VLM is on most wanna be marathon runners & experienced marathon runners bucket list. I was extremely fortunate to win a ballot place with my running club & questioned wether it would live up to it's undoubted hype. After all, how good can a marathon be?

The truth is VLM lived up to it's top billing & more!

Registration at the expo was busy but it was well organised & ran very smoothly. Plenty of helpers looking after runners. There were a large variety of stalls & other activities to do once numbers had been collected. This helped create a great atmosphere.

Again top marks for race day itself with marshalls & volunters making bag drop, finding start areas very easy.

The race itself was absolutely amazing. The enthusiastic support & noise for pretty much all the race was overwhelming at times. The stifling heat made conditions difficult but with so many aid stations, water wasn't an issue.

Taking in all the major landmarks really adds to what is a genuinely incredible occasion.

Lovely medal, tech shirt & various goodies for all finishers.

Special mention for medical staff who I saw tending to various troubled runners. The intense heat caught a few out.

I am desperate to do this one again. Best race ever!