This was my 1st night race and I absolutely loved it.
I've visited and walked around Gibside before but never run there, so when I heard about a Night Run there, I thought it was a great opportunity.
Online entry was dead simple and I received the normal confirmation emails and reminders before the day.
Gibside is well signposted as it's a Natonal Trust property so getting there is no problem, but you will have to drive unless local.
I had about a 50 minutes drive to the event so set off early but on a saturday evening there was little traffic. So luckily got to registration early and it was quiet. It did get busy as the time got closer to the start time though. Simple registration and I was handed my race number and pins.
Good facilities at the property - toilets, cafe (served sandwiches etc. tea/coffee/wine/beer), seating, outside log fires, pizza and burger making (you could put orders for pizza in so it was ready to pick up when you finished the run!)
There was 2 race distances on the evening a 2k and a 6k. Setting off at different times. Many kids and some adults did the 2k so there was very much a family feel around the place.
The safety briefing was short and sweet. Torch on and follow the person in front, basically.
As it was a night run, the only lighting on the course was from your's and everyone's head torches, which made the run really fun for me.
The marshals on the course were very friendly and encouraging.
The course is very hilly! One long climb near the start and then a steep short climb near the end. But because you went up there were some steep and long downhill sections. The paths are all firm gravel paths. Most of the course is in the woods and undulating. A good challenge.
At the finish, there was a goody bag with a medal, leaflets and a bag of haribo. I grabbed myself a pint of lager and watched everyone else finish. Everyone seemed to also enjoy it as runners were finishing with smiles on their faces and taking selfies with friends. I know I ran all the way round with a smile on my face, loved it.
I did a good time for myself as I wasn't sure how I would get on with my 1st night run. An email and text were sent a day or so after the run to confirm my finish time from the organisers.
A great event, friendly and fun. Well organised and with good facilities.
I will definitely return to do this event.