Probably the best forest trail half marathon I`ve done and I`ve done quite a few ! What sets this race apart from your " regular " forest half marathons are the sections on the beach and the sand dunes. These sections combined, with the forest sections, just make this such a glorious race, regardless of your fitness or speed levels. Even though the weather was pretty gnarly, mad gusts of wind an some really heavy rain showers, I really enjoyed this race and somehow managed to post my second best time of the year ( it is pretty flat and when the wind was at your back, you could pick really pick our speed up ) I started off pretty well wrapped up with a waterproof on, but pretty soon started shedding layers once I`d got to the shelter of the forest and warmed up. Nearly 300 of us set of on the half marathon course, at the very early time of 8.15am - it was still dark when I arrived at 7.15am ! The car park is massive, so no problems parking, not much of an event village - reception and a tent selling running gear and that`s about it. One tea / butty van in the car park was the only food, but plenty of toilets. It had been raining heavily all week and I was tempted to go for my fell shoes, but in the end opted for trail shoes, which was the right decision, as the majority of the gravel paths and trails where dry (ish) and the ones in the forest where a bit soft, but fine to run on. The course is very well marked with big arrows and flags, so there`s no chance of getting lost and there were lovely friendly marshals everywhere too. Three aid stations along the way, stocking he basics of water, isotonic drinks, gels and chews. Not much in the way of bling - a slate coaster, a medal would`ve been nice, but not really a biggee in the grand scheme of things. A good mix of all age and fitness levels, with a fun course without any nutty climbs, would make this an ideal race for someone wanting to have a go at trail running.c Some of the beach and coastal views where just stunning and if you`re a social runner like me, you just have to stop and take photos . Fantastic race and a credit to the organisers and all of the volunteers and one I`d happily do again. * It would make a great Spring / Summer race too, but I`m guessing that the forest and the car park, is too busy with visitors to accommodate a race on top ?

There always seems to be a very relaxed atmosphere at the Always Aim High events and this was no exception. Set in the amazing forest at Newborough on Anglesey the 10k race didn't have that many runners (156). Most runners seemed to have opted for the half marathon which set off first. The elements were against us as gale force winds and rain lashed the event but fortunately the tree cover protected us runners most of the time.

The trails were stoney, full of tree roots in places, a little muddy after the recent rain and sandy. What I hadn't banked on was the fact that we would be running on the beach! We were exposed to the elements doing it but you know I still loved it. Run along the tide mark for a firmer footing rather than through the well troddened soft sand and it was fine.

With the rains the forest scent was fantastic which distracted from the very undulating course at times. We went from wide road ways to very narrow path ways. Up and down hills like rollercoasters ducking and dodging branches and thorns but all the time really loving it. 

There were two feed stations for the 10k giving out gels, water and electrolytes. All runners were asked at the start NOT to litter the forest with cups and sachets but sadly a few people seemed to have ignored this.

A very good quality t-shirt and medal plus lots of pick me up foods to feast on at the finish. Before the event started we were given bandage tape, energy sweets from High 5 and CoQ chewable sweets and a great cow bell!

All in all this is such a great venue for a trail race and I for one would gladly do it all again come rain or shine!