BUPA Great North RunHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (1517 votes). 2010 race reviewed by: debno
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: its all about the atmosphere
In full: By far the biggest mass participation event I've ever been involved in. The atmosphere was tear-producing emotional at times - and I'm not even a local, not even English!! I ran a PB, amazing when you consider how crowded it is. I think the crowd (runners and spectators) really pull you along. The organisation was fabulous, everything like clock work. Nirvana do a fantastic job as the travel provider.
Date of review: September 21, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Female Plodding Veteran Runner
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: No potential for PB unless in Orange or before. I would assume alot of people didn't give their correct predicted time as many walking after a few miles.
In full: Expensive when you think it costs more to do this than London marathon, The T shirt should be a technical one for that entry fee. I always ask where does all our money go and never get a proper answer. Lack of organisation around pens when runners were walking to them with their families and young children were upset why did the marshalls let them down near the pens this area should be for runners only. We weren't moving for alot of minutes and then other marshalls wouldn't let us in the right pens as we were late. I like the atmosphere but there are to many people in one area after the race so chaos. My baggage bus must have had the worst driver on Tyneside as he had alledgedly had gone around a corner to fast and the whole bagges had moved. My bag was missing until 2 marshalls came and found it for me after 20 mins of them looking. I may do it again in a few years time but I wouldn't rush for next year havkng done this race twice.
Date of review: September 20, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: ANDREW Dixon 10
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: My first ever race but others will do very well to beat it!!
Date of review: September 20, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Stanbag
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great Experience. Everyone should do it at least once
In full: This was my first half and it was a really great experience.
It's true you do get held up at times but you need to balance that against the lift you get from the atmosphere of the event that you won't get at a lesser known race when you go through moments of boredom. The 50,000+ runners alongside the shed loads of supporters is what makes it such a special event anyway.
The course itself is a little dull and repetative other than crossing the tyne bridge and South Shields coming into view at 12 miles, both of which are great to see.
There are shed loads of locals who cheer your name, slap your hand and give out various things. One guy was even running a hose from his house to cool people down.
The drinks bottles are too big and just end up wasted at the side with a couple of sips taken out of them. They should be smaller but the companies will want to promote the version they sell in the shops.
The organisation was smooth and I had no problems with my bags etc. Getting the metro back takes ages but not much they can do about that.
The t-shirt and medal you get at the end both look good.
All in all it's a special experience that everyone should try and do at some stage
Date of review: September 20, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Stray Runner
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Good organisation and a great buzz, a wonderful 'event' to be a part of.
In full: Not a pb course unless you get a good starting pen, it is simply too busy and not a scenic course bar the Tyne Bridge itself and the last mile and a half when you see the sea.
Also would have preferred a technical t-shirt and it should really be detailed in the race park that there is a charge for the car parking at South Shields.
That said I thoroughly enjoyed my first GNR. The crowd was amazing and there was a sense of solidarity being amongst so many other runners. You also have to give the organisers tremendous credit for staging an event of this magnitude with such aplomb.
Date of review: September 20, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: anton le fosh
| | 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: the best race in the world...bar none.
In full: This was my 4th time doing this race and have already re-booked the hotel for next year. The people of newcastle are brilliant and a credit to the city. The best atmosphere of any race by far. This is my all time favourite race.
Date of review: September 20, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: The Ref
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: I really must do some training for this event!! Organisation appeared to be as smooth as a baby's bum - roll on next year so that I can visit another new football ground on the way up!!
In full: I've grown to like this event - the night before my first two events were spent kipping in the car. Thank the Lord for Nirvana! Didn't think much of the lunch time weather though!
Date of review: September 20, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: neilh200
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Has to be done to believe the hype
Date of review: September 20, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: paul goozee 2
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Great atmosphere, crowded.
In full: Great atmosphere and well supported by marshalls, first aiders and the crowds. Not enough baggage buses as they= orange ones were full by 10:00. Late buses were not at the finish when I was wet and cold and then our bags were left on the ground in pouring rain so that the contents were wet as well!
The trip back from South Shields into Newcastle is a nightmare.
Date of review: September 20, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Stephen Lofthouse
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Lots of people hard to get into a steady pace
Date of review: September 20, 2010
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