After an absence of a couple of years due to other race commitments, I decided that this year I would return to a race that has previously been voted one of the best trail races in the country, the Petts Wood 10k. Managing to get parked up nice and early, I had a stroll around to the starting area with two members of the Avery fan club, my Dad and Uncle, and went to collect my race number. Collection could not have been more seamless and after the group warm up, I made my way to the starting pens. After a very thorough and easy to understand briefing which highlighted the twists and turns in the course we were away and around the field for the first section of the race. Leaving the starting area and onto the roads of Petts Wood brought back some lovely memories and although there were some sudden, sharp turns, the pace was good and fast. We entered the woodlands early into the race and had the long climb alongside some fields before coming out into the open areas. The scenery of this race simply is gorgeous and considering how cheap it is to enter compared to other races, it is an absolute bargain. The marshals continued to be absolutely brilliant and I was loving this race even though the uneven ground was challenging. Continuing to loop round the woods, over make shift bridges and chatting to marshals as I went along, I found myself beaming from ear to ear and although earphones were strictly forbidden, I didn't feel any sense of boredom or need to listen to anything. After leaving the woodland area, we headed back onto the roads for the final kilometre and towards the finish line. Although not threatening the leaders, I was in a good position and knew if I could just maintain the pace I could keep those behind me at bay. Entering the field to a loud cheer and applause, I crossed the finish line in 40:43 which although isn't a PB, to get near another sub 40 minute finish on a trail run and a 15th place finish overall is something I am very happy with. Picking up my medal (which was a surprise from the previous Petts Wood Runners logo on a ribbon) and helping myself to one of the famous samosas, I met up with the fan club and enjoyed watching the other runners coming through. In all, another absolutely fantastic event hosted by the Petts Wood Runners and I cannot wait for next year's event.