This was my second year completing a race at this event, but first time completing the half marathon di.stance. 

The course is a long the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and easy to navigate (minus a few slipy bits, but not unsafe). My biggest concern is the lack of marshals on long stretches of the course. If somebody gets into trouble they'd be relient on other runners having a phone on them and knowing exactly where on the course they are. It would be beneficial perhaps to have a few more marshals at key points along the route. 

I really love how race organisers went plastic free (AMAZING) and would not hand out cups/bottles of water to runners along the route. They did sell reusable collapsable cups at registration, and this information was sent to runners on a number of occassions.

I ran this race with a group of friends who were running it as part of our Christmas celebrations. I love how many runners are in fancy dress for it. It adds a real festive atmosphere to it.

The cakes at the end are a real bonus, and I love that they don't hand out the goody bag in plastic bags.

There are multiple distances, and it is a good day out. The canal is beautiful and you often forget you're in the city. The race organisers really seem to focus on the runners, and are incredibly friendly. It's great value for money and  highly recommend it to anybody. 

 

First time doing a IGUN vent after hearing nothing but good things and wasn't let down! Due to circumstances beyond the control of the organisers, a late change had to made to the course so the route didn't go as far into Leeds as initially planned but the organisers had obviously prepared for this and due to the race being out and back on a canal ensured that it wouldn't be hard to make up the distance. The route was mostly hard surfaced and wide with the exception of a muddy start (which was fine by me!) and some narrow points underneath the bridges, but that is to be expected on a canal towpath. Overall the route was pleasant, if not the most spectacular and the aid stations were very well stocked water and treats. The cake and potatoes gazebo at the end was well earned and received after running in 40mph gusts for 2.5 hours. The only minor criticism of the finish area would be an opportunity to have a hot drink would have been good. That said, there were a couple of spots in walking distance to grab one and this certainly didn't dampen my enjoyment of the day. Great goody bag and medal at the finish. The beer went down very nicely in my post race shower. A great event for the price, and a great day running as a group of friends. Definitely give this or another IGUN event a go!

This is the first It’s Grim Up North I’ve run and I absolutely loved it! I originally signed up for the half marathon but due to injury did not feel up to runnjng it. The race organisers very kindly allowed me to change to the 10k race on the day (which is virtually unheard of with other race organisers). The marahalls were lovely and very supportive as we made our way along the route. While the route itself may not be the most unique, it was a welcome change from your typical road race. I was disappointed by the lack of water stations which i thought were not there. However as i turned around on my second lap, i noticed cups of water on a low table set back off the course. The goody bag at the end was awesome, and the cake and roast potatoes at the finish were very much appreciated. I also appreciated the extra prize for fancy dress costume. The value for money is great and I highly recommend this race to anybody. What is the real selling point for me is the care and heart these organisers put into the race. I can never thank the marshall at the end whose act of kindness when i burst into tears, made me cry even more. I cannot recommend this race enough.

This was my first time dong an IGUN race and it was great. The race starts on the banks of the canal and runs from Kirkstall towards Leeds and back again, twice. The first few km are muddy and definitely not road shoe terrain (mine were in a right mess). Once youre past the mud you’re on to more solid ground. There are a number of bridges to go under on the route just after the mud, they’re a tight squeeze so you need to go single file or you’ll likely be swimming in the canal! There are a few cobbled sections which were a bit slippery near the bridges too. The route is very flat except for a few locks that need to be crossed but they’re fine. I didn’t realise there was a water station at the half way point, i didn’t need it but it would have been good to know it was there. The lovely Alison Fox who i was running with needed water and didn’t spot it either. If you’re doing the longer distances there are toilets available in the club but if you’re doing the 10k there aren’t any as registration is at the tent by the canal. The goody bag was great! A really lovely medal, a bottle of beer and a selection box! There were also cakes and potatoes at the end which was nice. All in all it was a great day, running it with @alisonleighfox was a pleasure and seeing other friends enjoying the same race, great. If i’m back up in this neck of the woods again i’d sign up for another crack at the cracker.

Absolutely loved the marathon distance. This is my 2nd Grim event and I have continued to be impressed. I did wonder if the marathon could have started earlier as the path started to get busy for us slower runners and I was swearing inside when I realised it was .8 miles longer than marathon distance but I've achieved it and I loved it. What a beautiful route, fantastic support from the organisers and enthusiastic marshals as always. Thank you so much.

Canal Christmas Cracker brought to you by IGUN, is a race I have so many fond memories of, going back a couple of years. Registration was at a local social club, with a 5-10min walk to start of race. Race covered all distances from 5k to marathon. Start times of the different distances were staggered to prevent congestion. Race was run entirely on canal paths. Heavy rain meant course was wetter and muddier than usual. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the course was changed late on. Today's (marathon) route saw runners complete an out-and-back followed by 2x out-and-backs. Course support was minimal but there was plenty of encouragement from fellow runners. Water stations were every 3 or 4 miles. Marshals were awesome as always. Finishers were given a beautiful Christmas themed IGUN medal, beer and selection box. There was also the usual post-race cakes to enjoy. This event goes from strength to strength with a 2nd day added. It shows IGUN must be doing a good job. In summary- Another super day. Got so much love for this event. Thanks to the team for a great day.