The biggest Chilly 10lk to date by all accounts, and easy to see why it keeps growing in popularity every year. The usual slick and professional event that you come to expect from DB Max was here again. A few grumbles from some quarters, which I will address in this review, but on the whole a very enjoyable day at Castle Combe.

Registartion is straight forward and esy to do on-line, as I was one of the official pacers for the event this was taken care for me, however I also took part in the Chilly Duathlon straight after the 10k and the sign up process was the same for that so I know how easy it was.

Race bibs were collected on the day from a well laid out information tent, runners were told their race number in advance via an email and just needed to locate the table with their corresponding race bib number listed. A nice touch as always with DB Max is the chance to have your name printed on the bib if you register early enough.

First grumble from many concerned the entry into the circuit before you were actually able to collect your bib. Large queues formed on the road leading into the one entrance that was being used for car park entry, with many being stuck in the queue for over half an hour. This led to the start being delayed to allow all those trying to get in to the circuit to do so in time.

Once in and parked however things ran smoothly thereafter apart from an issue with Ladies toilets, I noticed very long queues stretching back from the one or two toilet blocks that were available for the Ladies to use, Gents had no problems, which hopefully can be improved upon for next time.

The race village, other than the info tent, had a stand from the title sponsors Proto-Col, and a few reatilers selling kit and hot drinks. 

The start area was very impressive, with a Red Carpet laid out to set off upon and pyrotechnics signalled the start of the race at the slightly later time due to the already mentioned traffic issues. Once away the course consisted of 3 laps around the Castle Combe Race Track, with KM's clearly marked throughout. Some thought the course measured a little long, but I assume that the 10k was measured using the shortest "racing line" around the track, and if you took a wider entry or exit into the corners if would add a bit to your own distance.

One water station was position on the home start/finish straight on the circuit, which of course you would pass 3 times, and this was where the only real crowd support would be gathered, marshalls were on hand throughout and there was a good medical/ first aid presence.

On completion of the 3rd lap the course diverted off into the circuit pit lane, and finished on the welcoming Red Carpet again, with a name check via PA as you crossed the line. A top quality medal was handed to you, and a bottle of water, the usual DB Max big selection of sweets, chocolates and flapjacks were on offer as soon as you finished. Chip timers in your race bib allowed you to get an instant print off with your time upon it, (both Gun and Chip time shown) and results were also instantly available viw the DB Max website.

I have always been a big fan of events organised by DB Max, and would recommend them to anybody without hesitation, with the exception of the parking and toilet issues this time, there really is nothing that can be faulted about the Chilly, and I look forward to being able to run and pace at more events on their behalf in 2018