I first did this race two years ago, loved it, had to defer last year due to injury so was really looking forward to running it again this year.  

The race is a small local race with a friendly feel. The course is challenging mixed terrain - starts on the road then veers off down a track into the countryside after a kilometre. A lovely downhill section through a wood, made tricky by the slippery mud, with helpful marshalls at strategic points to warn of other natural obstacles, before emerging on a track again  

There are a couple of beautiful woodland sections, particularly stunning with the autumn colours and great fun as the fallen leaves hide just how muddy it is in places!  There are three main hills - the first about 4K is like climbing up a large muddy bank. The second is less steep and on the road so much easier.  The third comes not long after reaching the top of the previous hill, following a quick descent down a field, at around 9k when legs are tired.   This is the bastard hill!  It doesn't even look that steep but it's a killer! Jelly legs at the top for the remaining couple of hundred meters to the finish.

Medal and goody bag, and coffee and homemade cakes. Fabulous!

Things to improve?  There was one young lad on the water station post race who could have done with a hand, and the medal is the same every year, so tweaking this would be nice. But to be honest, I enjoy this race so much, I don't really mind if they give me a medal or not. 

See you again next year!