The organization was great, and support, although sporadic outside of the towns, was warm and vocal. The hills meant that it would be hard to get a PB, but I would recommend it to anyone wanting an enjoyable day out. The drummers leading the runners down to the start added a nice touch.

Generally very well organized, with the exception of getting out of the car park at the end. This was unacceptable. Road closures and traffic management worked well. Drink stations had sports drinks, and chocolate-covered mint cake... mmm! Oh, and I forgot to mention the hills.

I've run both the revived marathons at Windermere - in 2007 and 2008.

It's organized by Brathay Hall - which is both a fantastic charity (largely aimed at disadvantaged young people) - and an amazing venue, just outside Ambleside. The big bonus is that you can stay at the Hall itself - a few yards away from the start/finish area! There is a village fete atmosphere, amazingly relaxing and inspiring at the same time.

The course is fairly challenging, with four moderate hill climbs and lots of undulations in between. The first 12 miles down to Newby Bridge are wonderful on mostly traffic-free lanes. There's no alternative to the main road in the second half of the race, although there is a lot of tarmac pavement - but it doesn't detract too much from the course. Plenty of pockets of support from Newby Bridge onwards and the marshaling is SUPERB.

This is a race that deserves to attract a bigger field (about 650 starters in 2008) and as long as you've done the hill training, it really is nothing to be afraid of - the climbs are all under 300' and - apart from one steep hill at around 7 miles - are easily graded.

A truly enjoyable race and a great day out to boot. Recommended!

Course has wonderful views and good mix of rolling hills. Traffic on roads was a bit congested; might be an issue if the race field becomes larger.

First 15 miles were good but from 16/17 miles, it was very hard going with two terrible hills.
The run to the finishing line up another steep incline was so cruel.

I hope that this will now be an annual event.

It was very hilly but a good challenge, and one that I am glad to complete. We camped on-site and were treated well. Everyone was friendly and our children had a wonderful day out at the Brathay Fun Day.

Brilliant venue and well organized. Thought the second half on the busy, narrow A592 (not closed) was a nightmare for runners and motorists. Can't this be closed for two hours? There are alternative routes for cars.

The finish could be better marshaled - lots of spectators getting in the way of tired runners coming in. Otherwise a great day out and a memorable race.