Berkhamsted Half-Marathon Here's how RW members rated this race in the past (532 votes). 2009 race reviewed by: snapdragon
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: tough challenge for a first half marathon. Hills in the wrong places !
In full: So, my first ever half marathon.
Therefore a guaranteed PB.
I'm pretty local to Berko, so knew the course (or so I thought). The big hill at mile 3 was tough, the smaller hill at 7 ish was bearable and I though the rest was flat or downhill. Wrong.
Someone sneaked an extra hill into the last coupl of miles which killed off my chances of beating 2:05. With a downhill finish, I crossed in 2:06 and a bit which I am very very pleased with.
Organisation was sound, lots of toilets but still massive queues. The start was arranged by finishing time which helped. One part of the course was almost single file and there were a few sections where the traffic got a bit too close and fast for my liking.. plus some mad cyclists on the other side of the road. It would have been good to know where the water stations were before I started.
Never mind, I'll be back next year - by whihc time my knees won't hurt so much.
Date of review: March 2, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: BFP:-)
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Fantastic scenery, challenging run for a first half marathon
In full: Was very disappointed though with just a medal and an orange, a drink at the end would have been most welcome
Date of review: March 2, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Jane Mitchell 4
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Fantastic ending - last mile all downhill and beautiful scenery
In full: My first half marathon. Enjoyed the last part but hills not as bad as expected - just very long. Cars were a bit off-putting in places and would have liked a goody bag with energy drink or bar at the end. Well organised and waiting patiently for the results to be published.
Date of review: March 2, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Stuchbury
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: A wonderful Spring run.. don't worry about the hills
In full: Stuchbury is on fire.. second PB in two weeks. Loved the hills, the trees, the sun, the support. Didn't love the lack of water until 5 miles, or the orange at the end. And I totally missed any water at the end.
BUT I got a PB, and had a brilliant morning out. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the organisation. Could we have bananas next year please? What about a T shirt and/or too?
Date of review: March 2, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Stuart H King Stragg
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 20% |
In short: Punishing but rewarding half marathon with some big climbs.
In full: I ran this race in 2007 but must have forgotten how tough the hills were (I don't remember them being that steep). The organisation is good but it is a little expensive for just a plain medal. If I have any grumble it would be that it perhaps could be listed (in Runners World) as undulating or hilly for those who are novices to half marathons etc- it certainly is no easy course! - I also agree with another of the reviewers in respect of the guidance and maps supplied- they are not very good and this is an area of administration that could easily be improved. Overall though a good race and one I would do again but not for the faint hearted.
Date of review: March 2, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: karen smith 18
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Nasty
In full: Far too many hills for a beginner like me. Was really cold at the start as the was nowhere to shelter out of the wind, everyone was just standing around. Marshals great but compared to other races I have done very expensive. Would I do it again today NO but come next week maybe yes :-)
Date of review: March 2, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Jimo
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Nice well organised race.
In full: Living near by this was must to go to. Parking was a doodle at the train station. Good that a fun run was organised as well. Plenty of room to warm up before hand and cool down after. Nice scienc route, a couple of hills but nothing daunting. Bit suprised the first water station wasn't till nearly 5 miles into the course. But would recommend to anybody as a first race or a good challenge for a experienced runner. Top marks for the organisers for a enjoyable race. :-)
Date of review: March 2, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: David Evans 25
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Hilly course, but just as many downs as ups.
Date of review: March 2, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: TippTop
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Very tough course.
In full: Some of the pre-race organisation left a little to be desired - directions to both the parking areas, and to the start for example. Friendly atmosphere though. Definitely a slow course with some monster hills, but rewarding as only a hilly course can be.
Date of review: March 2, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Nikk
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 20% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: No signage to the race itself, no signs to car parks. Very poor maps sent out pre race were worse than useless.
Date of review: March 2, 2009
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