Disclaimer: This was my first half marathon and have run Reading several times over the last 10 years and its always been highlight of my race calendar. The course was changed a couple of years ago to incorporate Green Park into the start, a smart move that makes for a better experience. 

My overall thoughts are:

+ve

• The organisation and logistics are first class, from registration to bag drop and pick up, everything has been finely tuned over the years
• Without doubt, the finish line at the Madejski stadium is an amazing feeling with the crowds cheering you on as you run around the pitch and finish on the half way line is definite highlight
• The Reading atmosphere and support around the whole course is excellent, and the live music (especially the drummers stationed under the flyover) certainly helps keep the legs ticking over
• The aid stations are also very good and Reading is one of the few places that use the water ‘bags’ rather than plastic cups which really helps when you want to run and drink and not pour water all over yourself

-ve

• The race t-shirts have changed over the last couple of years and are now non technical 
• If you drive, then car parking is challenge, unless you either take a shuttle bus from the centre of the town or you book a reserved parking space - these spaces are sold via the Reading website but you’ll need to book early

Overall, Reading is an excellent half marathon with great organisation and great atmosphere. I can wholeheartedly recommend it and I’ll certainly run it again in the future.