Having heard good things about this event in the past I was looking forward to running it this year and see what all the hype was about. Talk of it being a fast and flat half weren't so accurate in my opinion, especially with the incline up to mile 3, not a great start! There were a fair few other inclines along the way as well but also some nice flat and downhill sections, so it all evened out I suppose, but not a "fast and flat" route in my eyes.

The race itself was great and the support around the course was brilliant and well supported in places with large crowds filling the pavements and various bands perfoming along the way.

Good amount of official and unofficial aid stations on the course too supplying water, Lucozade and sweets.

The finish is a big highlight for the race finishing inside Reading FC's Madejski stadium to a large crowd. Having made it round the 13.1 miles you're then presented with a goody bag containing a Mars bar, Meridian peanut butter bar, bottle of water, Lucozade and a t-shirt (cotton unfortunately!), and not forgetting the well earned medal which is a chunky metal offering and definitely stands out in the collection!

Overall a great event, but quite pricey for a half marathon.