A massively underated event. I first ran the course doing the marathon in 2011 and have been back several times since to run the half marathon which is my preferred distance. For the first time, I volunteered to be an official pacer for the event after my club filled a large proporation of the volunteering roles on the day.

Beforehand theref were no queues for baggage, plenty of toliets and free massages available (also available after the race).

The starting pens were well organised and managed to get away quickly with no issues. The race itself is along the coastal path and as per previous years I've done it, the sea breeze can be an issue. The course is out and back to the West, returning to the start / finish area, beforefore heading East on the coastal path for another out and back before finishing. I quite enjoy the out and backs for the distraction of seeing other runners, seeing how the fast runners are getting on, and encouraging runners of all abilities as we cross paths. The course does have some smaller out and back sections around 3-5 miles which aren't the most scenic and include an industrial estate, but the remainder of the course makes up for it with the sea views particularly on the second half of the race.

A relatively flat course with a couple of bumps to contend with. The headwind from mile 5 to 11 was hard work but that's nothing to do with the organisers, and of course, it did mean we had a tailwind at the start and for the crucial last couple of miles. Plenty of water stops plus gel stations on course.

The goody bag was decent which is becoming a rare occurence in most races. Banana and water straight after the finish and no congestion when collect medal and good quality tech t-shirt.

Also, they have a commentator at the start / finish area throughout the event giving shout outs to runners as the go through and little snippets of information about the race which I enjoyed whilst watching the marathoners afterwards.