Back for it's second year, the team at Badger Trail Events again deliver a superb trail running experience. Once again two race distances were on offer, half & full marathon and retaining their fantastic value at £13.10 and £26.20 respectively. Race entry gets you some chunky bling, post race cuppa tea and home made cake to die for! If UTMB points are your thing then there's two up for grabs on the marathon. This is a hilly, but not mountainous trail run. With over 1000m of elevation on the marathon it's far from flat but everything is runnable if you fancy a proper burn up. That said, If you are new to trail running or an experienced runner that likes an enjoyable pootle through the countryside then the route is sufficiently non-technical to appeal to all. The terrain is constantly varied including wide & hard packed, dusty single track, muddy forest trails and a splattering of road. The landscape switches between open farm land, pine forests heath land & sleepy villages. Underfoot the going was changeable from solid hard packed trail to sticky squelchy mud. Some stiff climbs preceded kamikaze descents . There were some tiny flat road sections the local support was more bewildered looking dog walkers than hoards of cheering supporters. Like many trail races these days and with one eye on a litter free countryside this was a cup free event so aid stations required BYO cup, bottle or hydration pack. There were plenty of Aid stations, well spaced and stocked with the usual fare. Signage aplenty and cheery marshals made this an easy to navigate event. The usual banter and pre-race excitement filled the Facebook group in the lead up which adds to the relaxed welcoming atmosphere that surrounds these trail races. Once again a big congratulations to the organisers at Badger Trail Events. They put on a fantastic race and I for one will be back in 2020. Well done all involved.