Morecambe Cross Bay Challenge 'CancerCare' - Half MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race (155 votes). 2012 race reviewed by: Ginger Plodder
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: A unique race, definitely one to try
In full: I am not a fast runner and i am not an seasoned runner. I have done 4 road half marathons and wanted to try something different.
I am glad i did though this was the hardest 1/2 i have done. Not sure what people want with the organisation, i got there was directed to the parking and got on the coach, had a nice chat with another unattached runner who had done the race last year. We then set off into a headwind, all the proper runners set off at a pace and I and the rest of the plodders set off at a different pace. The Sand is flat but.... its ripply and i found this a lot more difficult than running on tarmac or even trails. The river crossings were great, plodders had fun posing as if we were mo or ussain for the cameras and the scenery was magnificent out on the bay. I have heard it rained but i was wet anyway. Got to 10 miles and died (or at least my legs did) I had only done a couple of 13 milers on the road before this an had thought i could get in in about 2 hours 20 but finished in 2.45. But the time was unimportant, i did it and finished, thanks to all the marshals they were brilliant, especially the guy on his own at just short of 11miles who seemed to have a word of encouragement for all us back markers. Would i do it again, i think so, I didn't like hurting (no that's an understatement) from 10 miles but finishing was all the more sweeter for the pain. I suspect its like childbirth painful while its happening but rewarding afterwards. If you want to do something different this is one for you but dont take it lightly or else the bay will eat you up and spit you out!!
Date of review: August 13, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Dr Robert
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: An elemental struggle - and a must-do.
In full: I drove 260 miles from the south of England to do this race, and thought that the petrol money was well-spent. Given that there is no other race like it, this is a must-do race that you have to sample at least once in your life. Although it is across a tidal bay and so therefore theoretically flattish, it is a tough course, including a number (5?) of river crossings and this year at least a brutal headwind for much of the race. Wading across the rivers made me wish that I had done some 'pool-running.'
The car park at Hest Bank was okay, plenty of toilets. The bus journey is a test in itself - it was a bit hot and sweaty. The start area definitely needs more toilets - you've got 500+ athletes with churning guts and half a dozen lavlavs - you do the maths!
The race itself is a brilliant and challenging battle against the elements, the 'terrain' and your brain. The wind meant that it really made sense to form peletons, and I hooked up with another guy to bridge the gap up to the next group - great fun. In many places it felt just like running in Chariots of Fire - brilliant. It was tough (especially when it started raining - it could have been grim) - but eased up towards the end when the sun came out. The finish area was good - and I greatly appreciated the water, orange juice, apples, bananas and cereal bars on offer. I thought the atmosphere was good throughout, and everything was really well organised. I can see why this has been named one of Britain's best half marathons. If something different and tough is your thing, then you will like this race. If you don't like that kind of thing, then this is not the race for you!
Well done to the organisers and all your fabulous volunteers - they made the 520 mile round trip well worth it. Thank you!
Date of review: August 13, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Rubbishrunner
| | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Felt really tough this year but still a fun and different race to do.
In full: Found this race really tough due to running into the wind for so long this year but when you're waist-deep wading across a river half way through a race it's hard not to feel alive! Felt I should have done better but the general chat afterwards seemed to indicate that this had been particularly difficult, which made me feel better :) Goody bag at the end was a bit rubbish but loved everything else and will likely be back next year for more punishment!
Date of review: August 13, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Mark Collier 4
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Fantastic race, great organisation, friendly atmosphere
In full: Really enjoyed this race weather conditions changing made it a real challenge. wade thru the water was an experience! back next year? YES YES!
Date of review: August 13, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Skinny Fetish Fan
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Brutal headwind, fanatastic scenery, waist deep wading
In full: 10 of 13.5 miles (distance varies each year depending on route across sand) into strong headwind made this hard work for all.
Unique race though that everyone should do once - way out in bay away from everyone but other runners. 3 minute waist deep wade through River Kent was special.
Thought organisation was good enough with good control of baggage - how good does it have to be??
On a clear day with less breeze (or in other direction ideally) this would be one of best races in UK - yesterday it was tough - winning time of 1:32 proves it!
Date of review: August 13, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: big bad bri
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Tough...
In full: I found this tough. Have been doing regular 18milers for marathon training yet this really sapped my legs. Don't know if it was me on the day or the sand draining power or at least 7miles of relentless headwind!
Good: unique race across the sands. Refreshing water crossings. Finishing!
Average: start and finish organisation. Hats off to the marshals along the course as ever, but all felt a bit clunky at start and finish. Sure I ordered a race t-shirt on the web, but team at finish had no idea. Bought one anyway as for a good charity cause. Emails went astray. There were water stations every mile for first few miles, but then they dried up...
Poor: atmosphere. Sorry, for me, there was no buzz on this race. Maybe it was the wind and showers keeping everyone's heads down.
Overall - thank you to the organisers, these races wouldn't take place without you, but sorry, this wasn't one for me.
Date of review: August 13, 2012
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2011 race reviewed by: Hilz
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: wonderful atmosphere, brilliantly organised, great views, fun - unique
In full: The organisation was faultless, they had thought of everything. Volunteers were cheerful and helpful, the sun shone and the atmosphere was warm and friendly. Having grown up in the area I knew the scenery would be beautiful but it's different seeing it from out on the sands - memorable. I wore old fell shoes which were ideal. It was refreshing and fun splashing through the channels, I loved it! And all for a very good cause, CancerCare.
Date of review: August 2, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Norma Smith
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Brilliant organisation, scenery and atmosphere.
Date of review: August 2, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: steve the snail
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: One to do at least once!
In full: Superb weather,unusual but very runnable terrain[even most of the river crossings],lovely views,fantastic organisation and a great welcome at the finish.Worth travelling up from Brum for and will do it again in the future.
Date of review: August 1, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Stu Cann
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: One to do again
In full: This was the second time for me the route differed from last year as we skirted the shore line more the river Kent was once again a welcome break for the tired legs its not one for new socks or trainers so it was the shabby old mizunos for me plenty of water stations (people still dropping cups and bottles)it has to be my favourite and one to do each year the finish line atmosphere is something else
Date of review: July 30, 2011
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