Events

Overall score		40%
Would you do it again?		No
Details:
Scenery		40%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		40%
Organisation		60%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Really bad idea to combine with three-lap relay
In full: ...relay runners are constantly overtaking you, which is dispiriting. Long hill on each lap and downhill part was into teeth of gale in 06.
Marshals were mostly not encouraging, just moaning at you to 'keep left!'. And north Luton suburbs are profoundly uninspiring.
Date of review: August 25, 2007

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Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		No
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		20%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		40%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		20%

In short: Oh Luton, where the wind comes sweeping down the plain.
In full: Three repetitions of the same pathway was not as bad as I expected. Don't pass this race up for reasons of boredom. Pass it by for this reason: the weather. The winds knock you down all three times you're out on the heath. Not many supporters, but those that were there were terrific. Could have been a better wayfinding system at the switchover to the next lap. Otherwise, the marshalls did a superb job. Agree with other posts that marathons should have bottles of water, not plastic cups. On the positive side, it's kind of nice getting lapped by the winner - you get to see what good form looks like at the end (of his race, my second lap...).
Date of review: December 28, 2006

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Overall score		40%
Would you do it again?		No
Details:
Scenery		40%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		60%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		40%

In short: tough race and really hilly
In full: The combination of wind, lots of hills and fairly uninspiring scenery makes this a marathon that is probably unsuitable for first time marathoners. A challenge for the more seasoned runner, this is definitely NOT the place to achieve a PB. Great time of the year though...
Date of review: December 13, 2006

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Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		80%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Wish they could have truned the wind off. Struggled on the last lap but at least it wasn't raining!
In full: Very strong winds turned this into a hard race for me. Last year I got 4:19, this year 4:44!
Marshalls were good and supportive. Another great effort by Mick and Phil the Marathon lads!
Date of review: December 10, 2006

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		80%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: Excellent, well organised, enthusiastic marshalls always encouraging. Liked the country section particularly.
Date of review: December 9, 2006

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		80%
Value		100%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Tough race ... super day
In full: we eventually clocked 4.36, it was tough in as much it was gale force
The very day i was on form to give it hell after 21 miles, i could not battle the wind
it was our 5th consecutive luton marathon,

We've clocked 4.41 in 2002, 5.03 in 2003, only 2 laps in 2004, 5.10 in 2005 and now 4.36

The race itself is a gruelling, mentally sapping 3 lapper, you have to be on the ball to start that 3rd lap ...
but i went with my could'nt care less attitude, that gave me no pressure, and just run and enjoy

i've lost 18 of the best years of my life, caring for my Sick and disabled son, so, i see it as a joyfull triumphant day

hence, the reason, i screamed with joy on entering the hall afterwards

would i do it all again ... yes even in 3 months after recovery if i could

My thanks to all

For Mick n Phil That's 21 marathons,

we'll be back next year... can't wait

Date of review: December 8, 2006

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Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		80%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: Runners race
In full: 2nd Luton marathon for me. Bit windy but managed PB so cant complain. The relay helps as you can tag onto them and perhaps aim to pass some which is a boost. Good atmosphere and marshalls were great. All cars stopped for us at every road crossing point. More undulating than hilly and definetly not flat. Great medal but could do with bottles rather than cups - suggestion rather than complaint.
Date of review: December 8, 2006

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		40%
Organisation		80%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Surprisingly rural in parts, excellent organisation
In full: The views across the countryside were surprising. The course was not that challenging but the wind as you turned from teh top of the main hill blew youi to a standstill, not welcome on the third lap. 3 laps was also less depressing than expected. Very well organised, encouraging marshals, and showers.
Date of review: December 7, 2006

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		100%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Great organisation, hot showers/massage, friendly marshalls, very good Medal - overall earthly rather than stylish and OH!! that gale.
In full: My third Luton, challenging as I'm a 68 year old, but I will be back. Plenty of well marshalled car parks near-by. Coffee and friendly welcome from 8.15. Excellent massage facilities before and after race. Plenty of very positive Marshalls round the course - always a cheering comment. The course is not the most scenic and yes, the hills do get bigger on each of the three laps - this year, however, the SW gale was the real challenge - especially on lap 3. The Medal is one of the best - possibly beaten by the Great North Run, but superior to the London. A runners race, run be runners for runners.
Date of review: December 7, 2006

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Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		Maybe
Details:
Scenery		40%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		40%
Organisation		80%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: UNIQUE 3 LAP COURSE, WELL MARSHALLED,NICE MEDAL
Date of review: December 7, 2006

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