the first time and less experienced runner is by offering 1 & 2 day running seminars which will cover all aspects of preparing oneself for a race such as this.

To finish I would just like to say that I hope to see you all again next year and please keep checking this web site for all the latest information.

Peter Hier, Race Director