Ok, let's get the 2 downsides to this out of the way first:

1) there's a ballot entry system, so not everyone gets a place; and

2) the entry fee is pretty steep.

However, I have to say that this was the most fun and enjoyable Half Marathon I've ever raced. The support is amazing and is pretty much non-stop along the route - people clapping and cheering, handing out jelly babies and ice lollies, etc. I must have high-fived about a hundred kids on the way round the route, and it really helped make the whole experience so much more fun. In fact, my "I'm just going to enjoy it, I'm not going to kill myself going for a PB..." attitude must have worked, as I ended up taking nearly 2 1/2 minutes off my previous PB!

Logistics and organisation of the race were excellent, especially considering there are almost 50,000 runners to contend with! Toilets near the start of the race itself were crowded, but to be expected with a race of this magnitude. Marshalls, people on drinks stations, etc were all great.

The course itself isn't particularly scenic in honesty. Running over Tyne Bridge is fun though, and the Red Arrows fly over during the run (although I couldn't see them from where I was sadly, could only hear them). The last mile along the seafront at South Shields is good though, especially as the support amplifies at this point!

Great medal, finishers T-shirt and goody bag at the end. I will definitely be back next year!