VIDEO: Thorp takes Chi Half Marathon women’s title

CASSIE THORP was delighted to win the women’s race at the Chichester Half Marathon - especially as it was the first time she had run the race.
The 700-plus-strong field pound the streets / Picture by Kate ShemiltThe 700-plus-strong field pound the streets / Picture by Kate Shemilt
The 700-plus-strong field pound the streets / Picture by Kate Shemilt

The former City of Portsmouth athlete came home in a time of 1hr 29min 47sec and admitted she found the final stages tough.

“The last two miles were agonising but it’s a really scenic route and really enjoyable. There were so many competitors so yuou always had someone keeping you going. It was really good.

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“It’s the first time I’ve done this race. I usually do a 10k or ten-mile distance but I’m trying to increase that at the moment.

The 700-plus-strong field pound the streets / Picture by Kate ShemiltThe 700-plus-strong field pound the streets / Picture by Kate Shemilt
The 700-plus-strong field pound the streets / Picture by Kate Shemilt

“When I’ve been doing half marathons seriously the best I’ve done is about an hour and 29 so I was hoping for around an hour and a half.”

Thorp said she knew she was the leading lady throughout - thanks to the crowd.

“All the spectators were shouting out, so all the way along I knew I was leading. There was good support from the crowd all the way, especially on that horrible hill! They all seemed to congregate there - it was like they wanted to watch us suffer.

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“It was blissful coming all the way down for about a mile and a half.”

Will Thorp be back next year to defend her title? “I reckon so. I really enjoyed the route and there were good conditions. And potentially I may do the Chichester 10k in Feburary too.”

STEVE BONE

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