This was the 1st time that I’ve done this Half Marathon. The registration was easy, there were plenty of emails to keep us up to date and the Bibs were posted out a few weeks before. In with the race number was an information sheet with all the required details for the day such as directions and parking. The Shopping Centre car park was free and the centre was open early (we got there just after 8am) and everyone was able to use the toilets within the shopping centre. The Start was only a few minutes’ walk from the shopping centre and here there were lots of portable toilets with well managed queues! I didn’t use the Bag Drop Off so can’t comment on that. The start was a little bit chaotic as we had been told to assemble in the appropriate time pens – there were no pens as such, and if you wanted to get nearer the front it was very difficult as the start was just in front of the Golden Gates which led up a shopping road. It really didn’t matter for me as I’m not a fast runner! The Route took us out of the town centre and out onto country lanes. The 1st half of this route was mainly uphill but wasn’t as bad as I had been expecting! The 2nd half was mainly downhill or flat. Throughout the course there were lots of friendly Marshalls, plenty of water stations (with the middle one offering Lucozade and gels which was very gratefully received!) Considering the course went through some country lanes there was still plenty of support – lots of people were at their gates giving encouragement and some even handed out drinks and sweets. There were lots of families out with children giving out high-5’s which was a fantastic boost! The latter part of the course took us through the Rugby stadium – I am not a rugby fan but I did think that this was a nice, unusual touch with plenty of cheering supporters inside! The final corner of the race we could see the Golden Gates with Red Carpet lining the way to the finish! After passing over the finish line we were given a fantastic medal – one of my best medals so far – a lovely designed t-shirt and a bag containing a banana, water and Lucozade. In Summary – This has to be one of my favourite races that I’ve done, and considering the weather was rather inclement at times there were plenty of cheery Marshalls and spectators to keep us all in good spirits. The medal is Fantastic. Race Organisation is top notch. Interesting route with mix of town centre, country lanes and a sports stadium! Will definitely be doing this one again 