Asics Watford Half MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (878 votes). | 21 to 30 of 53 ratings | Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 |
2011 race reviewed by: Blistering Barnacles
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: A really good, pretty tough race - and got a PB
In full: Did this last year and enjoyed it so came again. Was not disappointed - nice challenging undulating course, with about 6 hills, two or three pretty tough. Some nice scenery and excellent traffic control on roads. Great training for anyone wanting to maintain an even pace over varying gradients. Well organised and friendly. Would've preferred more water stations (there were only 3 or 4) and a medal is always welcome but otherwise not a bad word to say. Marquee worked well and baggage collection fine. Took 3 mins off my PB getting round in 01:33 so don't think this is necessarily slow.
Date of review: February 7, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: CVLopez
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Well organised but hilly...
In full: The run was very well organised, the stewards were informative and supportive and unlike other people who have posted feedback I felt there were a sufficient amount of water stops.
There did appear to be a high proportion of club runners but personally, as an unaffiliated runner, I find that provides me with additional motivation as opposed to being intimidating.
There wasn't a large amount of support on the route but those who were there gave 100%.
One thing to mention is the hills. Yes I understand that if you go up you'll come down at some point but the course seemed overly undulating and that's the only reason I'm not sure I'd do it again.
That said it was first half-marathon and I'm very happy with my time so I'm probably moaning for nothing...
Date of review: February 7, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Richard Montgomery
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great Race, well orrganized
In full: Very well organised race. A few hills but they don't last long, and the second half is pretty much downhill all the way. Friendly, supportive marshalls. My only gripe would be the lack of medal - for an event of this size and status it should have one.
A big thanks to all who laid on the event
Date of review: February 7, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Silkouze
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Definitely will be back again next year ...
In full: My second time running this event and I loved it, even the hills,(which I tackled with a new strategy this time, which paid off)as I managed a nearly 10 minutes speed improvment on my time from last year and brought me in under the 2 hour mark ...
Weather was perfect for me and overall there was a good atmosphere apart from some elbow action of some club runners at the beginning of the race.
Marshalls were plenty and very supportive and as I remembered the route from last year it was much easier to plan for climbs and descents and made it really fun.
Hill training in the run up to this event is definitely advisable and was worth integrating into my training schedule ...
Still no medal at the end - but hopefully that will change for next year ;)
Date of review: February 7, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Chalgrove Chubster
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Up and down, up and down, up and down...
In full:
A very enjoyable first running of the race for me and I thought the organisation was great. Plenty of toilets (baby wipes were a neat touch) and the tent HQ was warm and worked well.
The hills were tough, I think there were about 6 in all, but yes you can make up the time lost when going up by whizzing down. Always tough on the knees though!
I thought three water stations plus a sponge station were plenty and they were advertised in the race programme sent out to all so no-one should have been surprised what there was. I guess if runners want more then they could use a bottle belt and take their own drink?
Marshalls were numerous, friendly and encouraging and I thought the local support was good. The kid sitting on a wall with his mega phone made me smile!
A couple of very minor gripes - the queue in the finish funnel was a little slow so it does get cold as you stand around for a few minutes. Plenty to drink, so that was good. And yes, a medal would be nice but I knew there wasn't going to be one so wasn't disappointed. It's just nice to be able to go home and show it off.
Overall, this was a very good race and well organised. The split start between senior mens and ladies/veterans seemed to merge seamlessly after a couple of hundred metres. Well done and thank you to all involved.
Date of review: February 7, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Mango pie
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Extremely hilly but well worth it
In full: The first race of the year and there were more hills than I anticipated, although saying that 'what goes up must come down'. Normally I am only fit enough to do a 5 mile race at this time of year so am happy with the result that I achieved. Marshalls were great and very enthusiastic and the people giving out the water were very good too. On a personal point may be would have appreciated another water station and would just like to thank everyone for making an effort as it seemed extremely organised and friendly, so THANKYOU.
Date of review: February 7, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Ruislip^Guy
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Hilly race but nice downhills
In full: Greatrace. Was my first Watford half and managed to get my pb down by to 1'37. Only thing that could do with tidying up is the baggage organisation. Also i'm sure people would be happy to pay an extra couple of quid for a medal. Those Hills definately deserve a medal!! What goes up must go down so I think you more than make up for the hills on the downhill! Especially if you have a nice tailwind!!
Date of review: February 6, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Ian Fitch
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Good organisation, medal would be nice or a technical top
In full: Very well organised. Tent in the park an improvement. Medal would be nice. Similar tee shirt every year which is pretty basic. One more water station maybe.
Date of review: February 6, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Helen Cartlidge
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: scenic rural route with a few mean hills to make it interesting.
In full: my 2nd attempt at watford and the hills were meaner than I remembered but some good downhills esp in 2nd half. I liked the marquee to hang around before the race and v impressed with toilets!
the goody bag was a bit big for the lack of contents but appreciated the kitkat and gatorade at the end.
Date of review: February 6, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: emg
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Lovely marshalls but gotta say killer hills!!! Also very little support so more treated this as a training run for the london marathon. Nonetheless well done to organisers!
Date of review: February 6, 2011
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