Tunbridge Wells Half MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (672 votes). 2011 race reviewed by: 206751
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: One of the best halfs around
In full: I've done a few half marathons now and can honestly say that this is up there with the best. The organisation from start to finish was excellent. The course was scenic and a great run. The hill half way round is long and drains your legs, but surely this just adds to the experience? I am certainly going to do this again next year.
Date of review: February 28, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: yannick vuillemey
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
Date of review: February 28, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Gilbert Webster
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Brillant and well managed
In full: On the whole the race just gets better every year, will managed for the start to the finish, baggage area, goodie bag and traffic free, and this year the weather was good, it great to see Kelly Homes at the start and given out the medal at the finish, keep up the good woork.
Date of review: February 28, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Water Station 03:48:30 VLM 11
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: VERY WELL ORGANISED
In full: The route is challenging with 2 large hills between at 6.5 and 8 miles but I achieved a PB 2nd time round,Organised to perfection and the en route Marshals are great, plenty of water stations and a good crowd to cheer you on. Best goody bag I have received to date and a great medal too - Worth a go.
Date of review: February 28, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Kirstin Brown
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Very hilly, but beautiful scenery. Shame about the traffic
In full: It was my first half marathon. I didnt do a fantastic time, but I was told I had three hours before competing with traffic. This was not the case. I was very disappointed with how early there were cars driving along side me.
Date of review: February 28, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Paul S Alderson
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Outstanding ... I you only ever do one half-marathon in your life, then this is it!!!
In full: From start to finish, the whole organisation is excellent ... other event organisors should take note.
This is my third successive year and to have my medal presented by Dame Kelly Holmes was the icing on the cake.
Spring Hill seems to be getting longer each year or am I just getting older? My favourite half-marathon on the circuit and will definately be back next year.
Well done all involved with this event!!
Date of review: February 28, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Johnas
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Excellent from arrival to the hobble home
In full: This is a fantastically organised race by the Tunbridge Wells Harriers.
From the easy online registration to the clear and informative race pack received in advance of the day, no stone is left unturned so you can focus on turning up and running.
The race HQ is well equipped - changing rooms, plenty of toilets, lots of space to warm up and get ready, free bag drop and lots of clear signage!
The race itself is tough - nice and scenic for the first 5-6 miles before hitting the infamous Spring Hill, which truly saps the legs. If i was a fan of gels, then I'm sure the free Gel table at the top of the hill would be welcomed! Lots of spectators on the route offering support and encouragement as well as free jelly babies too.
Special mention must go the marshalls. Clear instructions, always a smiling face and lots of clapping and support - just what you need when your legs are shot!
Post race is great too. After receiving your medal from Dame Kelly Holmes, you receive possibly the best finishing bag Ive ever seen. Lots of perfect post race fodder, technical tshirt, water and gels and a fantastic medal.
a challenging course, amazing supporters, first class organisation - races dont get better than this.
Date of review: February 28, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: GARY CRAIG
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In full: This wa my first half marathon. It was a great choice too. I had planned it into my marathon training as it was the right time for a 2 hour long run.
The organisation is excellent. From the welcome pack sent out, which includes a glossy booklet giving all the info you need including a detailed run down of the course. So even with the warnings of the infamous 'spring hill ringing in my ears, I was looking forward to it.
On the day the organisation was very good, excellent signage, adequate chaning and toilet facilities, along with a free supervised bag storage area. (your welcome pack comes with a tag in your bag with your race number on it).
The race was started by none other than Dame Kelly Holmes, which was a big bonus. With drume beats and cheering from the large crowd it was a carnival atmosphere to the start.
This kept up thorugh most of the race. Running fitness provided pace runners, which for my first half marathon was much appreciated.
The course starts out quite flat and is soon out into the countryside. With stunning view of the surrounding valleys, I wouldn't begrudge anyone stopping and getting an eyeful of the views. This carried on through most of the race, crossing streams and rivers and through lovely villages, who's occupants lines the routes to cheer us on.
Then came the infamouse spring hill, which is a bout a mile long and very steep. I was struggling now, but boyed by the cheering spectators I managed it without having to walk!
At the top is a water station where you can get a free energy gel. There are adequate water stations along the route, where they also hand out jelly babies. ( a nice touch).
The finish is nice and flat and I was glad to see the final 400m marker and to have my named called out as I crossed the line over the loud speaker was a bonus. Better still was Dame Kelly's smiling face as she handed out medals.
The goody bag was excellent, containing energy sweets, drinks, water, banana, running guide booklet, and lots of useful promo leaflets.
You also get a quality techinical t-shirt.
So overall a good race, well organised, I can't wait until next year!
Date of review: February 28, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Siobhan Tannion
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Great experience for a first Half Marathon but the hills nearly destroyed my soul.
In full: I knew it would be hilly when I signed up but quite how much, I was not prepared for.
It was my first competitive race and have taken away some great tips for my London Marathon attempt. Not keen on large cups of water that are impossible to drink and keep up your pace but was very impressed with the organisation. Will certainly be following the pacemakers next time!
Date of review: February 28, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Phil L
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great organisation, great everything. Flawless.
In full: Having only run two half-marathons can't make lots of comparisons but Tunbridge Wells was outstanding. It's hard to think of anything that could be improved.
Course - hilly, but lots of fast downhills to counter the uphill section.
Marshals - brilliantly organised and helpful. Traffic around the course was barely noticeable which shows they did a great job.
Atmosphere - really good on the start and all round the route, villages in particular.
Goodie Bag - medal, t-shirt, magazine and loads of snacks and drink. Excellent.
Race HQ - perfect venue.
Top race.
Date of review: February 28, 2011
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