This is not a race, it's a FUN run

The organisers of the Great Midlands Fun Run are determined that this 8.5 mile canter around Sutton Park, taking in the steep "Cardiac Hill", is not a race.
Nevertheless, they provide chip timing, and, if you're a runner, (whether a "fun" runner or some other sort), chip timing is an incentive to try just a little bit...

The course goes up a steep hill right after the start, and, because of the fun run ethos, there is no attempt to have people line up at the start according to their expected finish time. This means that there are people who stand very near the front, and then immediately WALK rather than attempting to run up the hill. This is frustrating and, frankly, a little bit dangerous. This isn't a small event, about 6,000 take part. It would be nice to think that the organisation at the start could change a little in future.

It's a lovely run, though. The park is beautiful, and the sponges on offer to cool down are a great touch and were most welcome as it was a hot day