Grand Union Canal Half Marathon  Here's how RW members rated this race (173 votes). | The big picture (173 votes) | | Overall score | | 78% | | How many would do it again? | | 87% | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 67% | | Atmosphere | | 66% | | Organisation | | 70% | | Value | | 72% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 74% |
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2012 race reviewed by: Simon Feeney
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: A challenging but excellent course!
In full: This was my second Half and my first off-road, and it was just the sort of challenge I was after! :)
The terrain is tough and there are a few narrow sections, as well as some slippery parts due to the rain over previous days, but this never stopped me maintaining my pace.
The route was incredibly scenic - made even better by the weather - and the atmosphere created by other participants, race officials and spectators alike was great.
The organisation before, during and after was brilliant, and the marshals on route were first class, offering guidenace and encouragement.
I'd definately recommend this event to runners of all abilities, for the challenge but also for the fun! :)
Date of review: November 27, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Frank Doyle
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Got my PB, very plesed
Date of review: November 18, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Dynamo Debs
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In full: Given it takes place mostly on a canalside track, it would not be much fun underfoot on a wet miserable day; but on a glorious autumn day with only a few pockets of mud & puddles, it was delightful.
Date of review: November 16, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Deborah Hughes
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: a scenic, flat course for all.
In full: Fabulous course alongside the canal with fantastic weather.
Date of review: November 12, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: TCP
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: An excellent race for all abilities
In full: Great race. Purple patch always put on well organised events. Really great marshals. Nice medal. Thanks to all.
Date of review: November 12, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Elizabeth Crosse
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Lovely scenery and a race to enjoy
Date of review: November 12, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Stop Start
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: A difficult, narrow route to arrange a mass run but to my surprise it worked extremely well, excellent organisation on all levels - communication, transportation, route preparation.. and stretching the praise for organisation, sunny weather as well
Date of review: November 12, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Ron Faster
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Loved it - as always
In full: Great weather, great marshals, great organisation - no gripes from me and will be back again next year.
Date of review: November 12, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: 2wheels
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: I loved this event!
In full: Fabulous event.
A couple of minor niggles to get out the way the gate just after the start and in a few places it is a bit narrow for overtaking (more the fault of people running down the middle or 2 abreast without thinking), but they are very minor. Support on the course at the water points and recommended viewing spots was enthusiastic, the band at one of them a lovely surprise and some support from walkers and people on narrow boats.
It's not really a course for PB chasing although I clocked one (albeit by just a handful of seconds), the course is predominantly flat and is certainly not slow. But I think most people don't enter for that reason, the course is lovely and makes for a thoroughly enjoyable run.
Date of review: November 12, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: bushey bull
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
Date of review: November 12, 2012
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