Another great run, this is my third year running this race and the sky always seems to clear on the day. It was quite muddy so I definitely appreciated my trail shoes this year. A particular highlight was being at eye level with a curious heron at one point! As ever an enjoyable and friendly run.

Despite my initial concerns about the narrow path and overcrowding, it was reasonably easy to move to overtake if needed (or be overtaken in my case!), which was made possible as groups of runners were set off in waves, there were around 450 people running.

The course itself was beautiful running alongside the canal, although we had lovely Autumnal weather, due to heavy rain the day before the path had plenty of puddles so had to do lots of zig-zagging and jumping. One highlight I saw was a massive heron swooping in the opposite direction. A couple of words of warning: You do need to be considerate of walkers as you don’t have exclusive use of the path, and the race finishes on an uphill, just what you want at an end of 13.1 miles running!

The Grand Union Canal Half had a special appeal for me – it meant I would be running past places that I used to fish many, many years ago.

Running alongside water is always nice too, as is somewhere a little bit different.

The course runs from Cowley, not that far from Heathrow, up to Cassiobury Park at Watford and, quite simply, along the canal towpath!

Yes it was muddy in parts and yes it did get a bit narrow making overtaking difficult at times – but everyone in the race ran sensibly and enjoyed their morning out.

The event started in four waves so that there were not to many runners crowding onto the towpath at once. Everyone ran around a tarmac track and field before joining the water, which was a nice little warm up.

Then it was over the road – where marshals stood with Stop and Go signs for safety (nice touch) – and off on our run. We already knew what to expect in terms of mud and hard surface as the organisers had someone cycle from Watford on the morning of the race (another nice touch).

Obviously most of the course is flat – except going up the lock rises and over a few bridges (no more roads to cross). Oh…and the last mile is a steady uphill to the finish line.

Water stations were spread pretty well over the course, complete with jelly babies. The marshals were in all relevant places and every one of them warned of mud, narrow paths, wished runners well and managed smiles!

As it was point to point there is also a bus service laid on by the organisers (for a reasonable fee) so that you can leave your car at Watford and be taken to the start. I was lucky to have my family take me to the start and then pop up at places along the way to cheer me on! And yes, despite the muddy feet they did pick me up at the end.

Lovely medal with the image of a boat and a nice option tee shirt to buy at a reasonable price. There was a tea/coffee vendor at the start. Water, crisps, chocolate milk at the finish line for runners.

Well organised race with around 400 people, nice atmopshere and - at least for me - nice views of the canal, water, locks and just a joy to run off road in the countryside but not a cross country.

Great small event (c. 500 people) along the towpaths of the grand union canal. Great views and good fun in the mud. 

Multi terrain and pretty muddy in places, trail shoes gave me an edge over the people I was running with. 

The bus option from finish to start line was great value and very useful, and the bag drop was efficient and felt safe.

No goodie bad at the end, just water and banana, plus a reasonable medal. Feed stations along the route have only water so bring your own energy! 

An easy to follow race almost entirely along the towpath. It had been raining recently & the course was muddy - would recommend trail shoes.  The marshalls & organisation we’re excellent. It was a small race with a laid back feeling. I would definitely run it again. 

I have completed this race a few times and have always really enjoyed it. A reasonably flat course (apart from the locks and the last mile into the park) with a few twists and turns and only one road crossing. I got my PB here in 2014 and will hopefully get to run the race again and beat it.

The only niggle is having to get back to the start after you have completed the race as it is a point to point rather than a loop. Transport is arranged by the organisers as is the moving of your bags so there are there to collect when you get to the finish.