BUPA Great North RunHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (1517 votes). 2004 race reviewed by: Moira McClure
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Excellent first time half marathon
In full: The atmosphere was amazing with support for the entire course. A few hills bot nothing too daunting.
My only criticism is the transport organisation at the end - the bus queues were chaotic, with not enough signage and too few buses.
Date of review: October 1, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Damien Strogen
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Third GNR in a row and the most enjoyable. Weather was great for the run and came tantalizingly close to a PB, sorry to all those I ran through/down!
In full: The two issues are: the water stations are not long enough and should be on both sides of the route. This would make it a lot easier for all to use. Getting cross the road is not the easiest thing to do.
I know it is mainly viewed as a fun-run, and have done it for this in the past, but it is mildly annoying to have walkers starting in the 130-145 zone, but it did not really detract from the race.
Otherwise this is a great race and the atmosphere is the best I have had, sloghtly better than the Bristol Half (another BUPA event).
One more thing, could more people be made aware of and encouraged to respect the 2-3 minutes silence before the start of the race. Last year in the middle of the pack and it was very moving.
Date of review: October 1, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Tatty Bogle
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: If you need motivation to run, come here. Truly humbling.
In full: No-one told me about the continuous hills, but I got through it anyhow! The one at mile 11 is just plain nasty. This was my first half marathon, and I am definitely going to do it next year. The atmosphere can't really be summed up without sounding like a cliche, so if you've not done it before, be there for 2005 and find out for yourself!
Date of review: September 30, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Andy Roberts 10
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Take it for what it is...absolutely fantastic fun and something very humbling
In full: You are lucky to be here running, seeing all those charity runners reminds you how lucky you are. The atmosphere is electric, and the deep feeling of satisfaction afterwards more than makes up for the horrendous journey home.Lighten up all you people who want PB's..what were you thinking of?You really are missing the point!
Date of review: September 30, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Mark Thomas 11
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Do it for the aptmosphere, not as a serious race
Date of review: September 30, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Beer Barrel
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: They really do need to sort out the walkers. It was just choas. It did not seem so bad last year so maybe the extra 2,000 runners was a bride to far. I agree with all of the comments that the walkers ruined the event.
Date of review: September 30, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Terri Clarke
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% |
In short: Simply far too many runners
In full: Simply far too many runners and a lot of beginners starting off in the 1.40 area, then stopping or walking after about 1 mile, making it impossible to get into a rhythm or to get past them, will never do it again. its a fun run for beginners!
Date of review: September 30, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Rick Edwards
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: First time in the Great North Run, good fun and a personal best of 1.35.40 in the process
Date of review: September 30, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Pongy
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 20% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Definitely for the fun runners on this occassion. Should be more control over people "jumping pens" just to get to the front, even when aiming for 2.5 hours!
Date of review: September 30, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: coachdriver dave
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: A celebration of running for charity-enjoy.
In full: A great day out, and a must run for everyone who loves life! For heavens sake who cares about a p.b. in a run like this!
Date of review: September 30, 2004
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