I'd never been to Waddesdon before, despite having lived within 5 miles of the village for much of the past 6 years. I knew it was there of course, and I've run through part of the grounds on many occasions, but I'd never seen the Manor until the day of this race. Driven by an aversion to stately homes that dates back to my childhood, I daresay, when I wanted to be playing cricket and football, not walking round some stuffy old house!

I still haven't seen inside, and must return one day for a look around the Manor and the cellars, but just the drive through the grounds to the car park was a pleasure, with the many shades of green all around and the sound of birdsong drifting through the trees . .

The Manor itself is special . . have a look at this . .

click the photos to see a larger image

and although I didn't stray far from here whilst the race was underway there was still plenty to admire as we waited for the runners to return . .

236 runners finished this popular event, staged by the Vale of Aylesbury AC, and those I spoke to all seemed to have enjoyed themselves, apart from that drag back uphill in the 3rd kilometre. Definitely one of the most spectacular start/finish I've seen, heading away from the Manor at the start and running towards it at the finish . . see you there  next year!!