Kielder is marketed as Britain’s most beautiful and now I can truly understand why it is a beautiful place, with a very tough course. How many hills? Absolutely loads, so many I totally lost count. It was a new experience for me as I am not used to trail routes and it was a tough task. But enjoyable as well, fellow runners having a little chat during the tough times and whilst walking up some of the hills. I attempted to run up them for the first 5.5 miles but had to be more sensible for majority of the second half as it was tough on the calves! The drinks stations were well organised and signposted, must get extra points for having water in cans and not using plastic bottles! Each drinks station then had a “bin” area about 400m so giving you a chance to take the fluid on board and then a place to throw the rubbish. The sense of achievement when reaching the finish line really was a special one as this is no easy half marathon to take on!