10 reasons why I love the Midsummer Munro

It's no secret that I love the North Downs. My favourite race of the year literally has it in the title, the North Downs Way 50. And whilst I'm a convert to longer courses, I'll always have a soft-spot for the Midsummer Munro half-marathon.

I've run the Midsummer Munro 4 times and The Picnic, the now defunct marathon version (RIP), 3 times. That means I've run the route a total of 10 times; although the newer, and tougher route, was introduced two years back. All that running gives me confidence to put together this list.

10 reasons why I love the Midsummer Munro

1. It's hilly as heck which means the route is tough, yet incredibly satisfying once done
   
2. Navigation is super easy so you never have to worry about where you're going, you just have to worry about how you'll keep-going
   
3. The volunteers are lovely people and give their time up to help see you around the course
   
4. There's no time cut-off so you get a great mix of fast, experienced and newbie runners
   
5. It's held in Summer so the weather is generally warm and brings the best out in people
   
6. It's an out-and-back course, and with so many spurs it means you're constantly passing people and offering them support (or a thumbs-up if you're going up-hill)
   
7. Not too many people on the course to slow you down or cause you to dodge dogs and the trails at times are quite wide anyway
   
8. But plenty of people at certain points to cheer you on, which is always a pleasant feeling
   
9. It's easy to get to and parking is literally 30 seconds from the start, which first takes you past toilets, two cafes and lots of seating
   
10. The medal is ace as it's wooden, environmentally friendly and stands out when you look at all of your other bling

Bonus points

• The T-shirt. Not only does it have your name on it, and the names of all the other runners, I personally find the t-shirts to be the best offered at any event
  
• The carrots: A staple of every Trionium event
  
• The mug: I love a good tea in a good mug. At times they also offer pint glasses too
  
• The picnic: Lots of variety, mega tasty and all right at the finish line so you can cheer your running buddies in

Overall it's a grand morning out and worthy of being on anyone's running list.

Garmin data for the nerds. Say hello on Strava.

Hope this helps someone.