FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE HEARTBREAKER HALF: FEB 2026
Today was called the Heart Breaker Half, but if I’m honest, it filled mine.
What started as a tough, muddy, leg-burning day out turned into something far bigger than a run. It became one of those rare events that reminds you exactly why community, movement, and shared effort matter so much.
From the first arrivals at the start line to the final finishers coming through, the energy never dipped. There’s something powerful about watching people show up not just to run, but to support, cheer, organize, fuel, and hold the whole thing together behind the scenes.
A Community Effort from Start to Finish
Events like this don’t happen on their own. They’re built by people who give their time, energy, and heart.
Huge gratitude goes out to the run leaders who guided the way, the aid station crew who kept everyone moving, the partners who backed the day, and the supporters on bikes who made sure no one was left behind. The encouragement out on the route made a bigger difference than you probably realize.
Special thanks as well to our partners, including Oatly and Commune Cafe Bristol, for all the treats and post-run goodness. The fuel, recovery snacks, and finish-line support were very well earned and very appreciated.
First Halfs and Fresh PBs
One of the most special parts of the day was seeing so many runners complete their first-ever half-marathon. That’s a huge milestone the kind you remember forever, and it was an absolute privilege to witness those finish-line moments.
Alongside the first-timers, we also had a wave of PBs out there, which makes it even more impressive considering the conditions. Mud, hills, and tired legs and still you pushed through and delivered your best. That says everything about the grit in this group.
So much love and respect for every single person who stepped up and took it on.
Mud, Miles, and Managed Chaos
There were slippery sections, heavy legs, and more than a few moments where footing was optional, and dignity was negotiable. We might’ve broken a few hearts and a few legs on that mud, but somehow that only made the finish line feel sweeter.
Shared struggle has a funny way of turning into shared joy.
Why It Meant So Much
Some runs are about pace. Some are about performance. And some are about people.
This one was about people.
Seeing familiar faces, meeting new ones, watching runners dig deep, and feeling that collective “we did it” at the end that’s the stuff that sticks. That’s the real win.
Would We Do It Again?
Absolutely.
10/10 — would suffer again.
So the real question is — shall we do another? 👟❤️
Event Photos
https://lhgrunclub.com/gallery/the-heat-breaker-half-with-oatley-and-commune-cafe
Please feel free to download, share, and tag:
@lhgrunclub @jaytotheski @oatley
Thank you again to every runner who came along, and to the Commune Cafe and Oatley team for making the night such a success. Keep an eye out for more events coming soon.
Jay