-capped Atlas Mountains could keep the field cool. Those running the full marathon - breaking away at mile seven to tour the city's expansive palmeraie via the Majorelle Garden - returned later with tales of shimmering Tarmac and thermometers reading 24°C

sand, trail and tarmac between the coastal villages of Beadnell and Alnmouth, before being rewarded with their technical finisher T-shirts. The route offers less demanding contours than one might expect from a course that includes both beaches

such a buzz on our forums. In fact, the race route forgoes the tarmac promenades, and instead remains inland, twisting along rural country roads, farm tracks and the odd bumpy bridle path through the Great Wakering and Stambridge area. Its predominantly

average coastal fixture. Sea tides dictate a tough three-hour cut-off time, though organisers promise runners won't be pulled from the course after this deadline. Instead, they'll be redirected onto the tarmac promenade to complete the race, ensuring