Having taken part in this race in previous years, this is always one of the first events I ink into my race schedule each year.

Always well organised, well supported and well marshalled, this year was no different and despite a chilly, windy day the event was once again a great success.

The race hub is situated just outside the Reading FC ground, and the organisors had once again laid on superb park and ride facilities to get runners to the start. We parked in the yellow car park, and had busses waiting to take us straight in to the event with about a 5 min ride. After the race we jumped staright back on a waiting bus and exited the car park with no problem at all. There were buses to other car parks and to the main bus/rail station.

the race village was basic, but had enough for a race of this size, toilets were numerous, including ones actually inside the stadium as well. Sweatshop and Mizuno had retail tents, race sponsors Vitality were in attendence and there were burger bars and coffee stands to keep runners and supporters fed.I did not use the bag drop facilities, but from what I saw, and heard from those who did, this was also well organised and passed without problem

A short walk from the hub to the colour coded start pens gave runners a chance to warm up, the pens were well marked and marshalled and there was a very limited delay in getting each wave away after the firing gun sounded.

The course starts with a loop around the business park before heading off towards the town centre, mainly flat but with two noticable hills at 2 miles and 8 miles. A loop around the grounds of the university is included before heading back out of the town centre before turning back towards the stadiom to finish inside the football ground,

This has to be one of the best supported half marathons in the area, crowds were large and noisy throughout the course, with the exception of the final drag on the A33 back to the stadium, and numerous bands and a DJ Truck made the miles pass quickly. Just before half way a local pub set up a beer table outside their doors offering runners a free tipple, Local residents often are on hand with jelly babies and drinks, and some local shopkeepers were handing out free oranges and drinks, a real community feeling.

The official drinks stations were placed well and manned with keen helpers, the only grumble from some runners concerned the use of water pouches rather than bottles which some runners found a little awkward to use. There were 2 lucozade stations as well.

Closed roads throughout, and plentiful marshalls ensured the race was safe, and there was an excellent medical presence as well, which was on hand quickly to deal with any runners encountering problems.

A stadium finish was received well by everybody, a large crowd in the stands ensuring a noisy welcome back after the 13.1 miles, and a well organised finish funnel directed runners out to collect their foil blankets, chunky medal and goody bags. The bags were basic and included a finishers t shirt (cotton unfortunatly) Inside some bags the organisors had included a "Golden Ticket" to give lucky holders free entry to the 2018 event, if you were not lucky to get one of those there was a voucher with a code to get discount off the early bird price for booking the next years event.

A race I would recommend to anybody looking for a great half marathon