It's tricky to give this an overall grade. It's billed as a fun run, with fancy dress and wine samples and bands on the way around. The atmosphere at the start was great and i was optimistic this was going to be a nice event, as I was runnign with my sister who had left her family behind and wasn't really that keen on the run anymore. Pre-race everything was fine, smallish queue for the toilet, which was inside the venue so not a portaloo, quite a luxury. easy bag drop. cup of water available pre race, good. We got to the first wine stop and realised the queue was massive so we skipped it. The next one was a forced stop as they chose to put the aid station/wine stop at the bottom of a narrow woodland path that was impossible to get through if you didn't want to use that stop, or even to get through for dog walkers. Then a nice long slog uphill, which i enjoyed but found a surprising route choice for a run of 2k people, very narrow path. Next stop was just water and energy bars, but they hadn't set any out because "we've been so busy". Erm yes, with runners, the number of which you knew. Stop after that, no water available, but wine was still there. Great combo there on a hot day. Fourth stop, water rationed as "we're running out". My sister mentioned that the previous stop didn't 'have any either, and they had no idea. Last stop was wine, they had water but it was being dispensed very inefficiently. I took some cheese and crackers from a grab tray, and just had to hope that other runners had washed their hands. I thought it was quite surprising to just lay out pieces of cheese for people to take, no toothpicks, nothing, just a hot day and 2,000 sticky hands. Altogether those kind of problems made me really annoyed. The half marathon entry is £56. For that money I could enter a city half or a small countryside ultra marathon with beautiful spreads of food and proper logistics around water provision. Maybe I just wasn't in the right frame of mind, I don't know. I felt bad that I had dragged my sister along for the first run together in years, and it couldn't provide water at every station. It's the bare minimum even if it is a fun run.

I did the 10k and really enjoyed it. Beautiful but hilly route. The only issue was the huge queue at the first aid station, we waited for about 20mins. For the 10k there were three stops, 2 with wine and food 1 with water/electrolytes (although the water had run out when we got there). I’d definitely do it again, it’s not a serious race, it’s one for dressing up and chatting to friends.

There's something very British about runners dressing up and drinking wine in the surrey countryside. Having ran this previously I enjoyed the route change. There are plenty of Marshalls and supporters . The drink stops become rather congested at times. Not sure what the solution is to solve this. The bands seems to have reduced this year which is a shame but nev the less everyone had a great time. When you finish you collect your medal and you get a hog roast or a veggie alternative and another drink of your choice. Thankfully the weather was good and everyone say around on the grass enjoying themselves. Not sure what would have happened if the weather wasn't as kind. The vineyard also provide a discount in their shop which is great to take home some of the fab wines you sampled on the course. Everything works really well. Minimal queues for toilets, bag collection etc. The scenery is great and everyone who doesn't know the area is really taken in by it all.

2018 was my first Bacchus event, having regrettably missed it the previous year due to other commitments. It was worth the wait. Set in the beautiful vineyards of Denbies Wine Estate on the North Downs, Surrey, this was certainly one of the more picturesque races to participate in. There was considerable parking on site and the closest train stations are the two Dorking stations, approximately 15 minutes walk to the venue. Facilities at the venue were ample, toilets were easily accessible and bag drop was simple. There was a number of different distances to choose from, ranging from a fun run, a 5 mile, half and full marathon. Interestingly, the same medal was awarded for each. On to the race. Bacchus is a trail race which takes you through the Estate then out on to the public trail on the North Downs. The first half was the most challenging, with some steep hills to contend with almost from the off. The first wine station was at mile 3, where a large queue for the wine entailed. Not to bother as we’re entertained by some bag pipe players. These queues reduced in length at each station (miles 3, 6, 9, 10, 11 and 12 if I remember correctly) and there were portaloos at each one. One minor criticism is there ought to be at least 4 portaloos at each station, rather than 2 to alleviate further queuing. The second half of the race was by far the easier, much flatter and faster and the frequency of wine stations really made this race go quick. It didn’t feel like a half marathon distance at all. Probably because it isn’t, my Garmin recorded 11.8 miles. On the way down towards the finish, we were treated to some incredible views across the vineyard and North Downs. Among the best I’ve seen in a race. The bands at each station really added to the fantastic atmosphere and the finish was epic. Afterwards, there was a full hog roast to refuel which was a great opportunity to sit down, eat, chat and reflect with a complimentary beer/glass of wine. The medal was top quality too and we had the option of 20% off from the gift shop. I would strongly suggest that to take the most enjoyment from this race, treat it as a bit of fun and don’t run it competitively. It’s £50.00 to enter and this pays for the wine and nibbles, which are all top notch and worth spending some time to savour. Don’t worry about achieving a time here, just soak up the wonderful, friendly atmosphere. Enjoy the wine, food and music and if you want to, dress up! I would strongly suggest that to take the most enjoyment from this race, treat it as a bit of fun and don’t run it competitively. It’s £50.00 to enter and this pays for the wine and nibbles, which are all top notch and worth spending some time to savour. Don’t worry about achieving a time here, just soak up the wonderful, friendly atmosphere. Enjoy the wine, food and music and if you want to, dress up!

This was my 1st Bacchus after reading so many good things. I quickly learnt though that this would be no easy marathon but was still a great buzz around the vineyard and start area. A few different race distances to choose from and so many people dressed up ready to really enjoy the wine and the day In general. The views were stunning (running through Denbies Vinyard, through the North Downs. There was a good selection of music on every aid station which really gave me a boost leading up to the station. The first half of the lap was by far the hardest part, with a real nice downhill leading to the end of first lap/finish to compensate. Lots of encouragement urging us marathoners into the second lap. It was at that point when you start meeting up with folk doing the different distances, which just adds to the buzz,, especially with most running in groups, playing music, really raking your mind off those hills. Aid stations were filled with wine, water and snacks, with the marshalls working hard to cater for all. A slight negative as someone doing the marathon distance... was quite hard weeving through the big crowds that were hanging around the aid station Having finally completed the course (sober or not depending how much you took on) you were treated to a amazing hog roast (or veggie alternative) and incase u didnt have enough wine... a choice of another wine or even a beer. You are sent home with a great medal and a tech t-shirt. Great value in my opinion instead of the usual leaflets. You can then nip into the lovely shop/building and get 20% off everything. Overall, a brilliant race which will allow a challenge. Having ran this year competitively, I will be back to enjoy the course and the wine more.

This was my first time running in this race after hearing nothing but good things about it last year. The course was set in and around the Denbies Vine Yard with great views. We started our day with a great bacon bap in the café (you need to have a good feed before you start). Collecting our race numbers was easy as was the bag drop, and the start area was clearly marked. The first 2 stops were well stocked with both the wine and snacks. once we reached the 3rd the cakes has run out and the wine was flowing less than the others. Pitstop 4 had normal service resumed but this time with Wine and energy snacks and gels. The last stop was busy with a live band, red and sparkling wine and a great atmosphere, time at this stop does fly as you can get carried away here. The course however did come up short by 1/2 a mile but for those who were on the wine I don't think they cared one bit. The finishers medal and T-shirt were nice at the end. The advertised hog roast was a disappointment but you did also have the chance for another drink with your post race voucher. What more do you want after all that running, well of course it was the disco and dancing in the tent. Overall a great day out with running friends, and where else do you run with Nuns, Minions, Devil, Grapes Cheerleaders ....... To sum it up Bonkers

Back to it's best! This is my 4th Bacchus and this one was probably the best. I'll be signing up for next year. Here are my highlights: 1 - The views are stunning (running through Denbies Vinyard, through the North Downs next to Box Hill) 2 - Great (great!) atmosphere. Everyone was up for it (probably the wine) and 95% in fancy dress. Staff were also brilliant. 3 - Great music! A marching/drumming band at the start, 2 pipers on base 1, a classy 20's style singer towards the middle and a rock band on the last "concert" station 4 - Great wine & hog roast at the end. You could sample a different wine on each of the stations and a hog roast at the end (veggie option and pulled port also available). You can also nip into the lovely shop/building and get 20% off everything. My fridge is now full of lovely wine for the weeks ahead! 5 - Fantastic merch! You get a lovely medal and quality tshirt. 6 - Celeb stop (not important bit Chris Evans was on the course with Vassos Alexander and the breakfast team. The dull bits but important: - Didn't have to queue more than 5 mins for a toilet visit (toilets around the route) - Plenty food/water (oh, and the wine. Did I mention the wine?) on the stations - The staff where excellent. A carnival spirit throughout. - Easy venue to get to. We travelled by train this and last year but have taken the car in the past with no problem. - Free photos! I've not seen them yet but there where a lot of photographers on the course. Can't wait for them to become available. Looking forward to next year!