The Farnham Pilgrim Marathon  Here's how RW members rated this race (138 votes). 2010 race reviewed by: alistair smith
 | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Great Event!
In full: Let’s face it, inaugural event fully subscribed with that number of runners could have been a disaster, especially with the options for going wrong out on the course.
But no, this was easily as well organised as any event I have attended, and as others have noted, the number of drinks stations is probably a record for the distance. Marshalling excellent, scenery superb, atmosphere terrific – what more could you want?
Needless to say, there was going to be the one competitor who had to complain. After the slightly steep but utterly scenic diversion around the chapel at around 15 miles on St Catherine’s Hill, some chap – let’s just say his accent sounded somewhat north of Watford – was bleating at full volume about how pointless it was. Perhaps you could just round a cinder track for 26.2 miles, my friend!
Speaking of 26.2, agree with an earlier respondent – my Garmin said 26.8 too.
The only thing that slightly mystifies me is why the event is called ‘Farnham’ Pilgrim – the closest we actually got to Farnham was the start/finish, about three miles away. We were far closer to Guildford I would say.
Hope all those day-glo markings wash away with the first shower, or I can see some people might be annoyed!
Great event, see you next year I hope.
P.S. Last time I ran an event in Farnham it was the old Marathon/half marathon (that actually started in Farnham and went through Rowledge, Dockenfield, Frensham and Tilford Reeds). That was in October 1984 where, at 26, poignantly I was half my age today. Seems like yesterday! Managed 1.22 and came 19th out of over 500. Can’t quite manage that these days!
Date of review: September 20, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by:
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: A delightful romp in Surrey
In full: For a first event the organisation was amazing. All involed in this should be very proud. I found the sandy tracks a real novelty.
A fantastic race.
Date of review: September 20, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Monkey Nuts
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Tough but very enjoyable and well organised
In full: Very scenic and well organised race. Forget a PB, just enjoy the run. Some challenging hills with sand underfoot make this marathon really sap the energy out of your legs. Marshalling was superb for the whole race, nibbles and drinks on the tables were excellent. Could possibly do with a few more mile markers (first one I saw was at 20 miles), and few more portaloos as the queues were a bit long at the start. Overall a really superb and enjoyable race - definitely pencilled in for next year.
Date of review: September 20, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Marathon Munchkin
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Who thought it would be funny to have an up hill finish then?????
In full: The organisers should feel very pleased with themselves after putting on this inaugral run. Organisation was very good; excellent marshalling and loads of water stations. If you want a challenging course (with a fair bit of soft sand) with beautiful scenery - put this run on your to-do list.
Date of review: September 20, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: epicurean
| | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Fantatstic route, very well organised, many marshals and nice flapjacks at the end!!
Date of review: September 20, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: stefkirl
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: This was my first half and enjoyed every minute of it, got around in 2:15. This was truly a cross country run across many different exciting terrain's and hills. Lots of marshals and drink stations. Well done to the Rotary Club of Farnham, I'll defin
Date of review: September 20, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Dave Porter
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Brilliantly organised - please do again next year
In full: "Smiley happy faces" i sang as i looked at the marshalls, everyone had a happy look on thier faces, they could not do enough for you - well except carry you round !!
Really pretty views, tough hills, sand and roots but we knew what we were in for !!
I would say to anybody add 30 mins on your marathon times, if you beat that, you have done well.
Date of review: September 20, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Mo's Mentor.
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Another slog through Surrey
In full: Wow! What a fantastic inaugural race by the Rotary Club. It had the feeling of a long and well established event already, due to the fact that they had done their homework to find out what runners really need both during the race and afterwards. I ran the half and was presented with water and squash along the way (just what you need to keep you going) and more of the same afterwards, with delicious cakes to nibble on and a mountain of bananas to feast on if you so desired. Along with the colourful medal and obligatory goody bag, all added up to great ‘vfm’…
The run itself was reminiscent of the ‘Surrey Slog’, whereas it was quite challenging with the slopes and difficult terrain and I love the SS, so all is good. Keep up the good work the ‘Rotary Club of Farnham and Weyside’ and I’ll definitely be back next year.
Date of review: September 20, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: UltraChick
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 20% |
In short: Well organised, fun but challenging route .. totally worth the effort!!
Date of review: September 20, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Donna Rogerson
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Beautiful scenery and fabulously well marshalled race
In full: I had a slightly disastrous run - down to me not the organisers - but I still thought a really great event. Could have had a picnic on the way round with those well stocked drink and food stations!
Marshalls were very friendly and encouraging and my only slightly negative feedback would be that more mile markers would have helped.
Date of review: September 20, 2010
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