My second time racing this and I remember why I enjoyed it so much last time. Firstly, it's great timing for spring marathon training. The flatness means you're less likely to twist an ankle - a factor worth considering in Feb. The range of surfaces from pavement to softer towpath with just a little grass here and there feels easy on the legs and minimises that repetitive pounding foot pain that comes with running solely on concrete. In fact, the general variety of scenery is a big factor in my enjoyment. There's around six miles of running on the Thames towpath passing Hampton Court Palace and on a day like today, with the Sun shimmering on the water, you wouldn't want to be anywhere else.  Organisation is good throughout. Plenty of happy marshals, many of them children, and great local support generally. Even Henry V came out for a high V. A bag drop, four water  stations and loos strategically placed so that you pass them twice were welcome. Lovely medal and t shirt plus abundance of goodies. There is a park and ride which I didn't use - we car shared and parked half a mile away at a friend's which worked well. A great race. Popular and not cheap, but worth it.