Events

Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		60%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		20%

In short: Great Event, the world best Half Marathon but the most dangerous. Please GNR organisers, sort out the start before someone is seriously injured. Narrowing the lanes is not the answer, run times must somehow be respected!
In full: This is my 2nd GNR and it can only be descibed as the Greatest Half Marathon in the World BUT also the most dangerous!!! There has to be some organisation regarding starting positions. I was behind walkers in the first mile, spent the next 7 or 8 leaping on the pavement to avoid those that, with the greatest of respect, were having a great time but should have started further back. I echo many of the comments already made. My only hope is that the more serious runners amongst us will not desert what is a fantastic event because of the lack of organisation re starting positions. I saw on route some of the injuries caused due to the congestion. Narrowing the lanes at the start is not the answer.
Date of review: September 29, 2004

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		100%
PB potential		20%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		40%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: Too many walkers throughout the race.
In full: A great day out however no chance of a PB due to the slow moving crowds. It is strange to see peple line up in front of an expected finish time if 1hr 50 mins and walking the first two miles! Bottles and tops a problem too.
Date of review: September 29, 2004

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		80%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		100%

In short: Not really a PB course, just go for the atmosphere and to join in the fun.
In full: Could be slightly better organised at the start, other than that, can't fault a race that rounds off just a brilliant weekend. Even managed to meet Kelly Holmes, wonderful wonderful lady, she so deserved those 2 gold medals. The start coukd be improved by stopping the walkers & the joggers starting in front of the serious club runners, one day, there will be an almighty pile up. Will definately be back next year, well done Brendan!
Date of review: September 29, 2004

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Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		Maybe
Details:
Scenery		40%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		40%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: My second GNR and a huge disappointment - not sure I'll risk my life to do it again.
In full: All the things that I disliked about this run first time around were even more of a problem second time around. The start is chaotic with people taking absolutely no notice of their bib colours and predicted finish time etc. Badly marked water stations and runners happy to knock others over in order to get themselves a drink. Local kids abusing runners and chucking water bottles (full) left right and centre. I hit the deck twice and have some huge bruises to show for it!! On the plus side - great crowds and support all along the route, plus lots of money raised for charity.
Date of review: September 29, 2004

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		100%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: The atmosphere of the FLM without having to hit the wall.
In full: This was my 6th running of the GNR and it is still the highlight of my year - knowing that I can get a guaranteed entry makes it a perfect way to reap the rewards of all the training (sometimes lack of) through the summer. Will be back next year with a fairly average 1hr 53mins to break.
Date of review: September 29, 2004

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Maybe
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		60%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Walker & Plodders - all for a good cause maybe, but education & discipline is required
In full: My first GNR and half marathon, so I didn't know what to expect.
I had heard that the first few miles were a bit slow becuase of people lining up in the wrong slots, but I wasn't prepared for the unending dodging and weaving from start to finish.

It really took the edge off the experience - rather than interacting with the superb crowd, I was concentrating on plotting my path forwards.

Good North Run, but not Great until they can enforce some order into the start. Shame.
Date of review: September 29, 2004

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		40%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: Well worth doing for the atmosphere, friendliness and support from fellow runners and the crowd.
In full: It's fantastic being part of something so big and wonderful knowing so many people are lined up to cheer us on. A big thanks to everyone who helped organise before the day and on the day.
Although I'm only a slow runner, I was still held up with walkers. It would help if they were nearer the back or if faster runners feel the need to stop, they go over to one side.
Another big problem is the number of bottles and bottle tops thrown on to the road in front of other runners. I've seen a lot of people slip on these. Perhaps ask people to throw these to the side.
Other than those two points, it's a wonderful day.
Date of review: September 29, 2004

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		100%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: great day out, too many walkers at the front of the field though
Date of review: September 29, 2004

Report this rating to the moderator

Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Maybe
Details:
Scenery		40%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		60%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: Great experience. Needs better start line organisation.
In full: Lots of atmosphere. Truly a great run. First race or half marathon, though, so nothing to compare with. Euphoric going down the slope at end of 11th mile and turning left. Moving to see so many people running in memory of loved ones who'd passed on. Information pack ought to emphasise the importance of going to the correct starting position for your expected running speed. It was frustrating weaving thru so many walkers/ very slow runners.
Date of review: September 29, 2004

Report this rating to the moderator

Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Maybe
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		40%
Value		40%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: I hope I'll be back next year for number 25.
In full: Mr Foster can you answer the following:-
1) Why does this race not use timing chips as in London & Bristol?
2) Why does it take the GNR a month to publish full results when Bristol can publish all their's in a week?
3) Will those who have done all GNRs get special treatment for 2005 e.g. discounted entry?
4) Could you please, please get the Emmerdale/Casualty/Heartbeat/Blue Peter/ BBC Sport & Weather celebrities to line up according to their allocated numbers instead of in front of the Red Numbers - we should be there, as we've done all the GNRs they line up there for self publicity.
5) How about getting Sue Barker to run next year?
6) How about yourself, Steve Cram and Liz McGolgan getting out of the commentry box and running in 2005.
7) Could the BBC show more of the masses and not concentrate on the elite so much. It is the masses who make this race.

Date of review: September 29, 2004

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