"The tougher the hill, the harder the climb, the better the view from the finish line." So goes the running matra when the path gets a little steep but that doesn't really cover Box Hill. CRUK classify this race series with "tough", "tougher" or "toughest". This race was the latter and for good reason: the climbs are brutal being both steep and technical. But, the views are beautiful and the support from fellow runners and the marshalls was spectacular.

The practical stuff:

• really easy to get to - ample free parking opposite the start or a ten minute wander to the local train station (and pub).
• a good medal, water and a Cliffe for finishers 
• beautiful, beautiful course but not for the faint hearted (worth repeating)
• brilliant marshalling - enthusiastic enough to keep you going and keep you safe at the tough bits. Not to mention the fox!
• registration was easy but no communication between then and the day but for the race pack arriving 48 hours or so in advance - it was enough but did wonder, at one stage, whether I had actually registered.
• as others have mentioned, not many portaloos on site, made up for by tree availability on course ; )
• no local support other than dog walkers and the crazy guy doing hill repeats on the 300 or so steps!

Overall, good value for money, great fun and a challenging but doable trail 10k.