A fantastic experience but a route that lacks inspirstion bar the stsrt and the amazing finish. I got in through thr ballot, something which came as quite a shock! I attended the pre-race pasta party and though the whole set-up was slick and on a level I’ve necer seen before. I purchased a metro ticket and stayed in nearby Gateshead which proved a wise decsion. On race day arrived early on the metro and simply followed the masses to the start, busses were plentiful and the start line was just behind the trees and down a bank. I started quite close to the front and didn’t realise there was a split over and under the flyover - i went under and was glad of the shade on what turned out to be a very hot day. The run over the tyne bridge came early and the finish by the sea at south shields both of these points were the highlight of an otherwise uninspiring route albeit on lined with support throughout. The red arrows display afterwards over the sea whilst drinking a well earned pint from the beer tent was spectacular and worth the large entry price on its own. The metro on the return was incredibly busy so i suggest either going early straight affer the red arrows or hanging around longer, or even staying that end! As a ballot entry winner you get tbe opportunity to pay a fee to get membership which entitles you to enter for the next three years with no need to go through the ballot, plus a race photo and a few other little perks. Something I did and i’m very much looking forward to becoming a north run veteran and taking part for many years to come.