I have done this race a few times now and it's always brilliant. The course is well thought out (except perhaps the drinks station but i'll get on to that), the logistics are excellent and loo's are in abundance! 

It's easy enough to book via the online system and the cost is reasonable in the context of other central london events. It's better to book early as the price rises as the race gets closer. The event pack gets sent out in the post which consists of a race number (which contains timing chip - so much better than the shoe ones), the bag you have to use for bag drop (reasonable size) and some event literature. 

Getting to the race is easy enough with the start line just a short way from Trafalgar Square and in easy walking distance of a number of tube stations (Charing Cross, Embankment, Waterloo) which, given the start times on a sunday morning, are not busy. The event village in Trafalgar Square has one of the most effective bag drops i've experienced, the obligatory merch tents, nuffield health tent providing free coffee and some other bits and pieces. It also has an abundance of toilets - the queue's are generally only 1-2 minutes which is incredible given some events inability to realise that runners trying to hydrate need decent toilet provisions. 

It's key to arrive at this time not too early otherwise you can end up getting cold although they are not overly regimented about sticking to wave times so you can just head to the start line when you are ready. The walk to the start line is about 5-10 minutes given the stop start and I reccomend wearing and old jumper untill you get to the old jumper drop off (they get given to charity). 

The race route itself is straightfoward enough, it heads up the strand into the city of London and then back again via some random other streets. It's an interesting route taking in some nice London architecture but probably won't stun those who live in London - it's pleasant enough though. The route gets bottlenecked at some points given the combination of narrow thoroughfares and  number of runners so i'd reccomend those looking for a decent time to get away in one of the early waves before it become busy. A number of zones on the route provide entertainment via drummers/husky high fives and an ice cave which are a useful distraction. The only issue I take with this route is the location of the water stand which is in an area which is cobbled and already slippery, the addition of water makes it somewhat treacherous. 

The ability of runners varies massively at the event - many quick club runners at the start and lots of people running in much slower times in various fancy dress outfits and a couple of people walking it. I'd say it would be an excellent event for a first 10k as it's a really friendly event which caters for a variety of runners. 

The finish line is nice enough and although no t-shirt the medal offering is good and although you don't get a goodby bag you are greeted with a variety of freebies at the end. This year it was vita coco, soreen and some protein bars. Bag pick up was also straightforward with next to no queue. 

I always book myself into a favourite local brunch haunt after this race - if you are intending on eating somewhere decent and nearby afterwards i'd advise booking - it can get quite busy with an extra 20,000 people knocking around!