This was my first time taking part and it has been one of my favourite events I've ever done. The route was beautiful, as well as comfortably challenging and varied as a trail run goes. And of course the medal and t-shirt at the end were some of the best I've ever been awarded. Post race refreshments of cola and water were appreciated but I feel there was a lack of other refreshments. I only saw varieties of biscuits and sadly couldn't have any due to intolerances. This does not take away form the enjoyment or experience enough to be a big deal for me personally but could be improved upon. On the whole course navigation was really clear although there were a few points in the course I'd been running for so long without seeing a ribbon, arrow or marshal that I started to question if I'd missed a turning but thankfully, i was meant to be continuing straight and when I did need to turn this was clearly marked. Overall a great experience.

Overall, a really well organised race. Very atmospheric start with the town crier on the balcony starting the race. Course marking was spot on. Loads of friendly, encouraging marshals, even in bits where you didn't think you'd see any, which was very reassuring. Aid stations had plenty of water and sweets and all the helpers were brilliant. Bit disappointed with the finish line. Some water, a couple of opened packets of sweaty-thumbed-through biscuits and unpleasant tasting cola. Medal was nice but I'm not really a medal collector so gave it away to a very enthusiastic young supporter near the finish line. However, my main gripe is there was far too much tarmac for a trail race. I would say what felt like close to half of the 30k. Having checked a route planning website for the surface types it shows 40% paved but that didn't count the long, concreted farm track near the end and a few other bits that were concrete or tarmac farm tracks. I understand 30k is a long course to get all trail and they have to be linked with road but 40% is too much. The trail bits were absolutely glorious though, can't fault those. However, despite being called Rye Ancient Trails and all pre-event emails saying "primarily off road" and "due to the off-road nature of the course" there was just too much road running for me to consider doing this race again.

One of my favorites in the race calendar, the changes to the start to avoid the usual congestion worked like a dream, there will always be some congestion due to the nature of the course, but this year was a massive improvement, congrats on organising such a great event, the theatrical start with the town crier and the awesome bling!.. I will be there again next year :-)

This was my third time completing the event, and it was just as enjoyable as ever. The Rye Ancient Trails offer a stunning route with beautiful scenery along the way. I decided to push myself this year and take on the 30k challenge, which was a fantastic experience. A big thank you to all the marshals who were amazing and so supportive throughout the day

First time I done this race and only done it to raise money for the Sara Lee Trust in Hastings. This is a tough 30k going through some fantastic countryside. Very lucky with the weather but I imagine this course could get very slippery in places. Even in areas in the middle of nowhere you were never far from seeing a marshal who were all excellent, friendly and encouraging also plenty of drinking stations along the way . Would recommend this race to anyone who likes a challenge

Unfortunately I picked up a leg injury around 10k, I battled through to 20k when it became too painful, at that point I was assisted by two volunteer sweepers, one (Sarah) kindly walked with me to the final water station, where I was checked over by a medical team, as my leg wasn’t so painful now and the medics were satisfied, I decided to walk to the finish, Sarah walked with me. Even though I was the last competitor home, the crew were still there, finish line up, photographer, water station, I was incredibly impressed that they waited for me, as I was nearly 6 hours out there for the 30k! The medal was superb, and it was nice to be able to congratulate the guy who designed it. Thanks again to Sarah for walking me back those long 11 kilometres, really appreciated, Nice Work made me feel like I was in safe hands, thank you.

Absolutely fantastic event with seamless organisation! Amazing marshals, lots of water aids and sweets along the way. My only suggestion would be a few toilets along the way as not always suitable for a lady to go in a bush especially those on their period! Even if beckley village hall were open or even a church for emergencies! Fantastic event ~ well done team.