I've heard a lot about Ealing in the past and the fact it's won best half in the past says a lot but until this year I'd not run it. After winning a place on twitter through Race Check, this year was my chance! 

Entering was easy enough and my race bib was sent in the post 1-2 weeks prior to the race along with a leaflet of the route. Entry doesn't include a tshirt and you have to buy any merchandise seperately which I would've liked to have had included in entry but not a massive must.

Getting to the race was easy enough as I travelled with Clare (@foggy125) who drove (as well as marshals extraordinaire Baz (@baztav) and Jk (@kennedy107) ) but speaking to others, I've been told it is easy enough by train.

The race village itself was well laid out with everything in easy access and  sign posted, plenty of toilets (always a plus) which didnt seem to be too crowded!! Xempo provided the pacers (1h30, 1hr40, 1hr50, 2hr, 2hr10, 2hr20 and 2hr30)  and they were easy to spot with their usual flags. There aren't any waves and you all get in based on your time, near the pacers. As we approach the start, the sub 2hour runners are lead out with the 2hrplus runners being kept slightly in the park. I was busy chatting away with Clare and the "2hour 20 fun bus " leader Spencer (@SMillbery) so didn't notice we'd started until we set off. One thing to mention, the start line , is about 100m from the park so don't set off too quick!! 

The route  is on fully closed residential roads with water at miles 2,4,6 and 9 but local shops and community centres were out providing water, oranges and sweets. There's a few tasty hills and isn't completely flat but they are spaced apart so you have time to recover. From around mile 6-9, there's 2 way running but isn't your usual "back and out" with the route taking you back along the same 2 miles you started with. As you approach Lammis park, you do one lap around and finish on grass and into the finish funnel where you're handed a medal. This year they had army scouts doing it which was a nice touch. 

Relive of the route :https://www.relive.cc/view/1199004689 

Now here's a negative... by time I'd finished (2hr28) they had run out of digestive nibbles and the bananas had to be chopped as they seemed to have run out too. Would have been better in some sort of goody bag so us slower ones got some biscuity goodness!! 

Support was amazing, the best I've seen during a half and the marshals did a great job also. 

In summary, bit hilly, well organised and great local support. Will be back next year and definately recommend!!