Don't let the name and description of this event fool you. It is not flat! I entered the 50km event as my first ultra. The route follows the Rochdale canal from the outskirts of Manchester, all the way to Sowerby Bridge. The event has the choice of a 100km option (the same route out and back from Sowerby Bridge) and a 75km option with an earlier turning point. I registered at Sowerby Bridge. Event packs were ready and waiting. One item was free with registration, I chose the bobble hat, and you could purchase some reasonably priced add-ons, such as a T-shirt for £10 and a medal for £4. This was a nice idea and meant that you weren't paying for something you didn't want. The bus to Manchester left exactly on schedule and everything at the start appeared well-organised. It was a little different in Manchester as long queues formed for the few portaloos. These were right next to the start line, which meant the queue straddled the timing mats, leading to a delayed start. This wasn't a major problem though as everyone was in god spirits and, I believe, the organisers had been let down at late notice by the owners of facilities they had intended to use, so not entirely their fault. The route does exactly what it says on the tin, it follows the canal all the way. The first 20 miles are slightly up hill, gaining about 500 feet over that time as you climb up past the locks. A few steep uphills by the lock gates provided regular walking breaks for many. You do get the flip side of this in the last 10 miles with a gentle downhill, but it doesn't seem like down by that stage. Aid stations seemed well-stocked, with crisps, fruit, biscuits, etc. The main gripe was lack of toilet facilities, which again, I appreciate is not entirely the fault of the organisers on an event like this. They had arranged for participants to use one or two public houses along the route, but there was a long stretch in the middle with nothing until a pub at the 41km mark, which was much needed by that stage! All in all a really nice event, decent value for money and a great introduction into ultra distances. I'd definitely recommend and will most likely do again.