I booked to do the marathon and arrived at expo to collect race bib etc. Very easy and lots to see at expo. Friendly people apart from not really understanding English. Race was delayed by one day and the email only came thru late the night before the race. New race day was earlier start. There was a slightly chaotic scramble for coaches. Our coach broke down and needed to wait for replacement. Arrived at the start and despite no directions or marshalls we quickly followed everyone else. The race start was smooth yet slightly busy with people jostling to get past. The ground was soft at the start which allowed faster runners to past safely. Within 10 minutes the terrain changed to slippery rocks and slate. The course was well signposted but it may have been safer to have had Marshalls at the early stages until people acclimatised to the terrain and sudden change in gradient. There were times when you were less than a foot away from cliff edge. The checkpoints were well positioned and spaced apart and were very well stocked with hot and cold food and a huge variety of drinks. The marshalls would come and fill flasks and bladders for you while you did other tasks, which was a nice touch. Other runners were really supportive despite varying language barriers. You felt very inclusive in a very technical race. The final checkpoint I suspect was more for checking timing chips as it was only 4km from finish, However it still provided hot food. The final 2/3 miles were hard and rather boring running along the dry sink basin which was all very ghetto, but I expect was a means to an end to have the grand finish outside the expo centre to big fanfare and crowds. You collected your medal and an assortment of goodies I wasn't expecting and joined the crowds on the grass to watch others come thru. My only criticism would be the lack of assistance in English. I only discovered the day before the race that bag drop closes st 8pm that evening rather than on the morning of the race. Luckily it was fine as I was staying close by. I'm not put off as I'm already planning a return trip next year with a longer race distance