BUPA Great North RunHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (1517 votes). 2004 race reviewed by: Mark Symmonds
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: This is the 15th time I have participated in and completed the GNR. It is what it is, a race for the masses and very different to most other races in the UK. A fairly flat course and fairly enjoyable. I'll be back next year for 16.
Date of review: October 1, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Neil30
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Excellent, though heavily congested.
In full: This was my first half marathon, I've done a few 10km races previously, and I found it difficult to keep an even pace, which I'd done during training. I found myself slowing down and speeding up as I came up to people in front of me. This slightly tarnished my expectations of the race, but for the rest I found it very enjoyable and exceptionally well organised. I look forward to next year.
Date of review: October 1, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Jonathan Shearing
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: You will want to go back and do it again
Date of review: October 1, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Calum Harvie 2
| | 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: If this race can't inspire you, nothing will...
Date of review: October 1, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: satsumo
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: A great experience and a pb to boot on the way back to form after injury. Great to be started by Kelly Holmes and to see the man mountain Matthew Pinsent out there toughing it with the rest of us!
In full: Despite a lot of griping, I think that the GNR is well run as they have to consider a huge field of a far more mixed ability than a big city marathon. If you can run a quarter decent half marathon time, then you can get out of South Shields when there are less than 5000 people trying to. If you can't then the atmosphere and the crowds are a big part of why you're there so you should be prepared to take the rough with the smooth!
Date of review: October 1, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Ross McElhinney
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Worth the pain year after year!
Date of review: October 1, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: yolanda baker 2
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: \my first time in New Castle doing 1/2 marathon will alwsyd be special
In full: Good day out but too many people and I think it need better organisation .
Date of review: October 1, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: William Sommerville
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 20% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Below average race. Water stations were a farce and pre race pasta party a complete rip off.
In full: Below average race. Realise this race is more of a fun run but travelled long way merely to do a "personal worst" time. Started in correct (?) place but clearly majority of people did not. Passed hundreds of people walking witin first 2 miles.Water stations were a farce - why no signs saying e.g "Water 400 metres ahead on Left".People could then have gradually moved over to correct side
Pre race show not a patch on London. Bought tickets for "Pasta Party" at £6 each back in January, never again. Tickets then on sale per last magazine for £3 - this does not encourage pre-booking. As for the pasta - 11 pieces of ravioli for £6, come on GNR organisers, get real!
Date of review: October 1, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Jenny Fraser
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Great atmosphere and well organised, cant wait till 2005
Date of review: October 1, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Ian Cooper 2
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Except for slower runners in the wrong place, good run to be involved in
Date of review: October 1, 2004
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