The race is organised by the Rotary Club of Hitchin Tilehouse and the race start and finish is set in the fantastic grounds of Hitchin Priory. The majority of runners sign up for the half marathon so the 10k and 5k are a nice size to compete in. I would describe it as a local race feeling and not over commercialised. All well organised though from what is expected from a more commercialised organiser. 

I was originally signed up for the half marathon, however due to a hamstring injury which I recovered from I contacted the race team to downgrade to the 10k as I was still recovering and not race fit for the HM.  This was no problem even though it was only ten days from the race start.  The race organisers were more than accommodating in changing chips and race entries.  They were also willing to defer the entry to the following year if needed.  On the race organisers, they are fantastic in providing regular emails to update runners on event information. Parking was easy and plentiful by utilising the local town car parks (no more than a 10 min walk) with an early race start.  You could pick up your race numbers and chip either at the start or a day earlier in the local town centre, but there is no posting of race numbers.  At the start and finish area there is plenty for those remaining behind to be occupied with, bouncy castles for children and refreshments and music for others.  

The starts of the races are staggered so the HM sets of first, then the 10k and then the 5k.  All are provided with a free warm up service if that flicks your switch.  If not the grounds of the priory allow you to warm up away from the crowds...

The route is very hilly, the clue is in the title of the race, Hitchin Tough 10k.  Apart from the start of the race, where approximately the first mile is on country side grass hills and fields the rest of the race is on tarmac.  Then and up until approx three miles it is on a secluded countryside road with no traffic which allows you to choose your racing line.  It then enters a B Road where you are restricted to staying left on the road, which the race organisers have no control over as roads are not closed, but you battle the road camber which is quite severe in places.  A number of cars did pass during this section but they kept their speed to a minimum.  As there are no road closures there are no earphones allowed.  

The cost of the 10k was £16 for non affiliated runners which is a fair price for a medal and goody bag.  The route had two water stations with wattle bottles with caps off handed out by ample race marshalls at each. The crowds in the country side dwellings were fantastic and well supported with local children and supporters handing out sweets etc.  

A word of advice if you are considering running this race be aware of the hills for either the HM or 10K that share the same hills.  You will need to work on hills in your race training to meet your pace expectations for either events.  

Luckily I had prepared enough to be competitive and finished third.  I was presented with a cash prize and a classy glass trophy, again a good reflection for a fair entry price.

I would absolutely enter this race again with its good local feel factor and would recommend it.