Battersea Park 10 mile, London

Well in the heart of London I had not expected such a tranquil and pleasant running event. Battersea Park at 7 in the morning would make anyone change their view of London as a smoke filled busy grey city!

With the nice early start you get a range of cold early morning breeze beneath the shade of the trees to the very warm heat from the rising sun. Lovely weather for the 5 ¾ lap, well organisation event.

Plus at that time of the morning for such a small event you get a very friendly group of people.

With the event easily being able to handle far more people

Plus when you get to speak to the more experienced runners you get to find out about some what events to go to and obviously views on some to avoid. Fortunately I normally only hear the good and in this case it was about the challenging but rewarding Grizzly event. Which, I have already marked in my diary for next year. Thanks Scott.

The event its self was extremely well organised with quick processing at the admin desk for runners to get their numbers (who had entered online at runners world). A short, to the point speech, at the start and great marshalling. I must just say that the encouragement for all the runners from the marshal just past the six mile marker was brilliant - I actually felt tied for her by the end. Similarly the people manning the water station where also superb (as generally most our).

While the spectators at this event did not take the normal form of cheering family members the welcoming smiles and odd cheer from those out walking in the park or just general by standers added to the atmosphere of this event. Surprisingly enough they even thought of an announcer for the finish all adding to a great event. Including 2 mile markers, to help with pacing.

I can see that both the early start and also the location (travel into London) would put of a number of prospective runners but the event is well worth a visit if you leave there or if you want to add it to a day trip in London.

Finished of with a huge selection of trophies and medals for all categories and timely done to avoid runners waiting around after they've finished - great touch with the fruit and chocolate!