Edinburgh MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race (1467 votes). 2011 race reviewed by: pdmancs
 | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Same kind of thoughts as everyone else
In full: No real need to add to what everyone else is saying but these are my biggest bugbears:
- 2 starting points and 2 bag drops at start confusing if you don't already know the locations
- no feeling of being in Edinburgh
- tight, narrow turns when doubling back
- runners going in both directions is demoralising
- section of off-road terrain not a good idea, especially at that point in the race
- finishers area far too small. No space to sort yourself out/stretch down etc. I struggled, and I finished in the first few hundred. Must have been crazy later on
- ridiculous bottleneck to get from finishing area to reunion point/catering etc, poorly stewarded with prams smacking in to everyone!
- the beer tent wasn't much more than an open air trestle table. Great beer, great guys but they were totally overwhelmed
Plus points
- helpers were great
- best finishers tee shirt I've ever received
- photos, finishing times communication etc was spot on
- with a few tweaks, it could be tons better
Date of review: May 25, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: John Grundy
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 20% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: good race spoilt by abysmal post race organisation.Will need improving before we do it again
Date of review: May 25, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Wexter
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Edinburgh needs to think bigger
In full: My first marathon and incredibly pleased with a 3 hr 54 minute time. Edinburgh is an amazing city and the marathon should play to the strengths of this. Enjoyed most of the course though found the second half mentally tougher and not as good as the first half. Thought event was not well supported or publicised and if I were to be tempted to go back would only be if they utilised the city more and had a better finish.
Date of review: May 25, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: MAB
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: The physical constraints of the finish area let the race down otherwise great!
Date of review: May 25, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Hillheader
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Steadily deteriorated over the years but still worth doing
In full: Too many events on same day.
Very poor finish design. Even without the race course finish could have been much better (medal and goody bag area was a disaster)
Should be able to remove the out and back along a side street. London road start is poor (beside a busy road).
However, the marshalls are great, there is generally a good atmosphere and the course is fast. With better thought about the finish the race could be much better.
Date of review: May 25, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Just Martin
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Lots of things to like, let down badly by the finish
In full: This is my 4th Edinburgh Marathon, we have family in the area so it's a good excuse for a trip. There are lots of things I like about it in general and this year in particular. There appeared to be enough loos at the start and the announcer was giving out advice on London Road as to where to find the shortest queue and when to start queuing. This was the first year I didn't see people watering the railway arches or the trees in Holyrood Park. I like the scenery and I like the fact that there are quiet stretches of road where I can just gather myself together and run. The diversion via the village seems random, but the support is good on that stretch. I could do without Gosford House, especially as this year it combined with about 17 miles and that nasty headwind.
But, the finish, I think everyone's said it already. 4 years ago, we finished in the stadium and were picked up by (complimentary) buses from just outside. Maybe there are too many runners these days for that approach. But, asking runners to add another 20 mins walk uphill (f you didn't get sent in the wrong direction like me), to get back. Well, maybe the number of runners attending will cease to be an issue.
Date of review: May 25, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Gizzy Lad
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great start, OK course, not the best organised finish
In full: Great atmoshphere at start, plenty of loos, pens well signed, bins provided, music and plenty of space... Only criticism was didnt see signage for baggage area but that might have been just me.
Course- Brilliant start all downhill to about 5 mile then fast and flattish for the rest with slight undulations. Fantastic drinks stations and support.
Criticisms- Mile markers far too small, didnt see any til 5 mile mark! and problems with the finish are as already mentioned.
Overall - Could be Fantastic event with a few small changes...
Date of review: May 25, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Roxy Runner
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Been there done it and got my t-shirt, never again!! Bad organisition at the end and reunion area. Lots of water stations and pockets of very enthusiastic spectators which certainly helped carry me for last 3 miles. very pleased I got round.
Date of review: May 25, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Neil Churchill
| | Overall score | | 20% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 20% | | Value | | 20% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Poor organisation, poor finish line, never again
Date of review: May 25, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: melissa eke
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 20% | | Value | | 20% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In full: This was my first marathon and i was really looking forward to it and was very proud when i was finished but was appalled when they tried to give a half marathon t-shirt. I was lucky enough to finally get a full marathon t but others did not.
Date of review: May 25, 2011
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