I arrived in the centre of Stroud an hour before the race started at 7am parking in one of the towns car parks which were free to park in on a Sunday and there were lots of them scattered around. It was a short walk to the start and the registration and I collected my race number no problem and without any waiting. 

5 minutes before the start we were given a race briefing in a small courtyard before being set off.

The course was beautiful and 95% trail, it took us through woods, across fields along foot paths and along the canal. It was a tough course with some killer hills but the views at the top of them were definitely worth the effort.

The aid stations were very basic, offering water and towards the end bottles of sports drink, but the people running the stations were very friendly and super supportive.

At the end I received a medal, finishers t-shirt and a goodie bag with drink, flapjack and crisps.

I really enjoyed the challenge of the hills and the fantastic views that this race offered