Worksop Halloween Half Marathon & Fun Run

Tough, incredibly scenic and a great vibe. First ever crack at this race and I’ll admit, it was a bit hillier than I expected. It was my tenth half of the year so I came to it a little tired and very slow. I took a misstep at mile 6 and from mile 8 suffered with a tight glute that trashed my pace and made the last few miles a struggle. BUT! I still loved this race and would do it again. I’ve knocked off a star because there was no warning of the VERY flooded section of road, way past ankle-deep. Also, there was matting placed over a mini roundabout, which we had to run over at the start and finish. There was no warning about it at the start and being crowded, very little visibility. One guy fell here at the start and at least two more runners fell on the matting when coming back tired at the end. This does need to be addressed. Number pickup was smooth and easy and after the race, getting my medal, water and banana wa easy too, and I was delighted to get a long-sleeved t shirt! Very unusual. T shirt sizing was also pleasantly generous. Plenty of runners in fancy dress made this great fun and there were plenty of us at the back too, all very supportive and encouraging of each other, which always makes a race special. Clumber Park in autumn is beautiful and we were so lucky with the weather, with the exception of that one flood! The medal was fun without being naff, I loved the Halloween theme, and the shirt was great too. We managed to park close to the race village, the toilets had a big queue but were clean and plentiful, and the café inside selling very sweet treats was great for family and supporters. A great value for money run with a down to Earth and fun feel, not taking itself too seriously, but with sufficient professionalism that you got a high-quality shirt and medal. To get five stars, I would like to see them solve the matting issue, or else ensure the matting is HIGHLY signposted and marshalled much better, with clear warnings to runners. A huge thank you to all volunteers on the day for making this a great event!