Chiswick Half starts and finishes in the grounds of Chiswick House in West London. The official race parking was a bit further away than anticipated from race HQ (15-20 min walk). There was additional paid parking near the house though. Race HQ was easy to find. Race packs were collected on the day. Bag drop and toilets were easily located nearby.

The route starts in front of the house and takes you outside the grounds on a small loop, briefly returning back into the grounds before you head out along the Thames Path. You cross over at Chiswick Bridge and then run towards Putney before crossing back over Putney Bridge. It's not a closed road race, as you come off the Thames Path on occasions and come across cars. You also have to be aware of pedestrians and cyclists who share the paths, as well as passing the rowing clubs who are out training. The course terrain is a mostly flat with a mix of road, gravel and a bit of mud in places. Some places are pinch points but this is partly alleviated by the runners being set off in waves.

There were plenty of directional arrows but no mile markers so you had to rely on your watch to know how far into the run you were. There were 3 water stations but no gels. There could have been more marshals along the Thames Path in places just in case there was an emergency or someone who was injured. Having said that the marshals I did see were nothing less than encouraging and friendly towards us. The finishers medal and tshirt are a lovely design featuring Chiswick House.

A race with lots of potential once some of the teething problems are ironed out.