Ashford & District 10K  Here's how RW members rated this race (340 votes). 2013 race reviewed by: Jellygirl
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Excellent course and well organised
In full: We all received an email a few days before the race to inform us of the alternative parking arrangements. This is the first time I have done this race and I actually think the parking should stay like this every year as it was only a 10 minute walk to race HQ. Given the comments about people driving off the field before the last competitor had finished in previous years I think it would be safer too.
The race was well organised and although there were long queues to collect timing chips it was moving well. The race director did inform us the start would be delayed by a few minutes and politely asked runners to make their way to the start but many were just standing around chatting so the organisers can't be held responsible for that!
The hill to the start is worth a slow jog up to get warmed up. The first 2k was slow but I'll know for next time to start nearer the front!
The course is fast and the hill @ 7k is fine, just do lots of hill sessions and you'll fly up it! It's then all downhill.
The medal was nice and the jaffa cakes were welcome at the end.
The only negative comment I can give is directed at the mature female runner at just past the 4k mark who thought it was acceptable to throw her used juice bottle in someone's beautiful garden.
Great race and well done!
Date of review: February 4, 2013
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2012 race reviewed by: David Pearce 10
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: A lovely race that is well run. Looking forward to 2014 now :)
In full: I am not sure what other people are moaning about? The race info post which we received stated that the parking was a short walk away and to get their early. I arrived at the car park 60 mins before the start and did not have nay queue to get my chip. Please don't blame others due to you be a Last Minute type of person.
I had no idea about the early start. As far as I am aware it went off at 11:00 or even after then. When the announcer instructed us to proceed to the start I did. If you chose not too then that is your fault.
There were slow runners jogging 3 or 4 abreast who should have been at the back but how can you avoid that with country lanes. It is annoying but they are no doubt inexperienced.
Personally I thought it was a lovely race and the first time I have done it. I got a PB which was great and the scenery was lovely We got a good quality medal which is all I am interested in. Goodie bags have little use IMO.
There was a great qty of KitKats, Jaffa Cakes and other goodies at the finish which was a nice touch for a 10km. I only expected water so a lovely surprise!
Date of review: February 4, 2013
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2013 race reviewed by: David Pearce 10
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: A lovely race that is well run. Looking forward to 2014 now :)
Date of review: February 4, 2013
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2013 race reviewed by: Tamandra
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Great Race.
In full: the parking was where it was advertised ... 10 minute walk. The number of people there was advertised .... lots (a sell out popular event) timing done by chip which had to be collected on the day .... so if you are going to turn up with just half an hour to spare - go figure you might be late! that is no one's fault but your own. They announced that people should make their way to the start and hardly anyone did. not sure what else people are expecting an organiser to do?
anyway rant over. I enjoyed this race. It is my first race on my own and i really enjoyed it. There are a LOT of very serious runners which was a little intimidating but I'm sure that is what enabled me to do a PB. Everyone was very very polite when overtaking me lol!
I will definitely be back next year.
Date of review: February 4, 2013
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2013 race reviewed by: ScoopUK
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Good country road run, nice route.
In full: Local race for me, lovely scenery although a little less inspiring than usual due to recent weather. Nice picturesque route if the sun is shining and the wildlife hasn't been half drowned and frozen in the weeks before hand!
I can't relate to the comments about organisation, I thought the joining instructions and further direction about parking etc were very clear. I can only think that some people didn't give themselves enough time to get ready and get to the start.
See you next year when it will hopefully be a bit warmer!
Date of review: February 4, 2013
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2013 race reviewed by: beccaa222
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Brilliant race with nice country roads, excellent marshalls
In full: Due to bad weather there was no parking on site but everyone was informed well before the event and the organisers managed to secure free parking for everyone, fairly close to the venue.
All marshalls were very friendly and supportive, even though they must have been freezing cold!
Great medal and I even got a PB... oh and a Kitkat at the finish! :)
Date of review: February 4, 2013
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2013 race reviewed by: Karen Mcdonnell 4
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Brillant race
In full: No idea why people are moaning about this race. Yes the car park was 10 mins away but better than nothing considering they had to change the parking due to the weather. Our supports were freezing and the crammed hall could not accommodate everyone, so perhaps an overflow where kids etc can stay warm. Great marshals and supporters the best I have very come across.
Date of review: February 4, 2013
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2013 race reviewed by: Katie Payne 3
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Great race - definitely coming back
In full: Surprised to see so many poor reviews. I think this race was well organised, and thoroughly enjoyed it. My only (very minor) disappointment was starting a little late. Great course, and friendly supportive marshalls. Parking was a 10 minute walk, but this was advertised beforehand, and no big problem. Nice medal at the end, and goodies left for the slower runners!
Date of review: February 4, 2013
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2013 race reviewed by: Pete 27
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: A model 10K
In full: A great race. Pretty well organised. A bit congested in places but once you got going and the field spread out it was really enjoyable. Good medal, lots of different snack options at the end. I think add a race T shirt and you would have the complete package. If you run a club and are thinking of setting up a 10k have a look at how this event is run.
Date of review: February 4, 2013
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2013 race reviewed by: Chris Morgan 16
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great race, shame about the start...
In full: Overall this is a really good race, but the start let it down a little.
Pros
- Nice, flat course (except for that climb at 7km) so definite PB potential. Indeed you get a 'free' hill as you have to walk up one to get to the start.
- Well supported.
- Good selection of goodies at the end (Kit Kat, chocolate wafer, Jaffa cake, water).
- Nice clubhouse with bar and food afterwards.
Cons
- The start was a bit of a disaster. Delay of 10 mins meant the pen system didn't work so the first 2kms were spent dodging round 3-a-breast runners in narrow lanes.
- No clear signing on where to get timing chips from (I guessed it was where the long queue was and unfortuntely was correct).
In fairness to the organisers they did announce that runners should start making their way to the start at 1045, but the queues for the toilets and timing chips were too long for that to happen (and also people were still turning up).
However, I will still be back next year as I'm sure the organisers will get it right...
Date of review: February 4, 2013
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