This was my 57th standard marathon, and I can honestly say that it was one of the better that I have run. As an African, I am used to harsh and hot conditions, with very little shade and quiet country lanes. The Halstead Marathon was special in many ways. The spectators were fantastic and the marshalls very friendly. The course is very fast and the miles just seemed to slip by. The actual mile markers could have been slightly larger, though. All in all, a memorable day.