I ran the unusual metric marathon, I believe it's the only one in the country. I great distance as a step up from a half but not as daunting as a full for those who aren't marathon ready. That said, 16.1 miles is still some distance.

Andy and Chris, the race organisers always do a fantastic job. I have ran the Chester half marathon a couple of times so had an idea of how proceedings would go.

Sign up is easy and communication is detailed and regular in the build up to the race. There are even free seminars and training runs laid on by the organisers.

The race starts and finishes at Chester racecourse. As you leave you go through the lovely city centre and head out on to country roads towards Alford. Support in the city is excellent. Unsurprisingly there is less in the country. The Metric route is an out and back, half way you join up with the faster marathon runners who started an hour earlier. It's also nice to all finish together and enjoy the atmosphere.

On the route there is a lot of aid stations offering water, Lucozade and High5 gels. Lots of marshalls who always do a fantastic job.

At the finish there is a brilliant goody bag, sweets/cocolate/pin badge/High5/shower gel etc. Awesome long sleeve technical T and the bling is chunky, weighty and real quality.

This year, we had the full use of the race course paddock area. Great for spectators and supporters as well as good use of the facilities for runners before and after.

A really enjoyable day ended with seeing a few familiar and friends faces from UKRunChat club and the chance to exchange our experiences.

Interesting distance and a unique event.