I had my first ever attempt at a marathon at Rutland, and enjoyed every minute of it. First the positives, which overwhelmingly outweigh the downsides: - The location is beautiful. You get to run around a significant chunk of Rutland Water, with all it's wildlife and scenery. - Well organised marshalling with frequent stations where you can pick up some water / gels / Dorito crisps. - Very clearly marked route for 99.5% of the marathon course (see below about the one slight exception to this). - Friendly organisers, marshalls and passers-by. - Free parking for all runners included in the entry fee. There were only some really pretty minimal issues I'll mention: - There was some problem with the automatic camera on the finish line, meaning the finish line photos didn't get taken. There were other photographers around the course, though, so plenty of opportunity to get a snap if you want one. I can only assume this is just bad luck and should be working in future years. - Somewhere towards the end (I think after about 22/23 miles the signing on the road wasn't completely clear, and I could imagine that a few runners might go the wrong way straight on down a track instead of continuing around the corner on the road. - There are a few small hills on the marathon route. They don't go on forever and won't have a massive impact, so I only mention them in case someone's looking for a "pancake flat" course. You'd still have a shot at setting a PB on this course. I only mention these points for interest as they may be relevant to people in specific situations - it's still a definite 5/5 review from me and can happily recommend this marathon to anyone.

First time doing the Rutland Half Marathon and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Parking was quick, free, and very close to the start for this event. Sign up was super quick. Lots of portaloos but also proper toilets and I notice any queuing. Marathoners set off first in two waves and then the half-marathoners around 20 minutes later in three (I think) waves. This meant plenty of room on the course with no congestion and it was easy to overtake. Both distances had an out and back along the reservoir. It was my first time visiting and the scenery really is beautiful so made for a really enjoyable run. There was a small narrow section into the woods that caused a few issues as it was all but impossible to overtake but this was only a small section before it opened up again on the way back. I understand why the route goes back past the start to head into another wooded section but mentally that was quite tough =D It was lovely and nothing difficult underfoot. Signs clearly showed where the marathoners had to keep running and why the half marathoners had to turn around. Really enthusiastic and lovely shout outs by name as people were coming to the finish and then there was plenty of water, energy drinks, choice of cakes, and the all important medal and T-shirt. Route really was beautiful (love anything by the water) and there were a few undulating sections but the half marathon route was predominantly flat (though I do live in a very hilly area so that may be due to perspective also). Road trainers were absolutely fine for the half marathon route though there are some short sections on grass. Marshals throughout were brilliant, signs were well-placed and clear, and (with the exception of one cyclist who seemed unhappy to have to share their path with runners) people around the reservoir whether sitting, walking, cycling, spectating were all really friendly. Regular water stops along the route. Really did enjoy this event and I'm glad I made the trip to Rutland from south Wales as I'd never visited before and it's somewhere I'd love to visit again. Big well done to everyone involved in organising this event. Choice of women's T-shirts would be great to add as "unisex" T-shirts really aren't.

A great location but disappointing route, considering that at 4.5 miles you turn back on yourself and run back past the start. This would be vastly un-heard of but the path is very narrow and overtaking isn’t easy or safe!! Due to some runners arriving late the start time was delayed by around 15 minutes. This is highly frustrating when you’ve made an effort to be on time and its a cold windy day. This also meant that the half, full and team marathon were all set off at the same time. That’s 1900 runners trying to get down a narrow path at varying speeds. The course isn’t flat, and from mile 17 undulates a lot which makes it hard going with the wind that is ever present at Rutland Water. Feed stations were good. Could have done with some coke. Medal was very nice. Photos aren’t free, yet should be!

First time running this event, Parking and traffic getting into the car park was fine (I was there an hour before, race was delayed by ten mins, so traffic may have got worse) and registration was quick and easy. The Marathon route starts very well, running along the waterside and passing the church. Some inclines and ground is uneven, this is very much a trail marathon. The 2nd half has more hills, and once the half marathoners leave your company, the route can get a bit lonely if you’re a slower runner like me!! Around 17 miles you get quite well spread out, and the toughest part of route too, so be prepared with good music and some energy in reserve too!! Water stops were often enough, and the Marshall’s were all very supportive. Don’t book this event for a PB, but book it as a trail marathon, well supported at the startline, and take on the challenge of a route that’s mostly scenic.

After running the Rutland a couple of times I decided to step up to the marathon at this venue. As usual I arrived in plenty of times so both car parks were empty (£4 or £8). I went for the nearest which was the dearest but in my views more practical. All the registration was process was great. Small note: the start was slightly delayed 10min to make sure everyone had parked & registered. The venue is superb and the route challenging. Great to see that most of the cattle grids were filled in or side gate open. As a tip on the course...if doing the marathon save something for the second half...the route round the peninsula is hilly! My only complaint (very minor) is the lack of saulty options at the very regular feed stations. The volunteers were absolutely fab as were the marshals and organising team...I’ll be back!

A nice location but the race is hampered with setting the half and full off at the same time. This made the first 7-8 miles extremely congested running along a very narrow track which formed the out and back section!! Central part of the race was better once you had left the half mara course behind. Good race village and a unique medal.

A picturesque race in beautiful Rutland. However there were a few issues with the race. Firstly - drink stations in cups! You cannot drink from a cup when running so had to stop to have a drink. Secondly the mile markers were all off (compared to the Garmin). This is became either a source of joy (as I thought I was running quicker than my watch read) or, especially towards the end when they became more accurate, a source of angst! In addition you had a note on your car when you returned to it saying you had to go back to the cafe to pay £5 for parking. This seems reasonable for spectators but surely not for those racing. And to be told you then need to walk back wasn't pleasant! There was then the half hour queue to get out which would have been reduced if we didn't all have to input our ticket to gain exit. 

Be aware that this is a largely trail race and is very up and down. Much of the run is on stoney trails, grass and road making trainer choice difficult. I went with road shoes but my legs and feet are telling me now that this may have been a poor decision! 

The crowd were decent but there is a lot of quiet sections. The views do keep you going but being a loop can be demoralising as you can see how far you have to go. 

Ill do it again but am hopeful that the above issues will be solved. 

Beautiful run. 

A suprise contender for a personal favourite.

course is hard work. Scenary is beautiful. 

The route is there and back, running past the start and finish. 

Feed stations quality. Fruit, gels and bottled drinks. 

Tshirt medal and cake at the finish. 

Doing this event for the second year running. The weather gods were definitly with us today. 

The course is a rolling 13.1 miles on the shores of Rutland water with a mix of tarmac and wide path. 

Letting the marathon go of first give you a good number of people to use as a marker.

the only thing to watch out on the course are the cattle grids but in most cases you can bypass them by the side gate.

All in all, great event with a super friendly crew behing it. Definitly one for the diary!