I decided to take on the Yorkshire marathon as my 4th marathon. I'm from Leeds, though I no longer live there, so it seemed only logical that my first marathon on UK soil should be in my home county. 

Entry process was simple.  Good communication via email.  My race pack didn;t arrive as expected, after speaking to the organisers they were helpful and reassuring that something could be sorted on the day if needs be.  Fortunately it turned up in the post as we were leaving!

Stayed in a hotel walking distance form the start which was a bonus. The strat village was a bit chaotic, but fortunately the start itself was well marshalled and organised. 

The course is OK. York itself is pretty.  Then it's mainly country roads, whcih is pretty much what I run at home. There are a couple of out and back sections. There are some long, steady climbs - not hills exactly,but Not Flat.  Then there is an absolutely stinker at the end before the downhill finish.  The crowd on the last climb kept suggesting I should be moving faster - I was saving myself to fly down the other side!

The aid stations were plentiful.  Can't comment on the energy drinks as I always carry my own fuel, but loads of water. 

Got a high 5 from a Vicar, another from the Archbishop of York; and a shiny new PB. The medal was a good design,  the t shirt was too. 

I must have enjoyed it, I'm going back this year.