The first time taking part in this event for myself, and proud to be asked to do so as an official pacer for the organisors, LPS Events.
Pre race registration was very easy, and a very good price for a half marathon meant that the race reached it's 600 runner capacity without any problem. Once registered runners were kept well informed with details of the race, logistics and information being sent out in regular email's and through wonderfull use of Social Media, nothing was left to chance and I would imagine that everybody arrived at the start line fully aware of how the event was to pan out. Even the night before, runners who registered a mobile phone number on sign up received a text message to inform them of their race bib number which they would collect from registration on arrival. The race was timed using ankle bracelet chips.
Race day itself turned out to be the hottest day of the year so far, there was easy access, plentiful parking close to the start and a good race briefing kept runners aware of the time and when to line up for the start. A compact but functional race village with food/drink stands, pre and post race massage, baggage drop and toilets was well laid out and all went smoothly here. There were plentiful pacers for the event, from 1hr 28mins through to 3hr 15mins and we were easily spotted by bright t-shirts and pace boards to allow runners to find us at the start.
The course starts in the centre of the lovely town of Devizes and winds it way out through scenic countryside with beautiful views and picturesque locations, altough we could have done without the local farmers picking the warmest day of the year to start spreading sillage! The course descriprition?, undulatring would be being a little economical with the truth!, one very big hill early on, summit reached at 2 miles, which tested the strength of many but afforded a superb view across White Horse county when you got there! What goes up must come down, and there was also some long downhill sections as well, but other than the initial hill, and a tricky incline on a gravelpath at around 11miles, the course was on the whole flatish. On open roads safety is always going to be a concern, but a strict no headphone policy and plentifull, well briefed, marshalls ensured that there were no problems. 4 official (and one locally set up unofficial) water stations, complete with Jelly Babies, kept all well hydrated
Although not huge crowds on the route, there were pockets of spectators at intervals, and offered tremendous support to all the runners. Course was well signed with very accurate mile markers which made my job as a pacer that much easier.
Post race, runners received a top quality medal, finishers t-shirt and water, and were entertained in the race village but a local covers band playing some wonderful tunes, a chance to kick back with an ice cream, enjoy the sun and rest the feet. Results were available within an hour of the event finishing on line, and again runners were informed of this via a prompt congratulations email.
In summary, a superbly well organised and enjoyable run, if you don't mind a few hills, this is a race that I would highly recommend, and I congratulate the organising team on such a great job.