You may say I'm slightly biased as this race is organised by my own running club, but the feedback of other competitors is the same - that this is a fantastic, friendly, unique event which people love.

I've participated in the event for the 3 years it has been in existence and it has grown from fewer than 70 competitors in 2015 to over 275 entrants in 2017, based mainly on word of mouth from previous participants.

The format is simple - you run laps of a 3.21 mile trail course around Manvers lake for 12 hours from 6pm to 6am, with the start and finish of each lap at the Boathouse where you log lap completion. Although some people run continuously all night, the majority make use of the Boathouse for rest stops where they can get food and enjoy the social side of the event with others.

The great success of the race has been it's inclusivity and support for all. This year's race winner completed an impressive 23 laps (73.83 miles), but others completed just one lap with their children or used rest periods to enable them to complete new distances (including 10k, half marathon, marathon and 50k ) by breaking the distance into manageable chunks.

Although competitors are advised to supply their own race nutrition, the event itself supplies plentiful and variable snacks and endless supplies of tea and toast, administered by ever cheerful and encouraging marshalls. One entrant thanked the organisers for the "fantastic all you can eat buffet", and she wasn't wrong!

If you are looking for a social event with a non-competitve, supportive vibe and want to see how far you can push yourself, then this could be the event for you. I love it.