This was my first experience of this event and I have to say that I wasn't disappointed. It's a very popular race, and I'd been advised to register early, to avoid missing out, and they weren't wrong, with the event selling out in less than 4 days. Regular emails followed with updates and training info, which is always a bonus, and it's nice to know that you're getting the latest info from the organisers.

Race pack collection at the expo was very easy, again with lots of information forthcoming, and easy collection of the pre-ordered vets. The brochure that came with the race pack gave clear maps of the race village, start area and the route itself.  

On the morning of the race, there were plenty of marshals around to help people get to where they needed to be, and plenty of toilets which is always a welcome sight before race start. Directions to eaxh start pen are clear and the pens are large enough so you're not jammed in before the gun goes.

The route itself is fabulous, starting in the centre of the city, on the cobbles of Gentleman's Walk, in front of the marketplace which is the perfect setting.  It's not long before your legs are getting tested though, as it quickly turns right onto Theatre Street, and short, sharp incline to get you started. There's some respite coming though, as after skirting round the back of the race village at Chapelfield Gardens, it's back down the slope at St. Stephens and off towards the Castle and Castle Meadow. 

The support from the off is amazing, with every street lined by crowds cheering everyone on, and the shoppers giving shouts of encouragement as they go about their morning. 

Between the 3k and 4k mark, we navigate round Carrow Road, home of Norwich City FC, and the first water station, which is well manned and well stocked. The bonus here is that the organisers have ensured that all the bottles and cups that are given out are 100% recyclable, and are collected off the route by the volunteers following the race and sent to recycling centres.

Following on from the stadium, the route follows along the riverside, up Rose Lane and then around the ITV offices which still proudly bears the Anglia TV signage, which those of us of a certain age will remember with fondness. We then head down Prince of Wales road and join the Riverside again, following the river until we turn left onto BishopGate and pass the Great Hospital, and enter the grounds of Norwich Cathedral. This is a lovely area to visit, and a fantastic setting to run through, the architechture is amazing. The second water station followed soon after at 7.5k, and was perfectly placed. 

After a quick skirt roud the surrounding streets, the route heads back through TombLand, one of my favourite areas of the city, with some fabulous shops and bars, and the fabulous TombLand bookstore around the 9k mark. 

This is the final stretch, as we head back past the Castle, and up Red Lion Street again, before turning right in front of the Forum, and a slight downhill finish, which was a welcome sight.  After crossing the line, it was a well organised ending, with water, then the medals, then banana's, and finally the goodie bags in a well set out manner. The medal is a fantastic memento, with space for the i-tab on the rear.

Can't wait for next year, this is definitely a cracking event, and will only get better.