This is my local event but it's also my favourite. I'm already signed up for next year 

Registration is easy but you do have to be quick as it sells out very very quickly. Logistics on the day are straight forward. I parked on Morrison's and walled across but there is plenty of parking if you know the area. The official parking in the cattle market get a full fairly early on so finding an alternative will make your life easier. Other places like Lidl/Homebase have free parking on a Sunday.

Walking through town to get to the start always gives me a bit of a buzz and prepares me for the race.

Toilet queues can be a problem, like any big event. Again, I nipped in Morrisons.

The race itself sees about 2500 entrants and so it's crucial to get a good starting position. The start is not gated so it's easy to get trapped with slower runners. Luckily the first I'm is fairly open so you can overtake if needed.

The route is a circular one starting and finishing at the Grove School. I enjoy the route and you have to save a little bit for the hill just before 9km.

Marshalls and all great and I didn't have any issues at drink stops. They were very efficient.

What makes this event so good is the local support. Thousands come out to support friends and family and you also get homeowners hosing you down with water (the last 3 year's has been really hot).

The medal is fantastic as seen in my picture. The good bag is gingerbread men, a banana and 6 Miller yogurts. Not junk which is great. The t-shirts were a little bland this year, compared to previous years where they have been very nice.

Improvements to the race would be structured starts but that's a minor thing. I'll be back next year and hopefully many years to come. A fantastic event!