This is the 2nd year in a row I've done this race and will be back again next year, it really is a very special race.

Logistics first - it's very easy to get a place, registration opens in the autumn but there were still places a few weeks before. Note though if you book near the time you'll have to pick your number up the day before, otherwise it'll be sent to you. Like other French races you need to get a medical certificate from your Dr, they've got a template for this on the website. Mine cost £32, but I think the price can vary quite a lot according to your GP so worth checking out to factor into your cost, if you're doing other races in France during the year 1 certificate covers you for all.

Because it's quite a small race it's very relaxed on the day at the start, you're put into your time pens and there are pacers and you get a prompt start.

The fuelling stops are every 5k and have the usual stuff: eg water and bananas, and some quirkier stuff: pretzels and sugar cubes!

The course itself is a delight. You can see the MSM at the start and you gradually make your way along the coast to end up on the causeway of the MSM. Even though it's a small race there is a lot of crowd support along the way, in the small towns and even in parts of the countryside you go through this includes some bands with a variety of music from rock to accordion players!

The finish is amazing, and the support in the last 2km is great and really pushes you on to the finish.

The medal and shirt are both fab and lots of food and drink to replenish you at the end.

Overall just an amazing experience and as I say I'll be back for more next year.

Three things struck me about this race: the course, the support and the organisation.

The course is beautiful, following the curve of the Mont Saint-Michel Bay through fishing villages and the surrounding countryside. From the start line you can see the finish and at various points the castle reveals itself, edging ever closer. Simply stunning running, as it should be!

The support was just as motivating as the course itself. Much more support than I was expecting, loud and raucous and, whilst I couldn't understand most of what was being said, I could remember enough GCSE French to feel their encouragement. This was especially true of the last couple of miles as you approach Mont Saint-Michel itself - a wall of noise, much needed to lift weary legs!

Finally, the organisation was probably the best I have seen. The big company know how of ASO matched with some really special touches to make the whole weekend a breeze. Expo/pack collection was simple (yes you have to pay to park - where don't you - but make a day of it and get yourself out to the castle and explore to make the most of it). Marshalls were great, medal and t-shirt fantastic. Best of all was the aid stations - bottled water to drink, more to splash yourself with (priceless on a hot and humid day), and lots and lots of fresh fruit. Much kinder on the digestion than gels! And all with a smile and a word of encouragement to keep you going.

This was an outstanding event - how do I book for next year?!

Not many races can you claim to see the finish at the start but you sure can...  Slowly it gets closers and closers like some kind of teasing enticement.

The support from the locals is absolutely fantastic and considering you are running through mainly fishing villages this was unexpected but a welcome addition.

The only real issues is the bib pickup, the area is basically a tourist area, with parking pay and display to boot, they are a few roads just outside the main area with tow away signs on them, the locals seem to take the risk and get away with it. but with a hire car not worth the risk this time.  You do get 30 mins free parking I managed to get back to the car at 29 mins saving the 6-7 Euro cost.

They do provide free parking about 3km away and a bus to the bib pick up area, it is covered just a little inconvenient.... But hey so is a trek to the Excel for London. :)..

The same deal is on Sunday as well, you can use the free bus or pay the man at the location for about 11 Euros for the whole day... if you have a family I would say pay the parking and let them roam free while they wait for you, as a day out they is enough to keep them entertained.

oh, you also have to pay extra on top for a bus too the start......

but the race it self is very scenic and enjoyable as the Mount-Saint Michel gets ever closer.

descent shirt and bling, cheapest way I found to get there was East midland too Dinard about 50 quid return, then hire car, will take about 50 mins to get to the location from their.

All in all worth the trip.  

Make sure you get some condition training in.... was Mad Humid.