3rd time running at Run Aintree races (10k & 2xhalf)

I’m a slow runner...a back of the pack-er...so it’s always a bit of a risk doing a half distance as I’m always going to be last. This one had some really good bits, some could-be-improves bits and a couple of niggles that really should be sorted. First the niggles. The route is complicated, with a number of places you can easily go wrong. I took the wrong turn twice on the first lap, as signage was limited & marshals not around to point me in the right direction. It’s a race that attracts the elite runners, as it’s a flat, PB course and some were badly behaved. I was pushed out of the way a number of times, even though I was keeping as far left as possible and I was spat on twice. Nasty. The could be improved bit includes single use water bottles, the same medal for all distances (perhaps a different coloured ribbon for each one?) and not having an inside area for spectators to sit and keep warm. The good bits were the support from the marshalls towards the end...they were lovely to me on my last lap, as everyone else had finished and the snacks at the end were great...the flapjack was lovely! Registration was easy (bib and chip posted out) and the warm up was fun. Plenty of car parking and a 10am start makes for an easy start to the day, even if you’re travelling. 

First time running around Aintree Racecourse and I’ll defintely be back either in the summer or next year. Race number posted out so no need to collect on the day, warm up was given before we started and with 5k, 10k and Half Marathon competing along the same route you were always running alongside someone. Course was 2 laps for the 10k race and fast and flat for perfect PB Attempt. Great medal at the finish along with a few snacks/water too

Easy registration process and plenty of pre-race info by email and post. Great public transport link and the 11am race start time suited me as a non-driver. Good facilities in and around the start/finish area Flat two lap course, a bit uneven in places, excellent finish by the Grandstand. Potential PB course! Staggered race starts mean that a lot of the runners from the 5k, 10k and Half run and finish together Nice medal with water, bananas, haribos etc handed out at the end Enjoyable event despite the pre race temperature

Decided to enter the 10K race and the registration was straight forward enough, number and chip came in the post, no hassles. On the day everything was organised well, there was a warm up before each race, the half marathoners went first, then the 5K'ers and then the 10K'ers last. each 5k consisted of a lap of the course and you briefly go out onto a side road before coming back onto the course. Having signed up for the 10K I had to complete 2 laps with there being a water station waiting after each lap. The course itself is mostly flat but there wasn't many people encouraging you along, just a few friends and family at the finish line, although having the two singers part way through the course helped with morale. Once finished, you collect your medal, water, banana, small pack of Haribo and a Peanut Butter Slug. I enjoyed this race and I will be back to run it again.

Having taken part in this event last summer, it was one event that I wanted to do again in 2019. Registration was straight forward, although I didn't receive a confirmation email after everything was completed. After an email to RunThrough, a speedy response confirmed my place. Race Information was sent out with no issues. On the day, the very cold temperatures didn't effect the spirit of the day. The portaloos were out of action but one of the bar area's under the stand that was also being used as the bag drop area, was opened up for us to keep warm and use the toilet facilities. That was much appreciated! Half Marathon consists of an out and back section making up 1km, then 4 x 5km laps. Course is mostly tarmac paths, on the inside and outside of the race circuit, and is overall flat apart from a small incline just after the start line. There is a water station on the start of each lap too. Post race, you receive a medal along with water & fruit available at the finish line. It's a nice medal, but a suggestion for future events would be a different coloured ribbon around them for each distance ran, instead of everyone receiving the same. Another enjoyable and well delivered event down at Aintree in the whole, will hopefully be back later in the year!