I'd heard so much about NSV events so the opportunity to sample it myself with their first ever northern race was too hard to refuse.

Cost of the race was about £39. Some might say that is quite expensive but it depends what you get for your money.

Registration was simple enough. There were plenty of pre-race information and a good atmosphere.

Race HQ and baggage were at a local community centre.

Race numbers were collection only.

Format was simple. This was a 6-hour (or less) timed race in which runners could do as many laps as they wanted within the 6 hour limit. Each lap was a aprx 4.37miles long.

Course was on an old dis-used railway line. It was largly flat and very fast course.

Each runner carried a card which was stamped to confirm they had completed a lap.

I targeted 6x laps to complete a marathon.

Water/aid stations were at the end of each lap and contained water, cola, savories, cakes, crisps and various sweets.

Marshal support was awesome. Local support was minimal but nature of the out-and-back course meant runners could cheer and encourage each other during the race.

Beauty of this type of event is it suits everybody from novice to ultra runner. 

Finishers were rewarded with a giant, solid medal which measures 14cm x14cm. It is quite frankly the best medal I have ever seen.

Finishers bag also contained an enormous bar of chocolate, beer, crisps, kitkat, penguin, mini cheddars.

There was also a table full of cakes for people to enjoy.

They overheard me saying it was my 25th marthon and gave me a 25th marathon badge to mark the occasion. Nice tough that- thanks.

In summary-

This was a super event with a nice atmosphere.

Quite expensive to enter but worth it in my opinion.

Course was fast and flat so a person on form could smash a great time.

Runners were well rewarded and the medal is absolutly sensational.

The out-and-back course might not be to everybody's liking but I didn't mind it.

Would I do this race again? 100% yes.