Grand Union Canal Half Marathon  Here's how RW members rated this race (173 votes). 2008 race reviewed by: Doctor Sue
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Really different to your average 1/2 marathon. Loved it.
In full: Such childish fun splashing through the pudddles & wondering if anyone has slipped on the leaves into the canal - a fair possibility. In the circumstances not one for a PB but I really enjoyed it and the 13 miles seemed to go relatively quickly. Would definitely do it again tho I presume Cowley to Cassiobury will end with a long uphill run thro Cassiobury Park rather than the lovely first downhill mile we enjoyed today.
Date of review: November 9, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Heather Harris
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Great race - mud, ducks, cheering marshalls and a hog roast at the end. This is what running should be all about. Thank you to the organisers for a memorable morning.a
Date of review: November 9, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Emily Antcliffe
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: A good run along the river
In full: Would have a great PB potential if the path was dry. Would definitely do it again - excellent organisation.
Date of review: November 9, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Wemustbemad
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Flat but muddy, wet and head wind!
In full: Was looking forward to this promised to be flat - which it certainly was. Trouble was that it was also very muddy in parts after yesterdays rain and I had trouble not slipping around which wasn't much good for pace. Nearly fell in the canal at one point! Headwind as well so elements were not on our side today.
Bit frustrated at my time as knew was flat so had a tough target but ho hum.........
Well organised and limited number of runners which was necessary given narrow tow path.
Will be back!
Date of review: November 9, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Halvedin3
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Did this last year and couldn't wait to come back!
In full: Very well organised. Friendly marshals with lots of encouragement. Lots of mud. Decent medal. Job done! Shame about the woman singing along to her ipod during the minute silence at the start.
Date of review: November 9, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Talli's Mum
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Well done to Purple Patch another excellent 1/2
In full: Ran this last year and returned again!! Thanks to all the Marshalls and Organisers for a great event. After 2 half marathons on successive weekends I was feeling tired and words of encouragement from my watching hubbie and the marshalls spurred me on to a reasonable time. I have brought most of the tow path home on my legs and running shoes but I am not deterred - see you again next year.
Date of review: November 9, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: want-to-run-better
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Purple Patch events are great
In full: I agree with everything Muttley has said. It was my third Purple Patch event and was every bit as enjoyable as the previous two. The organisation is excellent (special word of thanks to the marshal just after mile 7 who was the most encouraging of a very encouraging group of marshals). Thanks for a very enjoyable morning!
Date of review: November 9, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Muttley
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Fast and flat and very well organized
In full: This was the second running of this race and as last year it was a fine day out. The course is flat and probably slightly downhill overall and although the towpath is narrow in places the field isn't so large that it gets congested and prevents overtaking. The organization was excellent - everything happened as promised, the buses were prompt and comfortable, plenty of water and marshals en route, baggage handling was quick and efficient, mile markers present and correct, etc. The lack of portaloos didn't bother me because being a chap I found a friendly bush. For the ladies it might be an issue, though. Nice medal at the end.
This my third outing in a Purple Patch event, and every time they've done an excellent job.
Date of review: November 9, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: dennis rice
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Great race and superb organisation Can't speak highly enough of the organisers and marshals.
In full: Fantastic physio team at the end strapped it up and only downside was I was so quick that my family missed the finish (at least that was their excuse) Definitely be back next year
Date of review: November 9, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: shelly runs
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Was my first half marathon + I have just signed up for my second
In full: A nice scenic route however it was very muddy along the towpath. It was very well organised apart from the lack of loos at the start. Would definately recommend this for someones 1st half marathon as its very flat and has a good atmosphere.
Date of review: November 9, 2008
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