Don't believe the hype... that's what people told me. It's too crowded they said. It's not a PB course. The toilet situation is a nightmare. It's too expensive. 

So I ran it.

Yes. There are issues so lets get them out of the way first.

Yes, the toilet situation is a nightmare. Yes the crowds are crazy and yes the supervision at the start is borederline dangerous. Yes, it isnt a PB course because of the bottlenecks. 

BUT. The atmosphere is incredible. The support is amazing. The course is pretty flat so its not a tough race and the finish.... ohhh the finish is worth running the previous 12 miles for. You go over the brow of the hill and the sea is there to greet you. Down the hill (careful now, your legs are tired) and you turn a sharp left. The last mile greets you and its seafront all the way. A mile of supporters and the finish line in sight. 

It's incredible. And honestly, for THAT alone you should run the GNR. 

I stayed overnight, which makes for a far more relaxing run. Yes, it adds to the cost but book early and you can get a favourable rate.

With any big race you'll get the 'hypers'. Ignore them. Hell, I'll be back in 2017.