Shakespeare MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (815 votes). 2011 race reviewed by: Bob Duffin
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Memorable and friendly race for my first marathon
Date of review: May 17, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Larny
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great marathon, friendly, well-organised and scenic.
In full: This was my first full marathon, and has converted me to the experience, I only thought I'd want to do one! Good camaraderie, especially in the second half made up for the more sparse support in places, which is always the way in rural races. There were places to run on verges/grass which spared my usually-offroad-running knees.
Date of review: May 17, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Richard King 26
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: well organised
Date of review: May 17, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Frank Wood 2
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: A very good race, enjoyed it all.
In full: 3rd time here and sadly as I now have my Good For Age will be doing London next year. Will miss the country lanes, etc.
Organisation very good this year with more water stations. Toilets at start a good addition as well.
Date of review: May 16, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Cheg
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Pleasant Low Key Marathon
In full: I had a really pleasant Stratford Marathon experience. A new PB didn't hurt, but I enjoyed the quiet country lanes and the frequent water stops. The course is undulating, and the two laps might put some off, but I enjoyed both of these elements.
My only slight quibbles were the droning on of various dignitaries before the race started, I just wanted some upbeat music. The other was the lack of a sports drink on route, but we had been prewarned and so could have brought our own if needed.
Overall a fantastic weekend and race in a beautiful part of the country.
Date of review: May 13, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Botters
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: My first marathon - really enjoyed it. Lots of helpful marshals, frequent water and sponge stations and variable surfaces - some in town, some lanes, some busyish roads and the off road path home.
In full: Could have done with some gels or sports drinks.
Thought the run in was great - annoucing your name and everyone cheering....my kids were also not stopped from running up to me as I crossed the line - so very family friendly...
Great first Marathon course and thoroughly recommended.
Date of review: May 12, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Duane Daugherty 3
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: A very well organised race, friendly and supportive marshalls / spectators. The 2nd lap was a challenge but OK. The medal was excellent. Only improvement would be some energy drinks / gels on the 2nd lap..
Date of review: May 12, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: David Lewis 77
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Lovely start and finish, not sure about the other 25 miles!!
In full: I had a really hard day out. So i'm probably a bit jaded.
Overall the event was great, if i have any issues with it, they are as follows...
Too many open roads for my liking. But mainly I found running the 2nd loop extremely mentally hard, having seen the halfers peel off, going out again was hard, and as i was pretty slow it was very lonely at the back... For about half of the run it didn't feel like an event at all. My fault for being slow i guess!
Marshalls were good, and you can't fault the location.
I will be back, but i will only be doing the half....
Date of review: May 12, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Alan Ward 7
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: The marathon route was good, incorporating a long well surfaced path.
In full: This is my eight marathon, after a break of twenty five years, and is the most pleasant marathon I have done. The organisation was good, and runner orientated, with plenty of encouragement from volunteers, marshals, and the general public. I hit the wall at eighteen miles, and my pace suffered, but encouragement came from everyone, including fellow runners, for the remaining miles.
Date of review: May 11, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: MB1
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great race, recommend it
In full: Well organised, slick race. Very welcoming for all runners. I would recommend this race. The course has a couple of hills which can catch you out on the second lap, but nothing major. Had no complaints about the plastic cups, I can't believe how many races in the UK still use bottles - I've spent a few years racing in the States and bottles are extremely uncommon due to the environmental impact. Drinking from cups is another skill, practice a couple of times crushing the cup into a spout and you'll be fine. Well done to the Rotary Club, I hope you raised as much money as you could, it is well worth it.
Date of review: May 11, 2011
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