I registered for this race at the same time as registering for the English Half Marathon so was given a discount and the registration process was very easy. I have been kept up to date with any changes by regular emails.

The route is on closed roads through Birchwood Village, Birchwood Forest Park and part of Croft, starting outside Birchwood Shopping Centre. There are plenty of toilets and great facilities within the shopping centre.

The route itself was a mixture of closed smooth roads, gravel pathways and there is a very small stretch of poorly maintained uneven road in Locking Stumps. It was also quite a flat route with only 3 inclines which could barely be called hills.

The event was very popular with a lot of runners but due to the race starting on a main roadway it was easy and comfortable to get running without colliding with other racers.

The marshalls were situated along the whole stretch of the route and were brilliant. They were fantastic at directing everyone but also very cheerful and provided great motivation!

All in all, this was a brilliant race which is local to me. The organisers, Spectrum Striders, have done Birchwood proud for another year and I can't wait to sign up to the race next year too!