May

[Sweder]

I've buried my appreciation of Brussels under a little too much bleating about big city race deficiencies. Brussels was a terrific surprise to me, full of gems at every turn. It makes for an excellent (if rather fattening) weekend destination and I'll be heading back with Mrs S before too long. I'm certain to return for this race, it's a corker.

I understand the anxieties of new runners, I really do; but they can't enjoy being shoved and frowned at for mile after mile. Perhaps some simple 'first timer' guidelines would be useful from race officials, though heaven knows they'll probably drown them in sponsors' advertising.

Is there a general etiquette for running (as there is for say use of the river)? If not it seems there should be. It's difficult when city races have a 'running line' that tends to weave from side to side to map out the precise distance. This is not the case in Brussels, so they could easily suggest slower runners/ walkers keep to the right (the course is predominated by turns to the left), overtakers/ people speeding up to the left. No doubt there's a myriad of reasons why this can't happen but most people complain about slowing traffic and it has potential for danger. As have people with 'strollers'. I'm all for children getting involved, but we had a couple of Dads running with child-laden three-wheeled strollers in the middle of the pack. Madness.

Something else I didn't mention was the number of sirens ringing out during the race. I haven't heard of any serious casualties but I can't recall the paramedics being quite so active in other races. Perhaps the unexpected heat took an extra toll.