BUPA Great North RunHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (1517 votes). 2005 race reviewed by: Ali Bongo
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Good for a big day out, bad for a PB and ramblers getting in the way
In full: A long, long emotional day, but very uplifting all the same. Biggest buzz - the rad arrows flypast when on the Tyne Bridge. Lowest low - seeing unconcious people at roadside and learning of the 4 deaths...
Annoyances? Walkers / unfit positioning themselves at the front of the field and the crowding on the course due to the field size
Date of review: September 20, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: dancing runner
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Good atmosphere, Too many people. Boring scenery on the whole. Well organised.
In full: I travelled a very long way to do this race. It took me 20 mins to get over the start line. I stood at the 2 hour marker and actually took 2hrs 15 mins - I was overtaking people all the way and found it very difficult to run properly. I did expect this for the first 5 miles but the situation never improved. I enjoyed the atmosphere but felt that too many people had been allowed in - many looked as though they had never run a step in their lives before. I realise that a lot of charities make a lot of money out of it but I was just running for myself this time - having raised money in other events. I ended up feeling very guilty - which was ridiculous. It was a nightmare getting away from South Shields at the end. Why did they take so long to re-open roads? I'm sorry to hear about the deaths - seems those poor folk were people who were well used to running too! Perhaps they just didn't drink enough!
Date of review: September 20, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: Mikey Fallaize (www.justgiving.com/callumwayne)
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: My 7th year and although it was too hot - it was still a great day!
In full: Anything above 10k makes me understand the meaning of training - I've trained twice since June and it showed! I had to walk for a mile between 11-12 and eventually crossed the line in 1hr 57secs. Well done to everyone involved who makes the race the success that it is!
Date of review: September 20, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: Matt Deacon
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Sunday Stroll
In full: After spending 25mins to get across the line I spent the next 13.1 miles weaving in and out of walkers, even within the first mile. Why didn't they start at the back if they were going to walk the course?? Couldn't really get into my stride at any point of the course because of the sheer amount of people, especially where the course narrowed, but this is not the sort of run to get a PB, it's more a run for the atmosphere. Maybe the organisers should think about cutting the numbers a bit, but I will be back again next year and I will beat that mobile phone that run past me. The Red arows flying over my head at the beginning and again at the end to welcome me across the line and the support & encouragement of the spectators made it worthwhile.
Date of review: September 20, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: Jonnyj600
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great Event - - But to many walkers
In full: If you want a PB then forget it, this race is for people looking for a great event and a good atmosphere. The left hand side of the dual carraigeway seemed to be delayed at the start and once we got going there were walkers within the first hundred meters. Frustrating but well worth doing.
Date of review: September 20, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: phil 1
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Hard but loved it.
In full: 1st time I had done the race. You must do it at least once. Took 30 mins to cross the start line and I was at 11 mins a mile pace. If people intend to walk why do they go as near to the front as they can get it doesnt make any difference to their time. Weather was very hot felt sorry for the people in fancy dress. Speccies were great with the water, oranges, ice pops etc. Was great to see the water at South Shields as you come down the hill. Long last mile but excellent goody bag with lovely medal.
Sorry to here about the four people that died thoughts are with your families and friends.
Date of review: September 20, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: bloorunner
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great Event,No water at the Start and too late when it did come
Date of review: September 20, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: CJS
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: A great atmosphere
Date of review: September 20, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: Liz Lister
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: The race itself was great fun
In full: But to hear people had died was terrible
too many people as the abulances couldnt get through quick enough
Way too big makes it dangerous wont be doing again as its too hard to get out the place
Date of review: September 20, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: The Dark Knight
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great Fun again - Too many walkers - Alot of slow runners starting in the faster time zones.
In full: I loved the run as I did last year but why oh why do slow runners and walkers have to start near the front of the field?
It's simple, if you're not sure of your pace or you@re going to walk GO TO THE BACK. It's fantastic that so many people take part and raise so much money but I feel it would be less frustrating and dangerous if we could all be honest about our predicted finishing times.
My heart goes out to all the families and friends of the 4 runners that died during the GNR and I'm sure all our thoughts are with them.
Here's to next year!!!!!
Date of review: September 20, 2005
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