Don't count on getting the promised race merchandise at the end of this event; it is allocated first-come, first-served basis and ran out half way through the 2023 event! Marshals were excellent and the route scenery is good (as a local it always is), but it becomes more crowded in the second half of the race, as the narrow points of the route coincide with the Half Marathon runners catching up to the Full Marathon runners. I’m not an elite runner, but did the full distance in a solid time and for me, personally speaking, found it a bit demoralising having lots of Half Marathon runners and Relay runners squeezing past on very tight country paths, as I was struggling in the last quarter of the race. This may not bother some people, but if this sounds like it would bother you and you're aiming at around 5hrs, then leave a fair bit earlier than 09:30. The number of water points was good, enough to keep you going and everyone very friendly. No sports drinks or gel packs, but I always take my own gels anyway. There are banana chunks which are well appreciated. I think the end-race management needs improvement, on an otherwise well-organised event. There were groups of people chatting right in front of the finish line almost blocking the way, no obvious sign of hydration (which along the route had otherwise been good), and really annoyingly no event t-shirt because they ran out pretty early on. The post-marathon email just said "well, we sometimes end up over, sometimes end up short, this year we were 200 short". 200 T-shirts short! In an event of 1,000 people, this means 20% of the runners. mostly full marathoners, didn't get the merchandise they paid for! Most frustratingly of all, this disproportionately impacted the Full Marathon runners because they tended to finish towards the end, who not only had run the full distance, but had paid twice the entry fee of some other participants. Some people say “it’s not about the merchandise” - ok, maybe it isn’t for you personally, but it matters to many people and they don't run out of race merchandise repeatedly because it's unpopular with participants! It’s promised as inclusive within a pretty substantive price for the full event and it wasn’t delivered. After paying £45 to complete this, as my first marathon and as a local, it was bittersweet experience for me. I enjoyed the race, I would leave earlier if I did it again to avoid the Half Marathoners and Relay Runners, but I am very disappointed that there was no T-shirt as promised and no attempt to rectify the situation once it was apparent.

A really good trail event. Well signed and Marshall’s were excellent. Route is 95% trail with some road sections, was very wet and muddy this year and are a fair few hills!

This was the second time I've completed this event and I do love it. A point to point race from Salisbury to Winchester with transport between those available before and after the race. It's organised by the local rotary club and every single penny of profit goes to charity. Do not expect a massive piece of bling or top quality race tee, this event is really not about that. But the organisation is super friendly, the marshals top notch and feed stations decent enough. The trail is well marked and it's a great and picturesque journey along one of the oldest paths in Britain. It's not easy, being trail but there are only one or two steepish climbs. There are half and team relay options available as well.

The race starts by parking at the park and ride and getting a coach to the start. Marshalls waiting here were already handing out bananas for breakfast. Registration was easy, and there were lots of volunteers around to help. The pre race breifing was good along with the various pre race emails sent prior to the day. All the Marshalls and checkpoints were perfectly spaced out. Not being a particularly fast runner I did have the sweeper bikes behind me but they said don't worry they'll keep a distance to not pressure us. One one Marshall very kindly found me some paracetamol too which was great. The Marshalls at all road crossings would put themselves in the path of cars to ensure our safety. Every Marshall had huge enthusiasm for the last or first runners. They were truly amazing. As you come through the finish the PA would announce your name personally too. There was a coach back to the park and ride which was 5 mins away. It was a seamless process and reduced huge traffic and parking problems that you usually get at point to point marathons.

Beautiful, hilly (tough!) trail course. Large sections were on good hard packed trails in spite of sustained rain the day before. Semi-trail shoes would have been fine - not too muddy at all. Super friendly and supportive marshalls and spectators. Very frequent water/aid stations. Great medal/t-shirt. Experienced organisation showed throughout. Regular pre-race emails/tweets with useful info. Great semi-cupless approach (pick up cup at 1st water station and carry it with you for re-fill at the next) - reduced plastic but didn't exclude runners without their own cup/bottle. Transport from Winchester P&R to the start (and from finish back to P&R) ran smoothly. Could improve pre-race info with: (1) notice about where to drop bags (2) splitting out the route profile for the half-marathon from the marathon so show total elevation for the half separately. Based on my Runkeeper stats I reckon ~65% of the total climb is during the half marathon. Overall 5* An excellent day out.

This was the perfect choice for my first marathon. Although the route is tough (trail and hilly) it's absolutely beautiful. Make sure you remember to look around and enjoy the surroundings. It was a well organised event with lots of marshalls and signage. I liked the fact that the mile markers counted down. It was great to see the 1 mile to go! Very friendly and supportive event. Loved the t-shirt and treated myself to a mug as a souvenir. The medal was classy. All in all 10/10. I'll be back next year.

A run that offers outstanding natural beauty. And a must for trail runners. Marshals were so enthusiastic, supportive and friendly. All, and I mean all, Water stations well managers and fully stocked with water, squash, bananas squash and delicious fruit flapjack . Great medal and t shirt. I entered on the day and more than happy to pay extra for the privilege. Will be back next year. Thankyou Clarendon