We registered for the half marathon option as a training run, registration was simple enough. You had to collect race number/s the day before at the expo or on race day which we did after getting there for 6.30am. Race number collection was ok and race vest given at the same time “before the race” which was strange?, Its worth noting the sizing was very small so you had to go up a size which for us being there so early was ok but for others arriving later maybe no so? Parking was good at £2.00 for the whole day especially being only a 3 min walk to start/finish area – there were 4 listed on their site within a 5 min walk. Loved the 8am early start for both the half and marathon. Didn’t see adequate signage for start line or expected finish time zones and I looked for pacers but never saw any? Lack of toilets at start/finish area and only 1 at each aid station as we discovered during the race. Water was very limited at all the aid stations we came across and at one they were asking a neighbour to refill large water bottles so I guess they had run out? I run with my own so for me I was ok but it’s not acceptable and please stop supplying it in cups it just does not work!!! Bottles are so much easier to manage and not much more in cost considering the lack of contents given in the goody bag and the relatively high cost entrance fee £39.00 for a half. Support on the course was good and marshals extremely supportive and I liked the half route which started with the marathon and branched off just after mile 4. I saw the first 4 mile markers and then none after that? The route was scenic heading out into the countryside and largely flat, a few undulations with no hills to talk of in the half. I saw lots of people wearing headphones which on some open roads is a no go to me and was in the race brief as forbidden but not policed obviously?!! There was a rather dangerous wooden sheet that you had to run down in the last mile that had it have been raining would have been neigh on impossible to achieve, although there was a handrail to grab if you wanted too. The finish line had a timer clock that unfortunately wasn’t working so not sure quite why it was there? We also had the half distance as long 13.23?

The vest was top quality as was the medal sadly the goody bag was lacking and quite pointless (cereal bar, electrolyte tablets and leaflets only) and no bottles of water either or banana as you finished? Just cups of water again and high 5 in cups!!

So to sum it up would I do it again? Yes I definitely would as I enjoyed the route, the medal, love the vest concept rather than a T-shirt and these do look great on even if they are a size smaller than usual so bear this in mind when selecting your size.

Improvements with aid stations essential especially as it’s an August race as we expect it to be warm/humid and more toilets at the start/finish area and around the route are required.

It’s based in the Quays area which is beautiful with plenty of eateries for afterwards and designer retail shops offering very good bargains after the race if you want with Nike & Asics shops.

I will be back for sure in 2018 and would love to see the few issues that most people are addressing resolved.