This is a well organized low key event which is exactly why I choice it. 

Max 700 entries over both distances meant none of the dodging slower runners and dealing with congestion over the first few miles. 

It is a fast and flat course. The running surface is mixed concreact / cobbles / light trail. Only a very small section was on the road less then 1k.

Following the thames path, which make for easy navigation, and some wonderful views. The path is open to the public so you do have to watch out for dogs, bikes, walks and other runners. This year it clashed with the rugby world cup final which made the path quietwe then I would think in other years. It was wet and windy so pretty muddy in places. With lots of branches to dodge. Some of the path is narrow which can lead to a little slowing down if you get court up in traffic. 

There are well stoked aid stations with army cadets maning them along the route.

This year the wind was gusty and pretty strong making the last 5 miles really tough and more of a mental game. 

I chose this event as I like running on trail and am not keen on being packed in with 1000s of other runners and big crowds. And it did not disappoint. If I'm honest I think a little more support in the last 5 miles would have helped but I knew what I had signed up for and it made ever clap and cheer I did get mean that much more. 

It was very hard mentally running past 1st the finish line and 2nd the turning point for the half marathon in the last section of the run. But maybe that made crossing the finish line that much better. 

Refueling and post race massage avaliable. Massage was about £10. Bag collection was very easy - again being a smaller event but well organized helped that. 

Toliets / Porta loos, water top up all avaliable - no showers or large changing areas. 

If you a looking for a fast, well organized low key marathon this is the one for you.