This is always one of my favourite races of the year for many reasons and this year was no different. 

The car park opened at 8:30 and was easy to access , although if you are much later than 9:30, you would struggle. However, there is a park and ride service provided which many runners used succesfully. 

Tshirts were to be collected before the race - something I personally dont agree with but it makes it quicker at the end and is also a clever publicity ploy as there are spot prizes for some runners who wear their tshirt during the race - next years publicity shots done! 

The event has a small festival/fayre feel to it and has many stands and pop up food and drink vans along with Bird of Prey exhibitions and bouncy castle etc for the family. We happily stayed around for 2 hours after the race finished. 

There were plenty of toilets and although busy there were no issues. 

Many children took part in the kids fun run (this sold out as quickly as the adult race) and they recieved a great bag themselves including a medal, sweets, pens, swimming vouchers, and a gingerbread man. Not bad for 200m! 

The full race began promptly at 11AM ( a funny time to fuel correctly for) after a warm up from staff at the local gym . Here is my only criticism of the whole event, The start was a huge bottle neck. There were pacers with signs but there didnt seem to be any logical layout and the 70 min pacer crossed the line a few minutes before the 50 min pacer. i know chip time is what they were going for but for the benefit of many runners wanting to use the pacing service there needed to be more of an order to this, 

The first 2km were busy and lots of watching your step was required. However, the impressive local support was already in high spirits including the local church giving out water (much needed in the heat of the day) before we even reached 3km. 

The winding route through the housing wasnt particulary interesting until we reached the town centre itself. It was here that that the local support was amazing. Steel bands and music around the town easily distracted from the job of running in 20 degree heat. More water was handed out before we reached the official water station at 4km. 

A few hills provided a test in the last few miles and I was impressed with the camaraderie of the runners who spurred each other on. The finish line was in sight and the new amendment to the last section was greatly recieved. It was more direct and those around me felt it helped to produce a strong finish. 

The race is close to the Muller Yogurt factory and as you cross the finish, you are handed the first item of the bumper goody bag - 12 muller corners. Random, but amazing! Pumpkin Latte is a new flavour on me.  Then an enourmous pork pie, water and a bag containing a medal , bandana, mars bar, sweets, pens and beer vouchers- redeemable at the beer van on site!!! Great idea. Although more tan 3 staff is needed for 2500 thirsty runners. 

Market Drayton 10K is a great event for every runner and their families. It is a well organised and supported race which other local race organisers would be wise to look at. Value for money was first class.