Low key event. It is not closed roads, this is advertised beforehand. Although the roads are quite country lanes there are still cars around driving both directions and some will be selfish and drive past you quickly. The start of the course, they have you standing in the middle of an open road for a few minutes, then they lay out the starting map before you go. The course is very flat in terms of elevation with plenty of PB potential but you need to deal with the camber of the country lanes around the course. Very scenic, zero local support as you don’t go through any villages or past houses other than where the start/finish line is. Before the race, you are advised to park in the streets. Not great but there is no car park near the start. Bib collection was easy. ONLY TWO CUBICLE TOILETS AVAILABLE FOR THE MEN! Not good enough! The water on course was provided in tiny cups which meant you had to either completely stop to drink it, if you tried to stay moving you would loose most of the water before getting it in your mouth as the cups are so shallow! The mile markers are every two miles! Why? Again the advertised this before hand but made keeping an eye on pace much more difficult! I personally don’t think the markers was accurate either, this is shown by the face that the 5km (therefore 5km to go) and 10 miles (therefore 5km to go) was a few hundred meters apart! There was a 10km on the same time. Overall I enjoyed the run, purely because it is a flat and fast course but there are many things that need to be considered for the future!

Today was my 82nd different location half marathon. 

Marden can have the prize for the fanciest half marathon portaloos ever! 

Unfortunately no one could hear the starter marshall.

This race was an open road race. It was two different distanced loops, where you pass the start on the route.  I did feel very exposed to the traffic and at points had to put my arm out to the side to give me additional distancing from the large 4 x 4 vehicles speeding past.  At the end my husband asked what I thought of the route, and I have to say it was the most dangerous halves I have participated in, especially after my husband said a car clipped his shoulder whilst he was walking half of the route.

Thank you for having us!

This review is a bit of a strange one for me as this was my first DNF in a race...This had nothing to do with the organisation of the event - and everything to do with me over extending myslef in the months prior to it.

Anyway, back to the event - this is a local event that is well attended by local clubs, a bit small in size compared to the big races - something that I consider a plus, as there is absolutely no overcrowding issues, everyone is very friendly and the whole experience is low key and keeps it real.

The course is flat, in beautiful Kent countryside and well signposted - the roads remain open and runners need to be aware of traffic approaching, though there really isn' much- these are country lanes not busy thoroughfares

There are spectators on the course, mostly people tending to their front garden or out for a walk with their dog, biggest crowd is in the start/finish area/midway loop point. Plenty of marshals doing a great job!

In summary, the Marden half is a well organised, local event that is ideal if you are a local runner who wants a fast, flat route to attempt a PB on.