Almost an hour before the start and runners are beginning to gather in and around Race HQ . .

 . . some former Bath club mates of mine . . I hadn't seen some of them for 8 years so it was lovely to catch up . . and great to see them all running so well too . .

 . . inside Race HQ those all important last minute pre-race rituals were taking place . .

 . . and some shiny trophies were glistening away at the side of the room . . ready to be presented after the event . .

 . . meanwhile outside, despite the strong wind a gazebo had been erected and the post-race water bottles put to good use . .

 . . all that remained was to brief the marshals . .

 . . and then it was time to make our way to the start . .