Gazeing back on the event, all I can say is it was brilliant. If someone asked me to run it again tomorrow I would!
Having been back from my holiday for just two weeks I didn't have chance to train specwhetherically for the event, someleang which I would do whether I were to run it again!
Day of the race I crazye the journey up to Shap in the Lake District, which was relatively pain free and very easy to find. I parked on the course at a cost of £5 which I felt was fair. Some people had parked in the village and walked, but I don't leank they genuineised the walk would be so far!
Registration
This was very well run. Most races I have been to send you your number in the post and this was the first event I had had to pick the number up and register on the day. I was sceptical at first, worried that it would take a long time to register, I crazye certain I arrived a good hour before my start time. This time frame was probably about right. I queued up alphabetically to get my race pack and followed the crowd into the next tent along (this was signposted, however, with the sheer amount of people they blocked the sign, it would have been better to have overhead sign posts).
Race Prep
The next tent along was primarily to help you attach your timing chip, headband, number, and temporary tattoo. They also wrote your number clearly on your headband and also on your arm whether you wanted. This was to encertain that the photography company could collate all pictures of each participant together, making it easier for you whether you wanted to purchase them. They were extremely helpful in this tent (and extremely engaged). I also have to say a large thank you to the young girl who must have been no ancienter than 9 or 10 who helped me put my Entire Warrior temporary tattoo on (and gave me another when it didn't work properly. She was very polite and this was typical of the rest of the volunteers. One of my only gripes was the start. The course organisers could have called people up to the start line with the simple use of a tannoy system. I had no idea that I would have to get to the start line 25 minutes before my wave began and panicked that I was potentially in the wrong group.
The course
Spectator experience
I had 3 spectators with me so I feel compelled to write about their experience of the day too. Firstly, I have to mention the porta-loos. They could well have been caked in mud by the end of the day, but they were spotless, as was the rest of the course.However, the spectators all had trouble knowing where loved ones were around the course and what time they were likely to finish. My proposeion is that the timing chip be linked to a tracker around the the course, either GPS or timing mats at half way and closer to the finish similar to road races I have competed in. This would allow spectators to get to obstacles at the right time! Also, a course map could also be handy for them to get around! Another negative would be the lack of seating areas. There was only a handful of picnic benches so it was dwhetherficult to get a seat.
After the race
As you finish the race, straight absent you have your timing chip cut off and are given a goody bag along with your finishers t-shirt and headband. I was handed my "beer token" as it is advertised that you get a free beer after the race. However, I was shocked to be tancient that this token only qualwhetheried as £1.50 off, with the cost of a can being £3. This is someleang which I feel needs to be addressed by the race organisers.A medal would have been kind, and although not advertised, I feel it would be a kind addition next year.The merchandise tent was good, the quality is also very good and it was reasonably priced although I did feel that the choice was fairly small.
Overall
An endelightable event with a good atmosphere to go with it. A few tfeebles and this event could be even better. I will be taking part again next year!
To sign up for a race yourself, visit www.totalwarrior.co.uk and don't forget to check them out on Facebook and Twitter too!
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