BUPA Great North RunHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (1517 votes). 2008 race reviewed by: Big Dave Barnet
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: A special event but a one off for me.
In full: Like a few other reviews I believe this race is a victim of its own success One question..why could they not show the BBC coverage in the starting area from 9.30?? Im sure people would have enjoyed this? I found the hymn at the start very moving though, and im not usually like that!!! The organisation is outstanding, but just too many people on the course at one time. I found the course pretty drab, Tyne Bridge and the last mile aside. Other than that duel carriage way most of the way. For some reason I also found the course very tough...and nearly recorded a PW!!! The post race area is PACKED!!!
Positives....the crown were amazing...lining the route the whole way, on bridges, sides of the road...everywhere.
I did this just for the experience of doing this race, not even a charity entry...so the total cost of the weekend was over £200, a bit steep, but I think worth it at least once, so you can experience what is a special event and be able to say you have been part of the biggest half marathon on the planet!!!!
Date of review: October 6, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: CumbrianSpringer
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Very Big Race, Very Big Atmosphere
In full: Apart from the tyne bridge and the end the view is pretty dull along dual carriageway. The crowds of people, not the course, hamper PB potential. Everything else about this event is very special, you really have to run it at least once.
Date of review: October 6, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Victoria Haigh
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: The view of th seafront coming up on the last mile makes it all worthwhile
In full: Frustrating in that the zone system obviously doesn't work - people must be telling untruths as to their predicted finish times - how can I be running for 45 mins and pass someone who is walking who has been on the course for over an hour???
The bands and the wonderful spectators with their jelly babies and ice pops keep you going through the monotonous bits. The only other gripe is more energy drinks - miles 4 & 8 only are not enough
Date of review: October 5, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Eric Cantona
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Awesome race and atmosphere, getting even better each year!
Date of review: October 5, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: G.A.Z.
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Fantastic As Always....
Date of review: October 5, 2008
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