GDF Suez Leeds Half-MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race (411 votes). | The big picture (411 votes) | | Overall score | | 77% | | How many would do it again? | | 95% | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 53% | | PB potential | | 59% | | Atmosphere | | 70% | | Organisation | | 74% | | Value | | 72% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 70% |
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2011 race reviewed by: Donnasib
 | | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Urban City Half
In full: There are loads of things to recommend this race. Great organisation, chip timing, good atmosphere and support, plentiful water stations.
However the course is dull, dull, dull. Kirkstall Road was positively treacherous, partcularly for the wheelchair entrants. Such a shame because if it was more imaginatively routed, and the organisers could follow the lead of Nottingham and Liverpool, then it would have the potential to be a great half marathon.
Date of review: August 16, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: PhilR the Filler
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Pah to the hills!
In full: Better than last year, although warmer. knocked 12 mins of PB [2hours last year 1:48 this] have not run any other half marathons so only know that this is how it is, yes its hilly at the 1st 7 miles but the rest is ok
Date of review: May 13, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: R Sutcliffe
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: The first seven miles are the worst.
Date of review: May 13, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: lee robertson 2
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In full: It was my first time over this distance and I really enjoyed the whole day.
Before the race I was concerned about the hills, but they were not as fearsome as some made out, I ran 01:50 which is about what I expected. Although I do agree that the latter section of the run alongside the traffic could be improved by closing the lane to traffic.
There was plenty of water along the route which was needed as it was a warm day, but there was also more water and a sports drink at the finish.
I thought that the marshals and the overall organisation of the event on the day was excellent. The goody bag was not that exciting, but that’s not why I entered. I’ll certainly be back next year.
Date of review: May 10, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: keef55
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Tough Race in difficult conditions
In full: Am still coming to terms with the second half of this race apparently being downhill - it certainly didn't seem that way yesterday as it felt like there were a number of long uphill drags in the (very dull) last 3-4 miles! As for the last half mile - tired legs did not appreciate the uphill finish!
Otherwise - liked water in bottles - much needed on a very humid day. Headwind ruined any pb chance for me even though I had kept some in reserve from the two big hills (which are actually ok).
I would only do it again if the course was changed to make it more interesting. Thanks though as always to the marshals and volunteers.
Date of review: May 9, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Janet Cuthbert
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In full: Being from Leeds I love doing this race and know the route well. It was a struggle because of the heat and the headwind on Kirkstall Road so no PB for me this year! Reading that others felt the same has helped.
Massively improved new start. Being led by the band was great but not quite so early next year, thanks.
I agree with others that the goodie bag was poor. If you can't run to a decent t shirt please don't bother- I would rather have had a bar of chocolate instead! And yes, the finish being in the same place as abbey dash in front of the town hall/art gallery would be much better.
Also, please sort out the parking instructions! Car park on instructions has been closed for about a year. I had to give several people directions to alternative parking.
Thanks to all the marshalls. As always they were helpful, cheerful and motivating.
Still enjoyed it though and here's to next year's!
Date of review: May 9, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Run Like Hell
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: A long way from being a must-do race
In full: Leeds City Council puts in minimal effort with this race. Other cities have Festivals of running or carnival atmosphere. Leeds has carbon monoxide on unclosed dual carriageways and minimal support. The grudging attitude this city (my home city) has towards running is demonstrated by the lack of road closures (on the ring road and Kirkstall Road), the rubbish goody bag (the same cotton t-shirt for the last 100 years, no banana, chocolate, anything worth keeping, for that entry price?!?), jobsworths in the assembly area (NOT the club volunteers I hasten to add, but the "security") and a finish line uphill (is it beyond the wit of man to put the finish line in front of the Town Hall like the much superior Abbey Dash?). Yes, I'll do it again, but only because I live here; it's not one worth travelling for!
Date of review: May 9, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Tony Hails
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: A well organised race in Leeds
In full: Third year of doing this race and those hills get me every time. Didn't help with the weather been humid. Well organised race, plenty of water in nice small bottles, great t shirt & medal, just a shame about the coned off road on the last 3 miles been a bit narrow. Overall a great half marathon.
Date of review: May 9, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: trendy runner
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Testing city half marathon, very busy but fantastic
In full: The hilly parts were long & testing, however there were the downhill sections too. Plenty of water throughout the route and at the finish and in handy sized bottles, however no sports drinks available until after the finish line. Well organised for toilets, baggage store, marshalls etc. Chip timing & text with finish time & placing. Nice t-shirt and medal to finish, goody bag disappointing. Although the heat made parts of this unbearable - which was no fault of the organisers, I would definately do this race again
Date of review: May 9, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Chubby Go Lightly
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Humid which didn't help, add to that I had injury problems which didn't help and have clouded my opinion. Good strenuous race for those wanting to challenge themselves.
Date of review: May 9, 2011
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