I completed the half marathon (2018) at the carnival of running. As I grew up in Market Harborough, it was the ‘home’ race I really wanted to take part in. Knowing that it was a small event, I didn’t have the highest expectations but I was pleasantly surprised! 

Entwined with the Harborough carnival, the first 3-4 miles flew by with great local support throughout the centre of town. The run takes you up a short sharp incline before a lovely decline to keep your legs feeling fresh and really take in the crowds. My tactic and recommendation would be to go through this area fast, get some time under your belt whilst you can! 

A note of warning - around 2-3 miles in the 10k runners will bound past you, you’ll hear them coming as their footsteps are markedly faster than the half marathon runners, so do not get confused and try and run with them! 

The race hits some serious hills, you’re either going up a massive hill, a small hill or running down the other side! I did expect myself to really fail over these mountains, however the declines do enable you to get some energy back. I would recommend regular fuelling! In fact I was on my Jelly beans at mile 4! 

Running out of town, great Bowden welcomes you with much more moral support, and the out of town section although without constant crowds, every village or check point you reach the local support is amazing! 

Overall, the organisation support and welcome ness of the event could rival any other big affair! The course finds itself against fast runners and slow alike, proving a challenge to all! 

I would thoroughly recommend