Events

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

In short: Decent enough race again this year.
In full: Absolutely agree that they should not allow any more runners as it was very congested in many parts, the traffic never seemed to thin much except up and back on the Portway. Great crowd support this year- seemed better than last- I missed the final three mile markers totally which messed up my push for the finish. Goody bag pathetic and a heck of a walk from the finish line to the water, I was gasping!
Date of review: September 18, 2008

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

In short: Enjoyed it despite recovering from injury
In full: After the problems a lot of runners had with their numbers and last years disaster I was dreading it. Pleasantly surprised however, did get sent down a back alley with a skip in it in the first mile, but other than that fine. Special well done to all those that spent the day handing out drinks.
Date of review: September 17, 2008

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

In short: Should have been flatter, like previous years
In full: I didn't like the unecessary inclines at the Cumberland Basin junction, which meant that the pb potential was less (still managed one though which was nice). However the organisation was a lot better than the last time I did it 2 time I did it
Date of review: September 17, 2008

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

In short: Don't like the 'two wave' start
In full: Two wave start! Whats that about?
It just meant that half the runners lost the atmosphere, felt inferior, split up mates who can usually stay together for the build up then go to their alloted places at the start. I still love it, but it changes every year, and the t shirt gets cheaper. last years was great thats why loads of people were running in it. This years - back of the drawer.
Date of review: September 17, 2008

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

In short: Fairly Flat HM, PB potential with correct race plan
In full: Great course, first 8-9 miles are good but the cobbles and twisty city finish is hard work last couple of miles. Why do they have the baggage storage in college green, it is out of position at end, i had to walk 15mins to get bag after finishing, a total shambles as you could not cross the finidhing straight to get bag, whynot have it all on the finish side???
Date of review: September 16, 2008

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

In short: flat first 6 miles; undulating second half; shame about the transport
In full: Good, helpful marshals; good crowd support. Second half meanders around the city centre aimlessly, taking on roundabouts and cobblestoned streets. Long walk from finish to the goody bags and even longer walk (1.5 miles plus) to get to park and ride buses, which then took 45 minutes to turn up (the park and ride journey to the start was excellent and speedy; not so the waiting for the return bus though on tired legs).
Date of review: September 16, 2008

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

In short: Great Race, shame about the walk to the baggage at the finish.
In full: Bristol was good this year, well organised, the two wave start which I was certain would be a disaster, worked very well in my book, however it was still very congested for the first couple of miles (what you'd expect for a big city marathon)

My only grumble is that I had to walk what seemed like miles to retrieve my bag, because there was nowhere to cross the course near to the finish.

Also, yet again, what a rubbish goody bag, yesterdays paper, a chocolate bar, and a drink - better than last year, but not what i'd expect from a half marathon of this size.

I think Bristol is too big now, the course isn't big enough to expand anymore, If they can sort out the baggage situation for next year, and keep everything else the same (no more runners) I'd be happy.
Date of review: September 16, 2008

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

In short: A bit of a long walk from finish line to bags!! But nice course and lots of support
Date of review: September 16, 2008

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

In short: Will probably be back next year.
In full: Slightly improved goody bag, enjoyed the choccie bar & locozade. Some thought needs to be given to the finish. I had to retreive my kit from the Council House on College Green, yet the finish route maked crossing the road to get there almost impossible
Date of review: September 16, 2008

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

In short: Well done mum!
In full: My mum (70 years old on 29 September) has been running this 1/2 marathon for the last 5 years. Both my brothers have run it on a number of occasions and at last it was my turn as all 4 of us plus my sister-in-law ran.

I wasn't prepared enough and only sheer bloody mindedness helped me finish but I am glad I did it. Having suffered the shambles that was the Nike 10k at Wembley, obviously the organisation seemed superb and the atmosphere/support from the crown was amazing.

Whoever the chap was who I passed being helped into an ambulance some 300 yards from the finis, I hope you're OK now.

Finally, thanks to the barefoot native American girl who appeared running along side me for the last mile or so offering encouragement. Or maybe I was more lightheaded than I realised.

For the record, all 5 of us finished, I just beat 2 hours and my mum just beat 3 hours.
Date of review: September 16, 2008

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