The NewRun Festival of Running is certainly gaining more popularity - there were 1500 starters in the 10K event. This year they added the Marathon to the event (first time Newcastle has had one in 26 years) and 270 people lined up for that one.

Not being from Newcastle, I had to investigate parking options - the city has great on street parking however with the road closures I wanted to find a parking station. Luckily there was one only 1.2km from the finish, and 1km from the busses to take you to the start line. This wasn't too bad early in the morning, but proved to be a horrible walk at the end in the rain.

Race communications prior to the event changed, 2 weeks out (and at online sign up) it stated that packet pick up was available on both Saturday and Sunday; an email 2 days out from the event suggested that pick up was Saturday with emergencies & late entries on Sunday. There was no trouble picking up me packet on Sunday, I arrived with plenty of time and found the area quite easily. Additionally an announcement at the start mentioned that you would be disqualified if you were to run with headphones - something that hadn't previously been pointed out.

There was a free shirt provided with entry, but for $10 more you were able to upgrade to a technical running tee - both men's and women's sizes were available.

The start location was amazing, next to the beach and at that stage was sunny and warm. Looking up the course showed an immediate uphill for the first 1.5K - this really was the only uphill on the course, the rest was downhill or flat as you followed the beach, out on the sea wall break and back along the harbour. Unfortunately a storm came across around halfway through the 10K and the run out on the wall break wasn't as enjoyable as you battled the elements with no shelter.

Upon the finish, there was no medal option for those running the 10K (although with running through the storm I thought we definitely deserved one!) and unfortunately the storm affected the equipment so results will be posted in a couple of days.

I think with clear instructions provided at sign on (or earlier email) involving the packet pickup & running with headphones will help the organisers (and racers) in the future. This is definitely a fantastic event for the scenery and I highly recommend it!