One of the first events on the Winter Running Calendar, the Bay to Bay Half Marathon and 12K takes in a scenic route from Woy Woy, on the NSW Central Coast, around to Gosford on the waterfront.

Packet pickup was quite easy, held at the local school - it was a simple in and out pickup, with no expo - the only retailer was the local running store who had a great range of shoes, apparel and running accessories.
Along with the bib, the entry fee got you a cotton event shirt - this years was a blue/grey with fluro orange graphics.

Race day was the following day, parking was easy at the finish - however it wasn't quite clear where the shuttle was, I ended up getting on board the sponsors bus (and subsequently kicked off!) but finally had found the shuttle and made the 12K route to the start.

There was an option for on the day packet pickup - which was based at the hall at the beginning of the race. Many of the coffee shops were open to runners, there was a bus for bag check and there was enough port-a-loos at the beginning of the race to avoid any long lines. The Half Marathon had started half an hour earlier and the runners were making their way back through the course (and out to where we were headed) as we lined up to begin.

The start of the race is at the base of a bridge, which is amazing to run over as the sun rises! Along the 12K route, there are sufficient water stops starting from the 3K mark, with both water and cordial options. After running on the road for the 3 kilometres, the route takes you along the waters edge pedestrian/bike track. At places the course does get narrow, and unfortunately you may end up tripping on the trees at the side - which is what happened to me!

The end of the race takes you over the bridge into Gosford, and onto the waterfront. At the 1K to go mark there is the first evidence of entertainment, and the final 300m cuts past the sailing club, all the running/sponsor marquees and back onto the street for the finish.

The finishing area was full of food options, the local running store and other vendors. Bag collection was easy to find, just walk up with your bib number and your bag was ready! Some of the sponsors had goodies to hand out - which was a great bonus!

Overall this is a great 12K run, nice and easy terrain - no big hills, and is a fun morning out!