In training for the Manchester Marathon in April, Mike Akers was using the Farnborough Half Marathon as a stepping stone
The 10th anniversary running of the Farnborough Winter Half Marathon took place on Sunday 8 February 2026 and, as ever, proved hugely popular. A full field gathered beneath the vast Airship Hangar at Farnborough Business Park — the former Royal Aircraft Establishment HQ — for the 9:00am start.
Last year’s race had set participation and course-record marks, so expectations were high again. While numbers were slightly lower this time with 2,351 finishers, standards remained impressive: 332 runners broke 90 minutes — a new race best — even though the course records of 1:03:46 (Adam Clarke) and 1:15:55 (Ellie Monks) stood.
Simon Hearn was chasing an England Masters qualifying time
Among the strong field were two Bournemouth AC athletes with very different goals: Simon Hearn chasing England Masters qualification and Mike Akers testing marathon fitness.
The runners warm up before the start of the race
Mike Akers – strength where it matters
Mike started fast and hoped he wouldn’t blow up later in the race
Mike arrived looking for reassurance after last year’s difficult outing at the Wokingham Half Marathon, where pacing unravelled late on. His long-standing PB of 1:19:09 (2017) remains intact, but winter training — long runs with Rich Brawn, marathon sessions and consistent club nights — suggested progress ahead of the Manchester Marathon on 19 April.
Mike was aiming for a time of around 1:23
The undulating course made pacing tricky from the start. Mike set off around 6:15 pace despite the opening uphill mile, eased slightly through the following miles, then hit another climb at mile five (6:24) before responding with a strong 6:12 sixth mile.
Mike was really flying as he went through the airport
Crucially, this time the race improved rather than deteriorated. After mid-race miles around 6:20, he held 6:25 pace for miles ten and eleven before closing with a decisive 6:13 final mile.
He finished in 1:22:46, placing 139th of 2,353 and 20th of 204 in the M40-44 category (6:16 per mile average).
Mike battles it out with a fellow competitor
A controlled negative finish — and no blow-up — strongly suggests sub-3 marathon condition already, with the coming weeks now aimed toward something nearer 2:50.
It was a very strong effort from Mike
Simon Hearn – qualification secured
Simon Hearn in the pack
Simon’s build-up had been less certain. Since running 1:28:26 at the Swansea Half Marathon last June, he had been searching for the form that produced 1:25:34 at the Reading Half Marathon in 2023. A cold four weeks beforehand dented confidence and disrupted pacing.
Simon wasn’t feeling too confident going into the race
“Going into the race I felt very negative because I’d had a cold and didn’t think I could break 1:30. After seeing a doctor and getting reassurance I decided not to waste the 12-week training block.
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My plan was around 6:50 pace and push late. The undulations zapped my energy but from mile nine I worked harder — 6:45, 6:40 and a 6:36 last mile.
.Simon ran well and began to up the pace near the end
I beat the 1:29:30 England Masters target and felt with more aggression I could have been around 1:28. I know what to improve now.
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I’ll train hard for the Manchester Half Marathon in May — the harder you train, the more likely you get the results you want. I’m really enjoying running and coaching the BAC juniors.”
Simon felt that perhaps he should have attacked it harder from the start
Simon clocked 1:29:12, placing 314th overall and 11th of 110 in the M55-59 category — comfortably inside the England Masters qualifying standard.
At the sharp end
Alex Pointon (left), Christopher Newnham (centre), Theo Doran (right)
The race itself was fast, with the first six men all inside 70 minutes as Aldershot Farnham & District AC’s Theo Doran (1:07:48) and Alex Pointon (1:08:33) led the field home. Rachel Laurie of Chichester Runners & AC won the women’s race in 1:17:19.
The lead car was driven by Mike Gratton, whose famous London Marathon victory inspired the 2:09 Events company that organises the race.
A productive outing
It was a run where Simon realised he’s got more in the tank than he thought
For Bournemouth AC it was a thoroughly worthwhile morning: Simon achieved a key qualification target and renewed confidence, while Mike demonstrated controlled endurance and encouraging marathon readiness.
Early-season races rarely provide perfection — but they often provide clarity — and both runners now head into spring with clear purpose.
Mike showed he’s already in sub-three marathon shape