I WOULD like to begin with a recap of the Marathon Du Malton. What a scorcher it was. Magnificent, mad and brilliant fun, Malton was awash with activity and boy did “Britain’s Tastiest 10k” get the town jumping.

This was the second marathon (actually a 10k) and it is also, I’m proud to say, Britain’s first “gourmet wineathlon”.

Based on the Marathon Du Medoc in France’s famous wine region, the idea is to run from food stop to food stop, sipping wine and munching on local delicacies.

In the French version they feast upon what is best and local, oysters, fillet steak and red wine.

Here in Malton we also choose what is best and local, grouse, lobster, craft beer, gin and of course Yorkshire puds.

As I donned my hot dog outfit I peered nervously at the cloudless blue sky with beautiful sunshine bathing the Market Place - the temperature gauge was high and rising.

After a bowl of porridge and local heather honey at The Talbot, I walked back into town to join crowds of runners from all over the UK who had started to register.

Fancy dress was strong this year with lobsters, hot dogs, pineapples, lots of funny French outfits and a magnificent snail.

After the runner’s toast and a Braveheart-inspired speech to get the runners pumped up, the countdown started and we were off.

I think what made this event so much fun and so brilliant was the atmosphere. Laughs, smiles and a good deal of sweat and toil in the near 30 degree heat. Wow it was hot. Thank goodness the beer, gin and wine cooled things down a touch.

At the half-way spot Richard Fahey’s gallops offered incredible views of the Howardian Hills and there we were met with Yorkshire puddings with roast beef and horseradish sauce from Malton Cookery School.

“Nine and half out of 10,” my running neighbour declared while adding, “I never give a 10”. Onwards I thought, down the gallops to taste Costellos flapjacks before running on for vegan quiches from The Patisserie and a thirst quenching beer from Malton Brewery.

The route back to town takes us through a pretty woodland setting where The Talbot offered us a selection of grouse and lobster dishes. McMillans had teamed up with Sloemotion to give out samples of Hedgerow Gin and Florian Poirot was also there to give us all one of his famous macarons before we set off back towards the finish line.

One of my favourite parts of the course is when it passes through the beer garden of Chapter Two Bar – there with appropriate flourish, the drinkers gave us a supportive cheer as we passed through.

And then there was nothing more to do but pick up my own pint of Brass Castle beer, (in a non-plastic glass, of course), and head for the finish line. Going over the line with a pint in hand is now a MdM tradition after all.

What a race. It was fun, foodie, and hot, but definitely worth it. I am already excited about next year.

And for all those who might enjoy the food without the running Malton Harvest Food Festival is back for a two-day extravaganza this Saturday and Sunday. As always it will be a celebration of arguably the best foodie season of the year. See you there.

For more information, go to visitmalton.com