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I've done this a couple of times in the past, so for those worried about the hills, here is my view.

The first 2 miles are flat. Then it turns up what I would consider a relatively easy hill (this is all subjective!). It goes up for about a mile, with a flat bit about half way up so you can catch your breath. 

It's then pretty flat from 3 to 4.5 miles, with one bit that I seem to remember is slightly down hill if anything. 

from 4.5 to 5.5ish it goes gently down hill, then flat till 6.5 before going quite sharply up for probably 0.5 mile. There's then a long drag up a very gentle incline 7 to 9.This is probably the hardest section of the route.

Between 9 and 10 you go down and up again, with a few undulations between 10 and 12.

From 12 to the finish is pretty sharply down hill and you can go for the quick last mile

I would say  the worst hill is definitely at 6.5, and the one 2 miles in is moderately hard, probably because it's relatively early on. The rest are relatively short undulations, and there are some good down hill sections to make up your time.

It's a toughish race IMHO, but not unpleasant. The views are cracking in places, especially through the forest.

I hope everyone enjoys it.

I've done this race each year since it began in 2007. It's always been well organised, and the mud is always a fun feature. Nice to have the massage station at the finish this year as well. I think this direction is harder somehow.  Those little rises up at each lock just break your rhythm, and it was head wind as well. Many thanks to the PP team and the fab marshals for a great race.

On the photos mystery, I think some are still missing, I'm sure I finished before the man in yellow on the first page, but can't find my pics anywhere. I was 'shot' on the finishing straight I think, but don't remember there being a photographer at the actual finish. No biggy. Just thought I would add my thoughts.