I was looking forward to running this event to round out 2017 but the race was delayed due to predictions of heavy snow on the original date in December and they couldn’t have chosen a better day for the re-schedule, ideal running weather.

We arrived at Willen lake early, approx. 8:45am and had no problem parking and made our way to the event village. There were food and hot drinks stalls in action along with event registration and bag drop off.

On the other side of the race start were the toilets, no problem if you arrived early but approx. 30 minutes prior to the start there was a very long queue formed. The bag drop also had long queues and this led to a short delay at the start, at all times everyone was kept updated so nothing came as a surprise.

The Pacers were introduced and made there way into the start funnel followed by the participants.

The course was narrow in places with many posts at the side of the paths which were pointed out by the fabulous Marshalls.

The majority of the course if flat with a couple of hills from mile 9 to 11 followed by a down hill stretch and a fast, flat finish.

Support at the start and finish was superb and there were many groups of supporters along the route.

The first drinks station water was supplied in small sports bottles and the next three were in plastic cups which is not as easy to manage when running, I would prefer sports bottles at all stations.

After the finish, back in the event village a table of sweets is on hand to aid recovery which was apprieciated.

I will be back at this event.