Portland Coastal is not for the inexperienced runner! The information provided by the organisers makes it clear that an element of self-navigation is necessary - follow the SW coastal path and keep the sea on your left (until halfway through the marathon at least, when you turn around and keep the sea on your right!), and the terrain can be extremely rocky and / or muddy with a couple of very steep slopes. However, with the weather on your side the views out to sea can be spectacular and well worth a look up from the ground occasionally. The race is based at a marina / yacht club with nice toilets, hot showers and a coffee bar on site, which are all great features of any event. The organisers and marshalls are terrific, and the aid stations are adequately spaced out for the respective distances. Having said that, another star would have been awarded by me for having something available that was gluten free (not just fruit) - it was made clear in the pre-race briefing that any specific dietary requirements would need to be self-catered. The medal is always nicely designed and a buff is also provided for finishing (with buffs also awarded to small children who accompanied their parents on the final sprint to the finish - a lovely touch). I said I would never go back to do this again after struggling badly with the marathon in very windy conditions before, and was meant to do the marathon again this time, but having stopped at the half marathon point I have to say it was a very enjoyable experience this time.

Really enjoyed this race, just a couple of things to improve. Firstly, The registration was so easy. Not too many participants so plenty of space for all with no queues. The debrief lacked slightly… I think more clarity on the navigation would of been good. Maybe an example of what signs to look out for etc. The way marking wasn’t great for first half of the 10k… only reason I managed to know which way to go was because a Marshall was way up ahead running in the race so I was just about able to keep my eye on which way he went. First half of the course was absolutely beautiful! Great view of the coast. Second half was mainly road and going through town which wasn’t as fun. Generally good race and great medal. May consider doing the half next year to see more of the island :)

It was a really great event. I'd like a secure bag drop. The marshals were truly excellent. The map was a good idea but a little small for the detail. I downloaded the gpx to my watch but that wasn't right and only had a route of 19miles. I didn't get lost so all is well. Its a shame the medal ribbon wasn't attached. I had a great day thank you

This was my first ever Marathon and it's not even a Marathon; it was 27 and a half miles. There's no denying that I picked a tough one, but it was worth it. There was a mandatory kit check and you could be disqualified if you didn't have the required kit. The Isle of Portland is great but hard course. Lots of steep hills, steep steps and windy exposed bits. Part of the normal course was redirected due to a crumbling coast path and there's some high cliffs to be careful of too. The only flat or fast section was the causeway beside the beach and harbour area. The marathon is an out and back consisting of a loop of Portland before turning back and doing it in reverse! Aid stations were good, nice crew and you got a unique medal and a nice buff at the finish. Would run with Bustin Skin events again. 👍