Let me first preface this by saying I am a member of the club that organises this race. I wasn't when I entered (otherwise I' be marshalling) but I am now. It's a very friendly running club and this is reflected in this race.

A lovely route around in the New Forest set between Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst. There are races for children beforehand and the whole event is family friendly. Camping the night before is available if you need it.

The route itself is mostly flat, only 58 metres of elevation and no hills of any significance. Being in the forest you will likely encounter ponies, possibly cows and if you are lucky, some deer. For the majority you will be of forestry trails which are mainly gravel, start and finish is on grass and a small section of the route is on closed roads.

Give yourelf plenty of time to get to the start as the roads around Lyndhurst can get busy at the weekend with tourists, especially if it is a nice day.

I highly recommend it.

I love the New Forest 10 and for many, many reasons. I hope after reading this you'll want to pop down to this part of the world and give it a go.

Proximity

The fact it's close to me is a real bonus. I have to travel a reasonable distance for most races so having one that I can drive to in 20 minutes is great. Of course this cannot possibly apply to all of you so I better give you a few more reasons why you should run this race.

Location

It's in the heart of the New Forest. Being mostly on wooded trails, with some road sections, it's just a lovely place to run in. You'll see plenty of wildlife around you on your round the course. An early arrival is advised as this part of the forest can easily get congested with cars, particularly heading into Lyndhurst. If you're local you know to avoid the worst of the traffic and travel the back roads. Happy to let anyone know the quicker routes to take to the start.

If you love city running this won't be for you but I urge you to try a trail run.

The start itself is located at New Park Farm where the New Forest Show is held. There's plenty of parking and it's well marshalled.

Race Day

Beforehand there is a chance for the kids to run either a half mile or a mile race. After the 10 mile has started there is also a 10 mile race. It's only £1 to enter the kids’ races and they get a medal - excellent value for them and a good warm up for you if you go round with the younger ones. Some of them are pretty quick too!

There are some concessions around at the start and some stalls and a bit of stuff for the kids to do. Plenty of loos as well.

The start itself is on grass so if it's wet take care for the first few hundred yards.

The course

In the 3 years I've been running this the course hasn't changed. It's not pancake flat but there are only a few rises and no challenging hills. It's not technical at all so don't expect rutted tracks, this is mostly on well-maintained gravel based forest trails.

After the start it only takes about half a mile before the course becomes less congested so if you are a quicker runner, get nearer to the front or you might meet some mobile roadblocks!

As mentioned you start on grass but it's not long before you get onto trails and are in the woods. Most of the race is on these wide trails. After a couple of miles you'll get to the road section which only lasts for a mile and a half before you are back on the trails again. The road is not completely closed to traffic but most cars are held back and do comply. You may get one or two that drive through but they are the exception. But for this reason headphones are banned.

This year I had to catch up with a guy, who was oblivious to the car approaching from behind because he had earphones in, and tap him on the shoulder to warn him. He then moaned about the driver but really if he'd followed the advice given he'd have heard his fellow runners shouting the warning. Some people eh.

After leaving the road, which you cross further on, you are on trails the rest of the way. Halfway is about the highest the course gets but as the overall elevation is only 426 ft (according to Strava).

Even on a hot day, which it was for the 2017 race, there is plenty of shade in the woods. There are 3 well manned water stations on the way round if you need it. Water is given in plastic cups.

The finish is back at New Park Farm, retracing your route for the last half mile. Take a little care at the finish as it is on grass.

Marshals

There are marshals at key points throughout the course, guiding you down the right track or through open enclosure gates. Crucially they are also at the two road crossing points. They're all very friendly and encouraging.

Local support

Don't expect any crowd support other than your fellow runners at the finish. There is no crowd here. You may see some New Forest ponies glance in your direction, but they are usually unimpressed!

The bling

One of the things I really, really like is the bling. No ordinary race medal here; what you get is a horse brass. You can buy a horse brass strap to mount these on for a very reasonable price in the registration tent.

It's friendly and it's cheap

The race has a very low key friendly vibe about it. There were around 660 finishers this year. And you can tell its run by a running club, for runners, by runners. There's no faff, everyone is happy to help. It's also excellent value. As an accredited runner it's only £17.10

My 2017 race

Bumped into @Gfra98G before the start. Last time we met was at GSR last year so was good to catch up.

I'd certainly enjoyed running here for the previous two years so was looking forward to it again this year. I made a last minute decision to enter as I'm running Race to the Stones 6 days after it. But given the mileage I've been clocking up a gentle 10 miler was just ticking over.

I drove there with my daughter and my Dad as she wanted to run the mile race beforehand. Registration for Sasha only took a minute, hand over £1, get a number - simple as.

Sasha ran her mile and got her medal - the kids get lots of encouragement.

It was a nice warm day but given the temperature at Hampshire Hoppit a few weeks earlier I didn't think it was that bad. Did pass a few people walking in the latter stages of the race though.

I started as I said I would, nice easy pace for the first mile. Then as the race went on, I started getting quicker. Was chatting to someone at the 3 mile point and looked down to see it was an 8.22.

*sigh*

But still, not too fast and I felt comfortable. Mile 4 and 5 were similar.

And then the plan fell to pieces.

I was feeling great, I love running the course and I just couldn't help myself!

Mile 6 went by in 7.31. And all the rest were sub 8 with the last being 7.25. No one passed me after mile 4, no one at all. In the end I think it became a point of pride to make sure no one did.

So much for not racing it!

And yet I felt okay. I know I'd put a bit of effort in but not top effort. Given my time two years ago was 1.20 (full out effort) and this year I did 1:21 at what felt like tempo. Hopefully a good sign for RTTS.

I'll be back for more next year. As I said, I wasn't going to race it this year, but it's one of those courses that makes you want to try hard. I thoroughly recommend you try it.

Linky: Website