BUPA Great North RunHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (1517 votes). 2008 race reviewed by: spinkletoes
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: My second GNR, a pb but not doing it again
In full: I had unfinished business with this one and I came back to finish it. That said, it was good, great atmosphere but you could really tell there were more runners this year. Took me 35 minutes to cross the start. The traffic at the end was hirrendous and it took us a whole hour to get out of the coach park (I hope you're reading this Nirvana) and then the driver ended up getting lost in South Shields. It took 3.5 houors to get back to our hotel in Darlington. It was 1am when we got home. The whole weekend is a feat of endurance and frankly the run seems like the easy bit! So, for us, that's it. We enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it but it's a very long hard weekend if you live in East Anglia!
Date of review: October 6, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Jaylo
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Fantastic atmosphere
In full: My 3rd GNR and probably the last, long day travelling, time to try some others! As it was probably the last it felt the most special, and went smoothly, got 12 mins off preivous time and 38 secs off PB so went off a happy bunny! Brilliant atmosphere, South Shields will long live on in my memory for the people and their generosity to the runners. Didn't expect to get a good time as too many bodies but managed it on this occassion.
Not sure how they work out their banding as my brother-in-law and I always put in the same time, and its an official set time from previous GNR's and we always both end up in different zones which is a continual pain. Never mind went out with a bang and there is nothing like it for the red arrow displays - phenominal!! Great for first timers who are looking for the challenge of the distance. Enjoy!
Date of review: October 6, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: gary jones 17
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Graet Event maybe not for Club Runners
In full: Really enjoyed my first and probably last GNR.The atmosphere was great as well as the support.The course is harder than advertised with all them inclines.Managed top 100 place which i was pleased with but there are much faster pb courses out there.
Date of review: October 6, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: rego
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Have I missed something?
In full: Considering most people are at the start or baggage buses at 9am I only saw 2 places selling hot drinks. Did I miss them all?
It is a big event and I can't fault the organisation, but there is an awful lot of hanging about at the start especially if you have to get up at 5:15 to get there! The start and finish are great, but there are some long boring parts as well.
Date of review: October 6, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: robert boughen
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: once in a lifetime, or to do with friends.far too busy
In full: First time at the GNR.fantastic support from the locals, great atmosphere but no good if you want a run free from dodging other people.There didnt seem to be a quieter section to the run, start to finish was sooo congested. found the finish especially busy for those wanting to put in a burst at the end .I think they should put the fun runners at the back and the runners with a official race time from other races in the banded section.
Date of review: October 6, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Laura Hall 4
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: fun run!
Date of review: October 6, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Becki Slater
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Brilliant!
In full: This was my first half marathon and I definitely think I chose well! The start was a bit of a nightmare... I dont even want to think about how many people lied about what time they thought they'd finish in. I (unfortunately) was honest and spent the entire 13 miles weaving inbetween people and pretty much wasn't overtaken once--which just emphasises the point! Nevertheless i thoroughly enjoyed it---the atmosphere was fab, the course itself was good, the spectators really supportive (thanks the guy handing out the ice pops!) and finishing was awesome--think i managed the last mile in about 5 minuttes i was driven on so much! Definitely doing it next year with the aim of knocking 10 minutes off my 1.51 time. Loved it!
Date of review: October 6, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: SlowlyButShirley
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Worth doing this once at least - purely for the atmosphere!
In full: My first GNR though not my first Half marathon.
For me this isn't a PB course (though I know many did get one still, which I'm impressed with!) - too runner-saturated. I could never once get into my own pace for fear of tripping up over the runner in front of me and little room for manoeuvre, especially after the dual carriageways merged. Actually found the constant looking around for a bit space to move and sudden enforced changes in pace very draining. The crowd support, fantastic bands/music and amazing atmosphere was what kept me going though. Many things too numerous to mention (not least the Red Arrows) made this event unique and special and I count myself lucky to have been a part of it!
If I did this next year, I wouldn't worry about finish time - just enjoy soaking up the atmosphere. Found the support, crowds and atmosphere second to none. Glad I did this!
Date of review: October 6, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: anniedee
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: A Once in a Lifetime .... but not to be repeated.....
In full: Amazing start and fantastic finish with incredible supporters along the way make this race an experience you won't forget, but i won't be doing this again. There were just too many people....Just too crowded for me.
Date of review: October 6, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Nat D
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Fantastic
In full: My first Great North Run, and was put in the Pink Zone (st the back!!). Hoped do to a PB, although I was advised not to count on it, but mainly I just wanted to do this race. As it was, took 17 minutes off my PB, yes it was slow getting to the start line, but once there, space just seemed to appear, I was more crowded at 5-6 miles when I assume I was catching the stragglers from the other waves. Don't be discouraged by the moaning minnies - the atmosphere of race, the organization, the spectators and running over the Tyne bridge make it something very special. Attempt a PB another day. Nice of the Red Arrows to start their display as I was running along the sea front, it really lifted me. You must do this race at least once!!
Date of review: October 6, 2008
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