I signed up for this race as a training run for Race to the Stone in July. It was a good choice, trails and some hills to practice on and I got to test all my kit.

One of the reasons I signed up was the enthusiasm I saw on Twitter and Facebook by the organisers who really made everyone feel welcome and it felt like a smaller, more community-oriented event, which I like. There was support in getting people to and from the train station on race day- another reason I picked this race- easy access by train from London. On race day the marshals were all very encouraging and enthusiastic despite standing in the hot sun all day. Many extra water points popped up along the route along with people handing out jelly babies and spraying with hoses, this was great. The other runners also were encouraging and made for a great atmosphere.

The route was nice, scenic, hilly but manageable. This was my first trail marathon and it suited that purpose well as the route wasn't very technical and was easy to follow. 

The prizes we were given at the end were really nice- really like the pint glass (and beer! another reason I signed up!), and the goody bags were good (nice cloth bags that can be reused, as well as the treats inside). 

If I had to say anything to improve it would be that there could have been more shade at the finish. This year was uncharacteristically hot but there wasn't much space for people to wait in the shade. As well, it was a bit crowded at the start of the race but it did spread out as the race went on.