This was the first time for myself to run this event, which is now in it's fourth year. I understand that this years course was a little changed from previous runnings, but talking to others who have completed the run before, the changes were very welcome.

The main race hub was easy to find, with the start/finish in the same area, not the biggest of race villages, but enough to keep everybody happy, coffee and bacon rolls doing a good trade, and post race massages in demand. A good amount of portaloos at the start for the number of runners.

Running as part of the Xempo pacing team, it was nice to see a well organised timing pen system at the start, and the staggered wave departs ensured a relativly free route from congestion.

The stsrt and finish was sited on the large green and this was the only part of thr route which could be called "closed roads", most of the race was on open roads with two way traffic and in some places a narrow path meant some runners spilled onto the road, however a good supply of helpfull cheery marshalls and a large cycle lane and cones meant that safety was not overly compromised.

The route followed the course of the River Thames, heading out of Thames Ditton towards Kingston and after a loop around returned on the opposite bank of the river, past the gates of the Hampton Court Palace, where Henry VIII was on hand with High 5's. Support on the route from spectators was patchy, but where they were people watching they were noisy and supportive. The course is predominatly flat and lent it's self to PB potential well.

En route there was a good supply of water, in bottles as well, and first aid was at hand, unfortunatly these seemed to be needed on quite a few occasions, with ambulances and paramedics seen at least 4 times during my run, but always on hand fast and efficently. Toilets were also on hand just before half way.

A well organised finish chute at the end kept the flow of returning runners moving well and happy, with stations after the timing mat to have the Ipco timimg tags removed, water, banana, medal and goodie bag handed to you by smiling helpers, even a monkey was on hand to give you the banana!!.

A very nice medal, and excellent goodie bag which included everybody's favourite Caramel chewey bar, was suplimented by a quality tech t shirt, and there were chances afterwards to have selfies with Henry VIII and his entourage again.

Overall a superbly organised event, which despite the early start (08.30am!!, thank you local residents for being so understanding), I would recommend to anybody to add to their wish list.