mbna Chester Marathon  Here's how RW members rated this race (442 votes). 2012 race reviewed by: Jon Campbell 2
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Fantastic organisation, volunteers and route
In full: I just hope it does not get too big. Very good mix of supporters cheering, and tranquil countryside. At one point it felt like I was on one of my training runs in the countryside lanes, and the next like I was in the London Marathon with the Chester crowds. Loved it.
Date of review: October 8, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Taff Boy
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Superb course and definite PB race
In full: I shattered my PB of 3.25 with a 3.04.15, so obviously I'm happy, but out of 15 of my club running 12 got PB's. Says it all about the course. Fast and mostly flat, with a small hill at 23 and a longer one at 25, which hurt and which is the only small criticism. Not good place to have it. Drinks every 3 miles, brilliant support from the marshals, nice tech top and all in all, great race
Date of review: October 8, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Mike Wells 2000
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Ah
Date of review: October 8, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: jon owen 3
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Fantastic event...well organised...well done Chester..
Date of review: October 8, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Woody2run
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: faultless
Date of review: October 8, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: cj runner
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Super double duper.
In full: You can tell when...
Your name and timing chip is on your bib
Everything arrives on time
The loo queues move quickly
Your goody bag has more goodies than junk
The helpers all smile a lot (Cheshire-folk are SO friendly!)
There are bins at every mile marker
You get the option of water, gels and isotonic drinks
The water bottles have caps on
The finish zone people all keeping saying nice things to you
You get a sports massage for a small charity donation
The course is scenic and interesting
You can tell... When a race is organised by runners for runners.
Only minor comments would be - state it is "undulating" rather than flat. But really, that's it for negatives.
My 7th marathon (having done London, Paris, Dublin...) and Chester is up there among the best in terms of organisation.
Yes I got a nifty PB which helps (3h 11) and snipped 14mins off previous PB... But still, a super double duper great race.
Date of review: October 8, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: daniel bewick
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Well organised, very friendly, very enjoyable
In full: I travelled from Norfolk for this race and it was well worth it. Slick organisation at start. Loo queues looked long but moved fast. Closed roads meant there was space for everyone to run at their own pace, but nice to always have someone around. Volunteer and crowd support were all brilliant and really good to see so many youngsters involved. Absolutely spoiled for choice at frequent water/aid stations. Scenic last mile along the river to more professional organisation at finish. Well done and thanks to everyone involved.
Date of review: October 8, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: ToffeeRunner
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Top draw!
In full: This was my first Marathon and I absolutely loved it. I chose Chester as expected it to be well organised after running the half Marathon inMay and it didn't disappoint. Grass start not a problem for me and expected a few hills along the way. Great support from the volunteers and general public also.
Date of review: October 8, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Hannah Spriggs
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Brilliant event and organisation
In full: This was a great race, brilliantly organised and well thought through, loved the day and whole experience. Yes it was undulating in places especially coming back into Chester but thankfully there was loads of cheerful, encouraging marshals to call our names and encourage us on.
Date of review: October 8, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: ffRAN
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great, feel good race. Perfect level of challenge.
In full: You run through scenic villages and lanes, with loads of support most if the way, and also passing the beautiful, historic buildings of Chester.
Few playful hills to give your legs something to work on but nothing drastic. Lots of serious runners but plenty of fun for the beginner too. A great end and lots of marshals ensuring everything goes super smooth.
Date of review: October 8, 2012
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