I have not given a 5* review before, even though I have done some great events over the years, but the Denmead 10k deserves it as a really well-delivered local event.

The local running club, the Denmead Striders, have pitched this perfectly at the widest variety of runners, from competitive club racers to locals who fancy a morning jog around pleasant country lanes. The organisation of the event is all done by the Striders, who turned out in force to make the administration on the day (such as issuing race numbers) as smooth as possible and to cheer on all runners at multiple points across the course (more than 40 marshals were out for a field of about 300 runners, which is an amazing ratio for a local club).

On-line registration was easy, the cost was relatively low (especially for an event that offers a medal to all finishers), there is plenty of parking nearby, toilets at the start and in the nearby village car park, a water stop halfway around, water and sweets at the end, and even a tea and cake shop provided by local Scout troop volunteers.

The route is an undulating course (which all runners know means 'hilly, but not quite vertical'!) along single-carriageway roads that are quiet and largely traffic-free (with the exception of some local traffic that was patient and kept well out of the way). There is only one uphill section worthy of note, which adds interest to the run, although the whole route is largely run over gentle slopes (mainly uphill for the first half and downhill for the second).

There was even a goody bag at the end consisting of a chocolate bar, sweets and a discount voucher for a well-respected running shoe store in Portsmouth.

The key highlights were the combination of the varied course (lovely Hampshire country lanes), the amenities (everything a runner would need, but provided by volunteers rather than expensive corporate companies) and the welcoming enthusiasm of the many marshals and fellow runners.

I will definitely be making the Denmead 10k a regular feature on my running calendar.

John Craig / Oct 19, 2019