I ran the Shakespeare half for the first time in 2017, the online registration process was simple and efficient with an entry fee of £28.00 is reasonable, however you don’t get a finishers shirt, but can but various tech & cotton shirts & hoodies.Pre-race information was fine and arrived in plenty of time. The actual start is in the town centre of the beautiful Stratford upon Avon, a short walk from the parking and bag drop which is handily in the same area as the finish. the route itself meanders around the town centre for the first couple of K, venturing out of the town on to main roads around 4K, the traffic management seems to work well, early on there a few minor undulations but nothing too serious. Water stations are positioned approximately every 3 miles, they are well staffed by friendly efficient marshals handing out small bottles of water. The route is well marked, spectators are mainly around the start and finish areas, the outlying villages are also well supported with well-wishers who are enthusiastic and full of good cheer. their is a bit of a more challenging climb at 12K, it goes on for around a K, with the steepest section in last 200M, following the summit there is a short steeper downhill, if you like hills you won’t even notice it. At 16K you head off road on what is probably an old railway line, the track is mainly gravel and makes a nice change from the tarmac. At the end of this s sort section on road segregated from the traffic by cones followed by a quick switchback, then following the river and soon heading back in to the finish area, which is located on the fields behind the Stratford Sports Club. The finish area is great with loads of loud good spirited spectators families and friends, a real village fete feel to it, medals, bananas and water are handed out by well organised volunteers as you cross the line. A refreshment tent stocking a good selection of cakes and drinks also offers a free drink to all runners. those more peckish can feast at the hot food stall.  All in all a very friendly well run event, exceptionally well organised and a real family feel to it.