Quintiles Bracknell Half MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (260 votes). 2008 race reviewed by: Edward Banks
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Well organised and friendly
In full: Not the prettiest course, but made up for by enthusiastic local support. The children lining the course handing jelly babies were great. Hilly in parts.
Date of review: April 27, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: ANDREW WHEELER 5
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Tough race, but loved it
In full: I was expecting much from this race to be honest but it turned out to be brilliant, everything was excellent. I made the mistake of running the first 6 miles too quick and the 7 - 9 miles I struggled with a calf strain, so no PB for me, quite silly. I did love the thunderstorm, high five to those people who cheered on through it. Nice medal and goodie bag, well worth the trip down from South Wales. See you next year Bracknell.
Date of review: April 27, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: RACH. L
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Sunshine to thunderstorms made for a challenging morning's race, but enjoyed the challenge.
In full: This race seems to be really well supported in the local community, and the marshalls and supporters help get you round. Excellent value at £12 compared to many other races - so thanks to Quintiles for their sponsorship (and, no, I don't work for them!!!) Slippery finish after the thunderstorms and I MUST remember about the climb in the country (5-7 miles) next year!
Date of review: April 27, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: carrie gough
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: The best value half I've done!
In full: This was my first time doing Bracknell after running Henley and Wokingham. It felt a bit odd running through a few housing estates!
Some places get marginally more rural but Bracknell is commuter territory so don't expect spectacular scenery.
The event was very well run. Start-finish chip timing (take note Wokingham!). The start wasn't too crowded and there were not notable bottle necks.
There were more than enough water stations with sponges as well (and very enthusiastic junior helpers!). And the goody bag was great- you get a free t shirt as well as usual medal, drink, jelly babies etc.
As for the actual course, I was expecting it to be flatter than it was. There are small down/up hills as you pass under the main roads but a fairly long incline at about 7 miles, although nothing too taxing.
The last 500m was a bit slippy by the time we got there so was a bit cautious about sprinting home.
I think you could get a decent pb on this course although not for me today :-(
Good crowd, very friendly, would recommend it.
Date of review: April 27, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: josman
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Good race, worth doing.
In full: Agree with comments before. 6-9miles is tough. Hilly. Crowd and support were excellent. Very wet conditions at the finish made the grsss/mud slippy. Only thing missing were showers.
Date of review: April 27, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Dave Arnott
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% |
In short: Very well organised friendly event; marshalls were very helpful and supportive and there were lots of them.
In full: Although Bracknell is probably not the ptrettiest place for a half marathon, this was a very well organised and friendly event. There were lots of marshalls who were very helpful and supportive. There was also a very supportive crowd around the route. Very well run event and I can recommend this to people. Good for the serious runners and first timers. There were probably more gradients than I was expecting. Lots of well run drinks stops.
Date of review: April 27, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: sarah brown 9
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: really enjoyed it, great organisation, lovely crowd - be back next year
In full: Cant fault it - even the weather didnt dampen the enthusiasm of the spectatators dotted about over the route. Quick first half - second half not quite so quick but hills not as bad as aniticipated. Thank you to string vest man for helping me through the tricky 6-9 mile stretch
Date of review: April 27, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Jason Sorrell
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Nice medal, deceptively hilly from 7m onwards, aprreciative crowds
Date of review: April 27, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Gragar
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: As always, a great challenging half marathon. Brilliant
In full: I've run the Bracknell Half many times, and I like the slightly challenging course. The inclines are good. Good medal and T-Shirt are a great bonus.
Date of review: April 27, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Dive Boy
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Well marshalled and lots of encouragement from spectators
In full: Lots of toilets available at the start and ample car parking.
Regular water and sponge stations though weather towards the end of the race negated the need for sponges
Nice people were also giving out jelly babies
Date of review: April 27, 2008
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