New Forest Half MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (390 votes). 2008 race reviewed by: Mugsy
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: An attractive and fairly challenging first half marathon
In full: I really enjoyed this race. It was a stunning day, local, friendly and unpretentious. There were just enough hills to make it challenging and lots of support en route. It was hot, hot, hot though and I don't really think there was enough water - I massively dehydrated at mile 10 and the last 3 miles were a struggle. However, happy with the result and happy with the overall atmosphere. Pretty sure I will do it again!
Date of review: September 26, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Robotrobyn
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Okay, but nothing special.
In full: Having been told all about the beautiful scenery, I was slightly disappointed that it was all a bit bland - best bit was the pony and foal that ran across the road! I think this might have been a race where the faster middle-of-the-packers had an advantage, I had no problems with the water stations (although the marshal at 9 miles who said there were no more water stations after that should have known better, I nearly cried at that point!) and there was still lots of water at the finish. The water station at the finish could have been a bit closer to the line, or at least signposted - I was very dehydrated by that point and in no state to go searching for water! The medal was one of the nicest I've ever had, but for the cost of entry, the lack of goody bag was disappointing. Overall, an okay race but not one I'd be actively looking to enter next year.
Date of review: September 24, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Siamese Pete
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Lovely weather, great support - some organization probs
In full: + Course improved from last year
+ Lovely scenery
+ Great, friendly support
+ Plenty of water and sponge stations
- First water station was a bit chaotic
- Some drivers weren't happy about being held up (but none of us likes that, so I can understand their frustrations).
Many thanks to all the stewards, and the helpers at the water and sponge stations.
Date of review: September 23, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Linda Rogerson-Heath
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Liked the new route
In full: Water, sponges and marshalls a plenty-,very gratefull at 12 miles. At finish not obvious where drinks were. Otherwise new 1/2 marathon route much better,thanks
Date of review: September 23, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Bezste
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Reached expectations but didn't go beyond them. Worth doing.
In full: Beautiful scenery, traffic somewhat distracting at times. Parking needs sorting out and bigger water stations needed. But all-in-all a very good effort by the volunteers and nice to see people turning out to cheer you on. Undulating is a fair description. No difficult hills at all.
Date of review: September 23, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: N Le-Faye
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Great course and scenery - generally well organised
In full: A superb course, very well marshalled. Get the impression that the size of the event is slightly running ahead of organisational capacity, water stations could do with being a bit bigger and more capacity. I'm disinclined to gripe too much as the event is run by volunteers and is good value. Probably not one for the very slow runners, due to traffic concerns etc but an excellent challenge for most standards.
Date of review: September 23, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Graham Buckle
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Thought it was a great undulating scenic run with good support
In full: This was my first time and thoroughly enjoyed it. The start was a little slow and it took a mile or two to get into one's stride due the amount of people. But the New Forest scenery was wonderful.
Date of review: September 23, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Running makes me happy
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Stunning weather and a lovely run.
In full: Really enjoyed the course and made a 30 min PB from my first half earlier this year. The roads were not too cluttered once past the first mile or two. The first water station needed more helpers as they were struggling to keep up with the demand... Other than that a rather lovely day out... I will come back next year...
Date of review: September 23, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Birdypie
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: New route is a huge improvement
In full: Third time round the half course for me and once again the weather was great! The new route is much better cutting out all the traffic problems which have annoyed me in the past. Organisation was good. Scenery is lovely...I think I'll be back again!
Date of review: September 23, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: simon mcmorran 2
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 20% |
In short: A well organised club event for real runners
In full: This is a sincere comment, as this sort of race is more aimed at experienced runners. Yes its challenging & undulating, & yes its all on road, but thats what we all knew beforehand. Thank you to the organisers & the good people of the New Forrest for there tremendous support. Very nice prizes, & only four seconds off a pb. Will deffinately be back next year.
Date of review: September 22, 2008
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