A really brilliant setting for a 10k race. The course, for a 10k road race is hard work, with a significant climb. Run all on private roads, mainly tarmac, (a short section of very firm track through some woodland.). So no traffic to worry about. A lovely coursr through the deer park and surrounding land of Raby Estate. Two laps, with the main uphill at about 1km into each lap for just short of 1km. It does mean long nice long downhills as well. There is a second much shorter but slightly steeper climb at around the 4th km of each lap. - See the attached map and elevation profile. Lots of marshal points, all offering lots of support and encouragement. Good value at £20/22. A medal. No t-shirt, which I see as a good thing. A running club organised event, so has that great friendly feel to it. The race entry gives access to the Castle Grounds for the runners and family/supporters (not sure if it includes castle itself). That means some nice walks through the parkland/deer park. The grounds are very dog friendly, with lots of water bowls out. No dogs allowed on the run though. Good cafe's on site too. So it's great for a family day out. My own personal race was a bit slower than I wanted, I just wasn't feeling it on the day. I maybe set off too fast (for me), with a fairly good (for me) first lap. I got too the second uphill on the first lap and my legs turned to lead and the pac dropped right back. I had to walk bits of the main uphill on the second lap, though I did manage to catch up some pace on the own hill. I've also been racing and PBing a fair bit recently, at half marathon and 10ks. Today the racing without the base inbetween probably cut up on me. I hope I'll be back for this one, as it is great setting.