Downton Half Marathon Here's how RW members rated this race in the past (122 votes). | The big picture (122 votes) | | Overall score | | 88% | | How many would do it again? | | 97% | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 91% | | PB potential | | 55% | | Atmosphere | | 75% | | Organisation | | 82% | | Value | | 83% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 66% |
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2012 race reviewed by: Wrinty
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Seriously tough.......and wet!
In full: This was the final event in the 2012 Wiltshire Road Race League and I decided to target it as my first Half Marathon for five years. The course presented two particularly tough climbs and great views, lots of running water on the course but at least it didn't rain.
I agree with the previous comment about the medal being a bit naff, and I have got hundreds of them so would appreciate something a little different, though the memory of weaving around ponies on the run will stay with me.
Well signed and well marshaled, good facilities at the Race HQ including individual shower cubicles with own changing room - very nice.
Date of review: November 29, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Shellbo
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Not sure which is tougher - Marlow Half or Downton Half
In full: This is a well organised and friendly run. Enthusiastic support and marshalls on the course which helped. The New Forest ponies and cows make interesting obstacles, especially the one Pony that thought I was racing him :-)
Hard for a PB but satisfying to finish. Medal is really naff and looks like something you'd get at an Egg & Spoon race at school. I'd swap it for a big Mars Bar to be honest. Will be back next year to try to break my personal course record.
Date of review: November 26, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Mike 59
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 20% |
In short: A run in the forest.
In full: Brilliant race along winding narrow New Forest lanes very undulating with a few steepish hills but if you go up you must come down them at some point the weather was kind as the rain held off for most of the runners, when you finished there was a cup of soup and roll waiting for you I will do this race again next year. Well done to the organizers for a job well done.
Date of review: November 26, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: ToughGuyWABBY
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Hard and hilly but a great race
In full: First time I have run this race. I made it a bit more of a challenge in my tutu! the weather blessed us after all the rain and although there were some damp bits overall it was fine. The route is lovely, perhaps a little challenging for first timers, but well worth having a go. could have done with bottles at the drinks stations as I always find cups a bit difficult but overall a very enjoyable race.
Date of review: November 26, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: DRKMWHO?
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Wonderful Weather - surprisingly! Tough undulations!
Date of review: November 25, 2012
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2011 race reviewed by: Lottie Sutcliffe
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Horrible hills! but very rewarding scenery, great achievement!
Date of review: April 9, 2012
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2009 race reviewed by: JAYNE ROBINSON
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: enjoyed run very much. Will return next year
Date of review: December 16, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Kevin Carter 2
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Really enjoyed the run, what a wonderful setting !
In full: Great run with friendly people, wonderful views, the weather was awful but hey that's life. Great run will be back next year.Thank you to all the marshalls.....great job.
Date of review: December 3, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Leon Jones
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Excellent race. The beautiful country helps take your mind off the torrential rain!
Date of review: December 3, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Jonathan Weedon
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: As I have said before, the best scenery I've seen in a race
In full: As per previous reviews, one of my favourite half marathons, probably second only to the Hogweed Hilly Half. The latter pips it for being held in the spring when the weather is kinder.
My fifth time at Downton and I never seem to have a good run here, this year being no exception. A very disappointing time but more than made up for it by the glorious scenery, replete with wild cattle and New Forest Ponies.
Organisation like clockwork as always, but a tad disappointed not to get a t-shirt this year?
A friendly bunch of runners, and an even friendlier group of marshals. Top marks to the organisers for always putting a nice young lady at mile 10 to cheer us up!
One slight quibble is that the last mile needs some thought, having to run along roads that are not traffic-free is far from ideal especially if you are looking for a fast finish.
Looking forward to my sixth appearance at Downton in 2010.
Date of review: December 1, 2009
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