mbna Chester Marathon  Here's how RW members rated this race (442 votes). 2011 race reviewed by: wrexhamrob
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: For a new route this was excellent,very well marshalled, support stations,a coule gentle hills.
In full: Well done organisers, I personally preferred the old flat route, but realise it had limited expansion potential . This years had it all great race HQ, start n finish at the racecourse. City centre loop at the start with usual Chester classy scenery , riverside last mile -again iconic Chester. An to top it off lovely rural villages of Cheshire and neighbouring Wrexham County.Recommended
Date of review: October 9, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: corned beef keith
| | 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: my first full, exceptional organisation, great atmosphere, top notch marshalling and drinks stations, well done
Date of review: October 9, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: michael rix
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Can't fault organisation but course was horrible
In full: Before people start trolling me - each to their own, and this is my honest feedback.
I travelled up with two mates who were keen to run the race based upon last years reviews. We set out a 12 week training program and followed it religiously based on the 'pancake' flat reviews.
The guys chose the race as their first to dip under 3 hours. Now don't get me wrong, there will be a lot that love Chester and the course but it is NOT an easier 'pancake' flat course. It has apparently significantly changed since last year and the hills are in the wrong place to really have a go. At about 18 and 24 miles you have considerable ups (compared to thr big city marathons) and any downs are negated by the shredding your legs get at this point. It just doesn't suit the guys looking to beat 3 hours. That doesn't mean it's a bad marathon, just not as advertised. Pity as we really wanted to leave our mark on the race and the organisers had really tried to make it great.
Good points - toilets, accurately measured, good parking, superb goody bag, accurate mile markers
Bad - course with hills at 1 mile 18 and 24 (terrible for pace judgement), sparse support.
Date of review: October 9, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Luton1
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Excellent well organised event!
Date of review: October 9, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: TL73
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Fabulous, fast and friendly
In full: This was my 4th Marathon and definately my favourite so far. PB potential in abundance with great support most of the way round.
Running from England to Wales and back again (well you would wouldn't you!) was unique and memorable.
Whilst the race was on the steep side you don't remember the price, just the PB opportunity, views, and the atmoshere.
A race organised by runners for runners. Superb.
Date of review: October 9, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Wimz
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Very friendly and well organised event with excellent support and a great finish !
In full: I wasn't planning to do this race until a member of my club pulled out a couple of weeks ago - great that the organisers allow transfers, shows this is run by people who who truly appreciate runners (take note miserly money grabbers Bupa and VLM). Great start, nice course, with brilliant support by the locals. The water stations were fantastic; well organised and very vocal ! Nice couple of miles along the river toward the end (great support there too) and great finish in front of the main stand at Chester Racecourse. Great medal and tech shirt too.
Note to organisers: Don't change a thing - other than remove a couple of those pesky hills ! Thank you !
Date of review: October 9, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Si1183
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Excellent Race....well organised
In full: This was my first marathon and it was well organised excellent course and you could not wish for a better event.So if your thinking of running a race I would highly recommend Chester....
Date of review: October 9, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Big Andy
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Pan flat for long stretches but gruelling hills in places especially the 2nd half
Date of review: October 9, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Ian Pickford
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great race, very well organised. Great advert for the NW
In full: Great venue to start and finish from which lent itself to the vent. Supporters and marshalls were marvelous throughout. After the debacle of the finish at Edinburgh this was silky smooth.
Date of review: October 9, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Chris Bastock
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Well organised, scenic, a really great race
In full: I loved the start, no jostling, plenty of room to get in to your stride.
A lovely route starting and finishing in Chester, and great support throughout, but especially over the last mile or so.
Great grandstand finish, just what was needed to get ma across the line.
The marshals all over the course were friendly and supportive and the whole race ran like clockwork.
I can't wait to run this race again next year!
Date of review: October 9, 2011
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