Stroud Half-Marathon Here's how RW members rated this race in the past (256 votes). 2010 race reviewed by: John Edmund Cooper
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Fast course with undulations, and dour industrial estate
In full: This a well-judged race in its planning, course and organisation; has a friendly local feel, and is well-supported along the route. Great that it can happily accommodate elites,an eighty year-old and several first-timers.
Date of review: October 25, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: williambloke
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Better than so many 'big city' races...
In full: Cities like Bristol, Bath, & Swindon could learn a lot from this race. It went smoothly, there was no 2 mile zig-zagging & pushing trying to find a space to run in, and not too many 'fun runners' deciding to start near the front & cause chaos (a personal bug-bear of mine).
The scenery wasn't unpleasant (not that you can really appreciate it when you'r running) although the industrial estate loop was devoid of life/atmosphere, and probably affected the sanity of more than a few runner...
A goody bag would have been nice, but the showers were hot (always a bonus) and the support shown by the locals was good.
All in all, a lovely, albeit cold, way to spend a Sunday morning.
Date of review: October 25, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: porkyplodder
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: more undulating than flat but a pleasant race on what turned out to be a pleasant day
In full: First time I've ever done Stroud and it was rather enjoyable. The marshals were pleasant and there was a fair bit of support from the local people. Lovely scenery, especially in the first few miles. The industrial loop at around mile 9 is a bit of a killer as there's no support and grim scenery. Thanks to the man on the mobility scooter with a MASSIVE bucket of jelly babies at mile 10.5. My only real criticism is that there was no snack at the end. I'd rather have had a banana or a cereal bar than a t-shirt. Overall though it's a good race and I'd recommend it.
Date of review: October 24, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Duncan Reeves
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Great local event
In full: First time I have run this event and was pleasantly surprised by every aspect, aside from the loop through the industrial estate!
I would do again and t shirt and medal at end nice touch.
Also a BIG thank you to the person in the white Citroen who help me jump start my car after the race, people like you restore my faith in humanity!
Date of review: October 24, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Joe Calzaghe
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: nice to see the friendly folk of gloucestershire
In full: This is a nice contrast to the big half marathons of Bristol and Bath. I'd recomend it to anyone who has had enough of fighting through the crowds to find a space to run in. I got a PB today, though I'm sure it's not the flattest course I've ever run. I put that down to less congestion and good marshalling. Thank you organisers.
Goody bag at end would be nice!
Date of review: October 24, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Botty
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: A little gem even with a loop of the industrial estate! Brilliant organisation.
In full: Not done this one before so was very pleasantly surprised to find something so scenic and well organised hidden away in deepest Gloucestershire. Great support virtually all the way round and well marshalled. I was initially concerned about running back in to Stroud and having to share the road with the traffic but it was absolutely fine. Just one suggestion - the signs to the event from the M5 weren't very clear and would have helped reassure us as we don't know the area that well. Apart from that, thanks to all for a great run. I'll be back next year.
Date of review: October 24, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Edward Collier
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Oh no, not the industrial estate again
In full: I've run this race about fifteen times so you think I'd know better. Obviously not - every year I turn up, the very epitome of stupidity (that is, someone doing the same thing again and again in expectation of a different result). The weather was fantastic this year, perfect for running, and that was nice. But the course is horrible, and the loop round the industrial estate at 9 miles is exactly what you need to help your sanity on its way.
Date of review: October 24, 2010
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2009 race reviewed by: Michael Bright 2
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Well organised but could be better, not the most scenic of routes
In full: Could be improved with more toilets,
Single file duel roads sections a bit boring with cars whizzing past, not easy to overtake - especially the walkers.
Long gentle climb with head wind mid-way along with route.
Date of review: December 7, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Richard N
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Glad car parking sorted out now,with college facilities. Only grumble, the trader had not put much thought in what to bring! I had forgotten my "Compeeds" and he hadn't got any. Ridiculous!
Date of review: November 3, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Lizzie J
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Guaranteed PB, but go to the loo at home !
In full: Its not exciting, its not scenic, but its reasonably local for me and I've had a PB by several minutes every time I've run this race, and this year was no exception! Was really thrilled to get under 1:45 for the first time! The overall organisation is immaculate with chip times texted out a few minutes after you finish & there is lots of crowd support on the way round. But the toilet facilities so let this race down! Please get 3-4 times as many loos for next year!
Date of review: October 31, 2009
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