Here is my problem with this race. This is not a marathon or half marathon course at all. This is an ultra marathon course. Its advertised as flat, but you ran on mud for close to 1/4 of the race. Basically at the mercy of snapping an ankle Second issue with this race is aids stations. They are not in the race line. Why do I need to ran 10 meters to grab a water, when the marshalls are basically not even distributing beverages to runs. Aids stations ran as ultra marathon, which is why this distance shouldn't be done Third, how is a race allowed and the road is not closed, or there is a Marshall allowing runners to pass. If you are trying to go fast, you are at the mercy of getting hit by someone. Markings on the course are also non existence halfway. As a first time you are at the mercy of following the ultra pack. And if you go to fast, good luck How is it that if you win the race you dont even get an extra reward. Give me a paper saying first and I'll be happy jesus ...

This is a staple final event before Christmas. The atmosphere is great, the support is brilliant, particularly if you dress for the occasion! The aid stations have all your usual treats and shots to go with it 😎 The swag at the end is great! It's a flat mixed trail event without pressure so it's a great one for beginners to trails.

Good route, enjoyed the new route, although my watch measured 26 miles. It may be that my watch was wrong, however I spoke to someone else who measured around 26.1! Couple of times I thought the water cups could have been filled so I didn’t have to stop while they poured water, but only a minor complaint. Will be back in 2025 for my third in a row!

Brilliant event. My first time doing this race and I was so impressed with the organisation, course and wonderful atmosphere! The marshalls were so supportive, especially standing in the freezing cold. The goodies on the course and at the end were also much appreciated. Highly recommend this race - challenging but great fun 😊

By far and beyond the biggest plus for this race is its date! Yes its winter and yes it can be a little chilly (and/or wet depending on the weather) but given the absence of races at this time of the year it’s great to have a well participated mostly tarmac event available on what is otherwise a baron time of year for races! Having ran the marathon before I opted for the 50k this time round. The extra 5 miles made for a fun detour around Hayling island, a change of surfaces and some fun views! For those doing the marathon I would recommend upgrading for the 50k and pleased I did so. Although the route is a there and back again, seeing everything in reverse on the way back still provided a variety of sights and surfaces. Drink stations were well stocked with a decent variety of options and no-one was going hungry. The only race I have ever ran where you can have a isotonic drink, a few jelly babies washed down with a shot of JD and mince pie! I would happily recommend this race to others, but with the caveat that with any race the weather can have a big impact on the day. It was very kind to us in 2023, not so much in 2022! Still, as I always tell myself, the worse the conditions, the greater the achievement! A minor niggle, but by no means a deal breaker was the finish line. I had no idea I had finished until I was told by a few spectators I had. There was nothing obvious around the pier that it was the end and the inflatable finish arch was a good hundred meters up the road still. Had I know I might have at least smiled for the finishers photo! Things I loved: • The date of the event • The option of a 50K • The variety of the course • The friendly and well stocked drinks stations • The post race pint • Frequent and informative pre-race instructions Things I didn’t love so much • Despite queuing for sometime I was unable to use the facilities at the start of the race as the queue was full of marathon/half marathon runners (who started 30 minutes after the 50k runners). • There were no facilities/porta-potties I spotted on route. • The finish line was somewhat unclear. • Post race crisps were good, but something sugary would have been preferred • The times/categories were a little messed up postrace. These were amended but I had to request the changes. General thoughts: • An additional photographer on Hayling Island would have been nice • Although not a fun run, there were a few Santa hats/fancy dress although far less than I would have thought given the time of the year. • the race instructions suggested bring your own cup which I duly did but it seemed unnecessary as there was plenty of receptacles at each station. Would I do this race again? By virtue of it’s date, very likely! That being said I still have an enjoyable race and will likely return irrespectively.

A fun, well-organised event. The finish was a bit confusing with the formal finish and the informal separated. I'm guessing this was because re-organisation was required due to the ongoing maintenance of the coastal defences. The drink/food stops were well-stocked. I enjoyed the vent. Thank you.

Lots of pre race info which was great but sadly let down on the day, no directions, none around at the start areas. A great route and encouraging Marshall’s but 13.5 miles with a poor finish area, no medics at the finish. Stayed to cheer other runners over the finish and saw several people crumple on finishing but medics were at pyramids. No goody bag and no one to welcome runners home. So many deflated faces and a lot of comments’ is that it’ ‘have we finished’ ‘where are the medals’. So many putting so much training in and no recognition at the end. Most uninspiring finish. Would run it again but would like to see a better finish area. Race was also long, an extra distance 13.5 :0(

The crew made this event amazing and the pre-event comms were perfect. My only suggestions for improvement would be to avoid the muddy beach as the congestion on was several minutes and caused people to rock climb dangerously! I was also a tiny bit disappointed with the finish area… that was the hardest few hundred meter walk of my life, and while the medal was worth it, I was hoping they would have the same treats as on the aid stations but it was just crisps and bars. Overall though I thought it was an amazing event and I’d highly recommend it to anyone!

I have participated in this festive event many times, mainly the marathon and on one occasion the 50k, but this year I decided to put joy ahead of ambition and entered the festive half. The atmosphere is great, the event is well supported by the public, drink stations well supplied, the course was well marsahlled and there was a good camaraderie among the runners. Finishers were welcomed with a pint and a great medal. Portsmouth loves its running community and vice versa.

This was my first marathon and loved completing it. I enjoyed the varied course. The food stations and marshalls were great. One or two congested areas owing to the terrain and route but it made little difference to me. My Garmin measured the route as 26.6 to the finish mats which a lot of people are also saying. Again no issue other than thinking you are there but in fact you are not as the pier remains up the road as the watch ticks to 26.2 ! Loved the free pint ! Thanks all.