This is one of the best half marathons and I ensure I book my place year on year where it never fails to disappoint.

The course is scenic on open roads however the marshalling is so good you feel safe and secure throughout. It is certainly a challenging course with good hills throughout. I always find myself looking accross the fieldsto appreciate the views throughout this event which taes you ind off any pain from your legs.

The organisation is perfect and the atmosphere is second to none with in the main serious athletes who love their sport where no-one is unwilling to socialise even throughout the race. Parking is free and very well organised by the marshalls.

The only downside for this race is the water stations are cups which as every runner knows are not easy to run and drink from.

There is no medal for this event but always a good quality t-shirt which I noted for the first time has a sponsor plastered on it which kind of spoils it this year.

I've already booked the time off from work for next year.

Everything about this race says retro old school. Firstly the athletes village is the high school which is where everyone meets before walking into the road for the start. You then run off into the beautiful countryside with open roads which are well marshalled. You don't get a medal at the end of this race either but you do get a top quality t-shirt.

The course is very challenging but such a pleasure to run.

A race that has no gimmicks but lovely like minded people like yourself to run alongside. Lovely.

Congleton HM is known as the 'sting in the tail' and the logo is a scorpion.

The route was changed in 2016 removing a trapse along the pavement next to the main A road. Instead, the route goes out on the same route on which the half marathon finishes. This improves the scenary aspect as it removes the A road and replaces it with a country lane instead.

The route is now a lollipop shape. As such the first couple of miles run out and descend the 'final hill' which is useful as you can get a measure of the length of it.

The course has always been quick and continues this way on the new route. The terrain of quiet country roads is pleasant and it undulates throughout without being too tough.

The reason for the tagline is of course the hill at the end. It's actually during the 12th mile and so can feel quite tough more due to the fact it's at the end of the race.

It's well marshalled and despite the low price, the t-shirt in 2016 was fabulous (previous t-shirts have been fine). I've missed the race a couple of years as it's traditionally clashed with Chester marathon. In 2017 they are on consecutive weekends so it'll be possible to do both.