with a 9.30 start time for the race it was an early morning for most of us, and there was a steady stream of runners and their friends and families coming through the entrance at least an hour beforehand . .

whilst elsewhere the serious business of preparing the last minute things for the event was under way . .

with more than enough bananas and goody bags for the 700 runners who had entered . .

and gradually the area around the baggage tent filled up as runners and marshals bumped into one another and started to put the world to rights . .

shortly after 9 am, Race Director Mark made some essential announcements . .

to a captivated audience . .

and for want of a better place to show them . . here are some Really Useful Signs . .