New Forest Half MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (390 votes). 2009 race reviewed by: karen arney
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: great race, beautiful scenary and great atmosphere.
In full: Really enjoyed race, this year it was hot again but at least we started on time. There were a few more drinks staion this year which really helped. Last year I was incredibly thirsty at about mile 10 after a long but slightly uphill stretch. I liked the idea of carrying your own sponge as this was also good for mopping up sweat as you went along. Plenty of sponge dips too just further along from drinks stations. Overall I really enjoed this race and feel motivated to try another half marathon or a 10 miler before too long.
Date of review: September 28, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Brainybodge
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Once more into the hills!
In full: I love this race, good people, well organised and with views to savour why wouldn't anybody do it?
Yes it is hilly but you do get to see some beautiful sights that no other run offers you and enough support to give you that little bit of help along the way.
Date of review: September 28, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Mum2Liya
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: My first 1/2 marathon: want to do more!!
In full: I had a great day: the organisation was good, it was easy to know where to go and when. thanks to the spectator's guide I booked into the Old Barn Mill, which was good value, and was a great base for the marathon since:
1) close to start and finish
2) was the place for the post-race BBQ
3) is family-friendly, so great base for my family to wait for me
next time, it would be great to add even more suggestions in the spectators' guide, as the old barn must have filled up quickly.
I really enjoyed it, and the glorious weather made it even more of a special day.
It's OK for beginners who have done a bit of hill training.
Now I want to do more 1/2 marathons!
Date of review: September 28, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: lorraine wait
| | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% |
In short: chaos at the finish line
In full: I really enjoyed the run, but was disappointed by lack of food (was ravenous) at the end, queuing for water, too many spectators milling round and no directions to car park. but would do again - and would come better prepared.
Date of review: September 28, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Eileen Alderton
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 20% |
In short: Definately challenging!
In full: Bad traffic to enter village. Parked in Bournemouth and tried to go by train (11mins) to avoid traffic but due to Engineering works they had layed on a Bus... Was hoping to arrive early but ended up arriving just in time for the start of the race. No water or refreashment available around the start area, so come prepared with own especially if the traffic delays you. Hard course, long graduating inclines, some steep. Last mile although down hill seems to go on for ever with finish line hidden around a corner. To enter this course you need to be brave, train well and take water... My time was about 2hours 12mins. Averaging 9min 40sec per mile, with tip toe hill taking 15min!
Date of review: September 28, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Socket
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Perfect weather again, a little too hot on the sunnier stretches
In full: A lovely run through the new forest. Plenty of drink and sponge stops although I lost my 'persoanl' sponge from out of my pocket, as did a few others judging by the ones I saw dotted along route. A good idea but I'm not sure it really worked. I resorted to pouring a cup of water over my head which did the trick. I still ran out of puff up the hill from mile 8 to 9 though.
Lots of spectators on route and a nice run to the finish with good support. I'll be back next year (fitter I hope).
Thanks
Date of review: September 28, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Nick King 7
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 20% |
In short: Hilly and tiresome, but really good!
Date of review: September 28, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Gareth2
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Fantastic scenery
In full: An excellent race. Not keen on the "no personal stereos" rule, which is difficult if you train with music, and it was annoying that we were then told at the start line that they were allowed, as long as we have one ear only. Otherwise the organisation was excellent.
Date of review: September 28, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Mike Hawes
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Enjoyed it - bit chaotic in places
In full: I love the New Forest did the half this year after the full last year, love the course, managed to just about get on the carpark, need some more toilets , including a walk in urinal as seen at other big races, take the pressure off the queues. Water stops needed more organisation but I didn't need that much water - the water situation at the end was chaos, a couple of ladies and a brownie trying to fill cups. All they need is a few more volounteers to help out and it'll be Ok
Date of review: September 28, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: CharlieRS
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: A hot day and predominantly uphill (some gentle, some steep). Sponge idea worked well (easy to tuck into your shorts when running), cups as always a bad idea- are the organisers not runners?? The medal, whilst nice, doesn't have the year on it.
In full: No goody bag which is poor, difficult to find water at the end.
Lovely local support. Nice to not queue for showers at the end.
Date of review: September 28, 2009
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