staggered start, warm up exercises by instructors up high on a bridge. Music and microphone encouragement.  set off at good pace and found first half of race went well.  Did not take water offered at the start and was struggling a bit by the time got to 4K.  The rest of the race was hilly, hot day and kept stopping to drink, recover a bit.  At the start the DJ/commentator said that there were shower stations, have experienced these during GNR - run through a carport type construction, gentle shower.  Oh no, this was a fireman with a hose and later on a fella with what looked like a power washer.  Quite amusing but doesn't offer choice and fireman was situated on cobbles which affects safety.  The last 2-3K is run along the riverbank, which was scenic.  The race ends with a lap around Gateshead Stadium, which has known legends such as Paula Radcliffe and Brendan Foster.  Confusing end to the race as there were just a few random people at the edge of the barriers saying 'medium', obviously the Tshirt size but was confused as to whether this was a goody bag or something else, such as for club runners.  Also couldn't see any water stations at the end, discovered this is because there is a bottle in the goody bag.  Event parking was £4 but there is ample space in the streets nearby.  Marshals were very encouraging and overall it was a good event 4/5.