Originally booked up to do the full but after a conversation with my fiance we decided to drop and do the half along with a 5k on the Saturday.

Saturday 5k started in the afternoon and it was warm! Easy to find and with it just being a smaller race we walked along from our apartment. It was over fairly fast nd a medal water chocolate nd banana handed out. 

The next day was a full marathon and a half starting at the same time but facing opposite directions. The weather had taken a U turn and it was a rather wet start. Not much communication apart from a few words over the megaphone to say we would be starting in ten etc...the marathon headed off just a minute or so before the half and we all crossed the line fairly easily... the rain persisted for a few miles and I found the route lapped and was double lanes with the marathon runners. Pleased I wasnt a faster runner as this would have possibly hindered me...

The weather wasn't the best and the wind seemed to persist..however the first half went over rather well. Support on the route was very minimal but this coukd have been due to the rain. Most spectators seemed to be support for runners not locals coming to boost morale...

The last miles were ran along the north shore promenade and in flat until the last section where we had a hill to climb. A sneaky one which dampened my spirits... I was 12 seconds from getting a sub 2 hours as I crossed the line holding hands with my fiance... Pleased to have finished! We hung around to support some of the runners finishing after us..  by this time it was dry and the sun tried to make an appearance...

Plenty of photographers ...road closures and easily navigated around the route.

Not one I would opt to do again but the medals were great! 

Options for various races to enter and deferring available is needed 

Races can be entered on the day if not full but without a medal