This is now the third time I've completed the Chippenham HM and I have loved it every single time.

Registration: all posted to your address if you signed up early enough so no queues to wait in. A friend of mine signed up later and had a very straight forward collection of his race bib and chip.

Warm up: a fun aerobic warm up of three high energy tracks 20ish minutes before the start. 

Briefing: loud and very clear.

Start: the road closures were put into effect with no problems. There was music playing which gave a good atmosphere and I could see a pace car out front for the leaders.

Course: the first couple of miles go through busy parts of town and up the high street so the Sunday shoppers are around to give encouragement. It was also great to see the kids that had just finished junior parkrun who came to cheer on too. Then it turns very rural until mile 11 when you start to see more traffic. The local support was dotted around in large and very enthusiastic pockets and all marshals did an incredible job. The course is mostly flat with a surprise hill around mile 12.

Marshals: 10/10 for every volunteer from the Chippenham Harriers. The police were also on hand to help runners and traffic navigate a couple of tricky sections.

Safety: roads were closed to traffic at the start and end with quiet country roads in between with very little traffic and the odd tractor. There were loads of flourescent warning signs about and plenty of cycle marshals to help manage any traffic. Traffic also had at least a months notice of the event with large signs dotted around town, so hopefully they would stay away.

Finish line: loads of noisy spectators here to help you to the finish and lots of help from St John's Ambulance for medical help and the Scouts (I think) to take timing chips off. At the end we got a medal, t-shirt, goody bag of treats, bottle of water and a banana. For families there was entertainment for kids and a tent selling trainers. Times were printed out quickly (but not individually) andv there was a very enthusiastic presentation ceremony.

I thoroughly enjoyed my race today. My only grumble is that they've changed the supplier of the t-shirts and the small is massive this year which is a shame as I love my 2015 & 2016 ones.

Thank you Chippenham!