Events

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

In short: Good for a first timer though congestion at start and finish
In full: The start was a bit cramped where two roads forked towards the start line. Then a right angled corner after 100m. The road and marshalling was acceptable and the scenery around the abbey is pleasant. The only draw back was the lack of water stations and the finish line. Where were the marshals to tell the supporting guys to move out a bit so the runners can actually get out...
Date of review: November 27, 2006

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

In short: I love chip timing me....
In full: Made several errors on the chip timing front, initially sending out chips with the wrong names. Having corrected that, I was then initially disqualified for being first woman home, as they had me and the wife the wrong way around on the database. That said it was fairly quickly corrected the day after when I guessed what they'd done.

The course has pb potential and for me is a good race to do being from Leeds and the local big 10k for me, so would do it again.

I think they should limit the numbers perhaps, as the start must be very dangerous for some given the sharp beng only 100m ahead. But then its for charity so all for a good cause.
Date of review: November 27, 2006

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Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		Maybe
Details:
Scenery		20%
PB potential		80%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		40%
Value		40%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: A big race with problems at either end.
In full: Flat, fast city centre course with a big race feel and all for charity - should be good, eh? Well, it's size is the main cause of it's problems. The start street is too narrow, for one (some poor soul went head over heels within 20 meters of the line) with a 90° turn after 100m. I stood by the 35min sign at the start initially (actual 10K time = 38min) but looked around me and decided to keep shuffling forward. Eventually started at 32min sign (!), and before anyone says anything, I still passed plenty of people in the first 2km (and finished around 38 mins) so there must be a lot of deluded fantatists (or just inconsiderate so-and-so's) around Leeds. I didn't need any water en-route but runners taking over an hour (and this is meant to be an inclusive, beginner-friendly race) might have appreciated some. Similarly, finish funnel was fine at 40mins but chaotic by the hour. Some changes required if they don't want the race's reputation to suffer further.
Date of review: November 27, 2006

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

In short: A very fast course, do this for a PB!
In full: As a runner, but also a race organiser I'm always very wary of being over critical, but the start area must surely be improved? It was far too narrow for 5,000 + runners and no real organisation for predicted times (though this does take work to get it right - its taken GNR 25 years!!). Still, with chip timing, how long you take to cross the line shouldn't be such an issue. I started at the very back (couldn't face pushing to near the front - which I couldn't actually see!). And then enjoyed a run paced by over-taking people and, despite a hangover, was only 2mins off a PB. I was impressed by the marhsalling and police presence (closing down the A65 is a major achievement!), there were km markers but I only saw two (bigger and brighter perhaps?). I'll be back to try for a PB next year (and no boozy guests the night before!). A few small changes and this could be a superb race.
Date of review: November 27, 2006

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		20%
PB potential		100%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		80%
Value		20%
Beginner-friendliness		100%

In short: Business as usual
In full: Finally, a PB on this course!
Date of review: November 27, 2006

Report this rating to the moderator

Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		20%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: Good race, badly organised
In full: Took them 4 attempts to start the race for a kick off, then no water station at any point during the race .. when i crossed the finish line I joined a queue to get my t-shirt, only problem was this queue was 15 mins long !
Date of review: November 27, 2006

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

In short: I only do this for the speed factor now
In full: I just think that a city centre race cannot cope with this many people, on the narrow streets. I was just wedged in at the start - I had no idea where my pace start area should be and couldn't have got there if I'd wanted to. I heard nothing over the loud speaker. Spent the 1st km desperately trying to pass people. (Idon't blame the runners here, I can't see how they would have known where to start)

I don't usually need a drink on a 10k, but did on this one as was warmer than expected. Took me about another 10 minutes to find any water after the finish.

And people, why oh why can't you listen when you are asked not to all bend over in unison and take your chips off as soon as you cross the line??


I will probably be back as it is a very local, fast race for me. But I think it lacks any other redeeming features really.

Date of review: November 27, 2006

Report this rating to the moderator

Overall score		40%
Would you do it again?		Maybe
Details:
Scenery		40%
PB potential		80%
Atmosphere		40%
Organisation		60%
Value		20%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Sorry but a lot of negatives for me.
In full: Agree the start was chaotic and in defence of the slower runners there was no indication, eg minutes per mile markers apart from one tiny "35-40 mins" sign, which was totally useless as by then noone could move anyway. As there were so many first timers I think there should have been a water station at half way or at least some st johns with a supply of water just in case.Or in fact St Johns who I only saw once at the abbey and at no other point on the course. I saw a couple of people in a bad way and wonder whether this, no water station, and, I would say a pressure to go too fast, didnt help. Only saw km markers at 4 and 5 kms. Only a couple of friendly marshalls, others not v enthusiastic Im afraid. Dont think back runners were helped by lack of traffic control and a lack of signs warning drivers of an impending run. I only saw one all last week (I live near there) and it wasnt even on Kirkstall Road! And there were none yesterday morning that I saw.It lacked in atmosphere for me. And some of the people around me were unfriendly.Also overpriced, even if it was for charity. One last thing (sigh of relief all round) why did we have to queue for water at the end? It should have been available as close to the finish as possible, winter or not. On the upside, had a lovely breakfast with some other forumites afterwards, so I still had a good day!!!
Date of review: November 27, 2006

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

In short: First 10k - loved it!
In full: I wasn't sure about the start, felt a bit intimidated but once I got going it was great. The only km markers I didn't see were 6-8 - seeing 9km was fantastic - a real boost! I was very concerned that there didn't seem to be first aid on hand, a man had collapsed near the finish and there seemed no-one there to help him, which was worrying.
Date of review: November 27, 2006

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Why no water?
In full: I agree with other comments the start and finish could be slicker.

I couldn't believe that there wasn't a water stop on the way. This is a charity event that will inevitably attract less experienced runners. I saw a number of runners on the way that looked like they were desperate for water!

I had the same problem as others spotting the KM markers. Despite the problems I'll be back next year as this is a quick course.
Date of review: November 27, 2006

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