Cancelled with 4 days notice, no explanation apart from “safety” 🤔

I entered this race because it was highlighted as a quick course and i fancied chasing a PB - this was achieved, however i did find it a little more undulating than i first expected. The parking near the start/finish was excellent with car parks empty on a sunday, the weather was wet but cleared in time for the race and the start line looked amazing. Runners were buzzing the golden gates were in sight and there were something very friendly but about fellow entrants. The only fault i found at the start of the race was that the 10k and half pacers were all over the shop. If your planning a 1.30 half then the 10k runners starting near you should be at the 45 min sign surely? As there was a mix of everyone in there it created a lot of 'traffic' at the start of the race. The start and finish is in the town centre with a section that leads out of town and back again. There are decent crowds throughout and excellent water station and marshals. Its a quick race both out and in. However the showcase are the red carpet and golden gates. Being a Wigan Warriors Rugby League fan it was a little strange running through the home of the Warrington Wolves, however this was a really good touch and made the race extra special (do you get to do this in the Wigan Half?) The finish line and athletes village is excellent, really well organised. The tech shirt and medals are the best ive had yet id say! Im gutted the wife and kids werent able to make it which meant no kids race for my eldest or 5k medal from the night before for myself. The vilage has a stage with live music as well as plenty of food and drink tents. Unfortunately i had to drive back to North Wales and my hamstrings had locked up after the race meaning i missed out, but provides good reason to return in 2019. This is a great race which i really enjoyed and i know my wife and kids would have done to. This was the only race they havent been present :(

I will begin with the biggest niggle, the 10K and half marathon races both started at the same time. At around the 2/3 KM the races split but prior to that it was very congested and runners appeared to be in the incorrect time zones probably through no fault of their own but it definitely impacted on times. Race number and information pack arrived in plenty of time. Great atmosphere, marshals were amazing as always and the queues for the loos were quite short. The course had an uphill section near the beginning but as with every up there is a down. Plenty of water stations and gels if required. The best bit by far was the support on the last stretch before the finish line, it was fantastic. The finish line was amazing, running through the most beautiful set of gates. I ordered a ladies medium t shirt and it was very small, next time will order the next size up. Definitely considering running it again next year. The medal is well worth all the hard work and training beforehand.

I ran this event on a free place as a presenter at the expo & a video creator making this race video https://youtu.be/RqqkiU7w1dc I have to say I loved this race. It was a whole weekend of running with the Night 5K on Fri, parkrun Saturday, the Half & the Mile on the Sunday. Over th weekend there’s 5 medals up for grabs. Focusing on the half marathon it starts on a really long straight street with bag drop inside the town hall (dry) lots of portaloos & a large grassed area with a decent race village. There’s pacers of varying speeds & the start was really good with music. It was a little congested in the first mile but soon thinned out & a massive turnout of runners made a great atmosphere. It’s in the town to start, then out onto country lanes, back into town going through the rugby ground & finishing through the epic gold gates (see video) The course was really easy to follow, good aid stations, marshals were everywhere you always had help if it was needed. The medal was amazing, it was shaped like the gold gates & had a spinning centre piece, really unique. The best part of this weekend was going up for weekend of running with friends, having a really good time & a good laugh, whilst running a cool race.

Second time running the EHM which topped last years experience. Plenty of information provided in the mailshot and regular email updates after simple registration process. Plenty of free parking available at the Golden Square Shopping Centre which is just a short walk to the start line. Despite the weather not being as good as last year there was still a great spectator turnout who offered great encouragement and water, sweets, ice pops etc around the course. The course is a challenging but enjoyable one with steady climbs during the first half but a nice gentle run in after that. The course including running in to the Warrington Wolves Rugby League ground which is something a bit different which then leads you to the final slog through town centre to the finish line. Water stations were well stocked and plenty of them. Big shout to the Warrington Running Club station in the town centre which was the final station and the encouragement from them gave you the extra boost needed when the legs were starting to flag. Finish line experience is fantastic with a red carpet finish as you come through the Golden Gates. Lessons learned from last year and no issues at all with funnelling at the finish line. You were presented with a fab spinning medal and goody bag with drinks and food to refuel. Simple T Shirt pickup which again was a massive improvement on queuing at last years event. Couldn't recommend this event more highly.