This was only my second half marathon race, my first being GNR the year before so the most obvious thing I noticed was that this is a much smaller deal, with 4000 participants. The race village was just outside the football stadium and there was some confusion as to where to go to the start line but once there we had a friendly warm up and then off through the city centre. 
The course takes you through a park and round the harbour where there is good support and then to the outskirts of the city where if you're my speed you can cheer on much faster runners who've nearly finished as you approach the enormous hill at miles 7 and 8. There's a lot of walking at this point and it does seem to go on for ever, but there's also a surprising amount of support and it's worth it for the massive sense  of relief when it's over! 
After that it's literally all downhill, back the way you came, then around the stadium and back in for the finish. 
I didn't enjoy the hill but I enjoyed the race and have already signed up for next year. 

The down side to this race is the huge hill around mile 7 and 8. Big incline that just keeps going and going. For me, combined with the 26C heat, this ruined the race. There were more people walking from mile 7 to 10 than running. 

The crowds however, were probably the best I have ever seen. 

I don't mind a hill, but this hill is too much. I will not be going back whilst this is the route. 

Firstly - this is a lovely race. The atmosphere is friendly and the route is good with excellent course support. The finish line at the football group works well and has a lively feel to it. 

The course is advertised as ‘fast and flat’ which it is not!! - There are some hills along the route. 

Well organised first year for this event. Interesting closed road  course through Ipswich town then out on to the Shotley peninsula, undulating with a tough hill at mile 7 and warm conditions added to the challenge. Water stations every 3 miles, well marshalled and good crowds out on the course, so little to fault. Usual finishers bag, t-shirt, medal with some freebies, so overall good value for money in my view.