This extremely well-organised event is staged by Matlock Athletic Club, passing through stunningly beautiful countryside along the White Peak Trails in North Derbyshire.

The Half Marathon starts at almost 1,100 feet above sea level and descends to approximately 267 feet above. The profile below is taken from my Garmin GPS data from when I raced the Half in 2005. The last steep hill is approximate as my unit lost it's signal at that point. Not sure what the blip is at around halfway.

It's an amazing race, and I'm told the Marathon is too. On both occasions I've taken part in the race, my senses told me that I was running uphill the whole way, apart from the obvious 3 descents, but my split times and my lack of tiredness told me that I couldn't be. It was some sort of optical and sensory illusion which I've never experienced during a race elsewhere. And the profile shows that it's practically flat for the first 7 or 8 miles.

The course was well-marshalled and the marshals were always friendly and encouraging. Back at the Race HQ, at Cromford Meadows, the helpers again were friendly and helpful throughout the course of what for them was a long day.

Definitely one to go and do again, I just don't understand why it took me until 2005 to get round to taking part.