Feeling the love for the Portsmouth half marathon

Among the runners were lots of couples who did the whole race together.

Jo Lea and Martin Foster relished the challenge of completing the 13.1-mile course, especially the popular muddy beach section where many had to go searching for their trainers.

Lea said: ‘It was great to have each other’s support and to hold hands on the muddy beach so we didn’t fall over.

‘True love is running the muddy beach together and still being in love at the finish!’

Husband and wife Claire and Paul Winterford, who take part in many of the Believe and Achieve events and ran their first marathon last year ran together, enjoyed the challenge, as did Chris Lewis and his wife Shona Lewis.

Louise Newman and Pauline Dorn, who run for Portsmouth Joggers, dressed as Cupid to spread some Valentine’s cheer.

After some recent injury problems, Lisa Calladine loved her return to running.

She said: ‘They say love hurts and that’s true but I can officially say I’ve fallen in love again!’

Portsmouth Triathletes won the Solent Dawn Valentine’s Day Cup for teams made up of five male and five female runners.

The next Believe and Achieve event is the St Patrick’s Day Run on Thursday, March 17 at Old Portsmouth Square Tower (7pm).

– NIKKI JONES