Events

Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		80%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: My First, so I'm biased, but a pleasant experience all round. Not huge on numbers or atmosphere, but it seems to be growing in both. Lovely view from the top of the hill, too!
Date of review: September 8, 2009

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Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		100%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		80%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Nice scenic half, crazy hill towards the beginning but an enjoyable run
In full: Having done Brighton the weekend before and then Hastings two weeks after I'd say that Eastbourne could be as good but lacks of a few finishing touches.

The course itself is good - it's very challenging especially with that insane hill at 3 miles, but therefore offers fantastic views and a nice stretch along the coast too. The organisers did a good job of drumming up atmosphere at the start with some music, cheerleaders, warm-ups etc. The local support around was great too.

The downsides are that the water tasted horrible as people have mentioned, and due to this they decided to stop serving it at the end! It's the only race I've ever run where I've crossed the line and was told there was no water. I managed to grab the last kit-kat in the box (and considering I ran a sub 2 you'd have thought the supplies would have lasted longer than they did). The medal was tiny too.

I'd do this race again though, and just hope these few things have been resolved for next year.
Date of review: April 6, 2009

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		80%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: Like clockwork and hill surprisingly manageable.
In full: Only my 2nd half and despite the hill (and no hill training) I smashed my previous best by 5 minutes. Had fun and plenty to see in the area but was a bit disappointed by the finish - got swiftly slapped with a medal and received nothing but some below average water to swig at the finish (and some chocolate). For such a well sponsored race I expected more freebies.
Date of review: March 10, 2009

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		60%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		100%

In short: Left a funny taste in the mouth
In full: The hill was protracted & the water was only fit for gargling - nasty TCP taste. That aside the race was enjoyable but a bit more low key than I expecting in comparison to Brighton & Hastings. Perhaps they would get more entries if held after thee summer when it is not competing against superior local events.
Date of review: March 10, 2009

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		100%
PB potential		80%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		40%
Value		40%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: enjoyed it but struggled with the hill
In full: This was my first half marathon, i enjoyed it but struggled with the hill, after that is was ok. I could not see any mile markers after about 7 miles to near the end, and the was a too long gap between the 2nd water station and the third. The harbour wasnt sign posted every well and it was easy to lose your way if u were one of the back runners. Overall i enjoyed the race and will be back next year.
Date of review: March 9, 2009

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		60%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: Really Enjoyable 1/2 marathon
In full: Living in Brighton & having run the Brighton 1/2 last weekend, this race was a pleasant change. Less reliant on the seafront & without having to use the same out and back as Brighton. Main criticism is not knowing where the drink stops were going to be, however the support & course were fine. Will be back!
Date of review: March 9, 2009

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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: Good race, one hill, great scenery, estate around the harbour a bit t dull
Date of review: March 6, 2009

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Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		40%
Organisation		40%
Value		40%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Nice route, they could make it a bit more 'special'.
In full: Would do it again as it's a nice route, shame they had run out of water at the finish line! and no goody bag just a banana...
Date of review: March 3, 2009

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Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		Maybe
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		40%
Value		40%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Needs improvement
In full: Home town so have run this for last 3 years, however dont think I would travel to much far for this one. Being a local I am aware a good deal of the entry fee goes to charity which is good, however Eastbourne must realise there has to be a fine balance if they can lay on a well organised race more people will be attracted to it obviously its difficult being held the weekend between the two very well supported Brighton & Hastings Halfs.
A few points I think that have been made but I will also emphisise, The dreadful lack of facilities at the start a suggestion to improve perhaps asking the council run Leisure Centre (Soverign Centre) over the road could be used for the morning to provide facilities ie toilets/showers/baggage and perhaps the offer of a free swim could be included into the entrance fee (like Hastings).
The water stations could be better organised, who could possibly think it a good idea to have the first water station on a steep downhill maned by 2 kids and their mother.
Talking of which there was a 5 minute wait for water at the finish which I did not want to try as all the previous cups round the course where foul, and I kid you not when I crossed the line I threw up wondering if it was something in the water!!!!
These problems have been the same for the last 3 years so I urge Eastbourne do something about them and maybe in time we will be talking about the Eastbourne Half in the same breath as Brighton & Hastings, I hope so.
For all that the support along the seafront was great and well done to the cadets/marshalls for giving up their sunday morning to help it is much appriciated.
Date of review: March 3, 2009

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Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		60%
Value		40%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Organisation is improving. Hill is a challenge but worthwhile
In full: It was good to see the organisation is improving but they still have much to learn. Simple improvement with a maximum effect is to coach the marshals to be more positive with directions and them to show enthusiasm. Water stop helpers should be trained, too, on efficient distribution and observation of the runners.

I applaud the marshalls and the water stops for their patience in waiting for the "back runners".

The Police and Cadet prescence is welcomed but would be better placed, in some instances, where their are more obvious dangers such as vehicles, public and adjoining roads or paths.

Despite all of this I would definitely be back next year.
Date of review: March 3, 2009

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