I ran the Shakespeare half for the second time in 2018, the online registration process was simple and efficient with an entry fee of £29.00 is reasonable, however you don’t get a finishers shirt or goody bag, event tech, cotton shirts & hoodies are available at the race village.Pre-race information was fine and arrived in plenty of time. the event centre & finish are situated on the fields near the cricket ground along with chaning rooms toilets & bag drops. The actual start is in the town centre of the beautiful Stratford upon Avon, a short walk from the event village. The route itself meanders around the town centre for the first couple of K it can be a bit congested, there are no start line pens so marathon & half marathon runners are all mixed together with the potential for some of the faster runners being further back than there pace would suggest, venturing out of the town on to main roads around 4K, the traffic management seems to work well, early on there a few minor undulations but nothing too serious. Water stations are positioned approximately every 3 miles, they are well staffed by friendly efficient marshals handing out small bottles of water. The route is well marked, spectators are mainly around the start and finish areas, the outlying villages are also well supported with well-wishers who are enthusiastic and full of good cheer. There is a bit of a more challenging climb at 12K, it goes on for around a K, with the steepest section in last 200M. there was a bit of traffic trying to pass on the hill, not a real problem and seemed to sort itself out once we had reached the top, following the summit there is a short steeper downhill. At 16K you head off road on what is probably an old railway line, the track is mainly gravel and makes a nice change from the tarmac. At the end of this there is a short section on the road segregated from the traffic by cones, its a bit narrow but doesnt last long  a quick switchback and you are soon following the river and heading back in to the finish area. The finish area is great with loads of loud good spirited spectators families and friends, a real village fete feel to it, medals, bananas and water are handed out by well organised volunteers as you cross the line. A refreshment tent stocking a good selection of cakes and drinks also offers a free drink to all runners. A hot food stall has the usual mix of burgers, hot dogs and pork rolls.  All in all a very friendly well run event, exceptionally well organised and a real family feel to it with marshalls and volunteers in abundance.