As usual AAT Events managed to find yet another hilly 5km route through the Chantries and teasing us by almost making us run up to St Martha's. Great route! I'm sure the 10km route had better views but just wasn't sure I could cope with that distance on the 1st HaS run for 2021 so I settled for the shorter option. Looking forward to the next one!

As usul for AAT events, pre event info was excellent and the actual event was extreemely well organised.

It was hilly, as expected, but they managed to pick the best day's weather we have had for a while. I would recommend these and also the 3G runs in the same area.

This is my second year taking part in Hard as Snails, it is an absolutely outstanding route, very challenging hills and some sandy sections but the views are incredible. Marshals are always very friendly and encouraging and the atmoshphere (from other runners and marshalls; there aren't really any crowds to speak of given the remoteness of the location) is always bouyant. Highly recommended!

Another great event by AAT Events. I know the area well but it was a challenging route with some tough hills. Wonderful weather..not a cloud in the sky, great crowds of supporters, after race nutrition and well the snail shaped medal was a great addition to the collection. Definitely on my list for next year!

This was my first proper trail race and it didn't disappoint.

It was a well organised event and the course was challenging by really enjoyable, with some fantastic scenery along the route. There was a mixture of terrain, from dirt to mud to rocks and sand, so I would recommend trail shoes. If you like a hilly course, you'll love this race!

The event itself attracted around 400 runners over 3 different distances, as well as a kids race. With all distances starting at the same time, it was a bit congested to begin with but got better was as the race progressed and each distance took a different route.

Although there was a water station on the course, I took my own hydration, which given that it was a warm evening, was a wise move.

There were no toilets at the start/finish or on the course but toilets were available at the car park which was about a 10 minute walk from the start.

After we finished we received a great, snail shaped medal, flapjack, bananas and Yazoo drink. There was also a mobile bar selling some really refreshing drinks, to bring the evening to a lovely close.

If you'd like to see for yourself what it was like, then check out my Hard As Snails video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jfCknvKTzYQ

A review in bullets:

• Stunning scenery and tracks. Perfect weather on the day as well. You can’t beat the Surrey Hills!
• Free high res photos! (and very professionally taken as well).
• A nice vibe, friendly marshals and support team.
• Great facilities at the start/end. Loved the mobile bar!
• Awesome medal! I know it’s not important to everyone, but you can’t beat a cleverly designed bit of bling!
• I didn’t utilise the service but there were free massages offered at the end by Fitstuff Clinic (and I didn’t see a queue).
• Easy to sign up and pick up the number. I left it very late to sign up for this event.
• All the routes were unique (i.e. the 15K wasn’t three laps of the 5K)
• Would I do this again? Hell, yes! I’ll probably try the 5 or 10 next time around and try and persuade one of my girls to do the kids race.