New Forest Half MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (390 votes). 2005 race reviewed by: Dragon Breath
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: More hills than expected but great views to take the mind off the pain.
In full: Well organised and very scenic, a few hills to worry about but flattens out towards the end. Plenty of drinks and marshalls. An enjoyable experience, I'll be back.
Date of review: September 19, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: Warty Whale
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great introduction into the world of running
In full: My first ever race, great atmosphere, beginner friendly although long wait at the loos.The hills aren't too bad although the on at 10 miles went on a bit. Traffic on the road was a pain - I guess you cant have a marshall on every side road.Very hard to resist not running into the pub serving free hog roast to runners 500 yds before the finish!! Will be back next year also had the bonus of getting a bp on a hard course.
Date of review: September 19, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: Lisa J
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Quite hilly. Wouldnt say a PB race, although I did run a PB. Scenic for runners but not for supporters. Dont enjoy being driven off road by abusive car drivers
In full: Although this was described as undulating, personally I'd describe as hilly. The race was very friendly. There could have been more advance warnings about the time it would take to get from the car park to the course. It seems a shame that in such a beautiful location, the supporters are left in New Milton, although the presence of a bit of a fair and refreshments helped my supporters I think. I was very disappointed by the traffic control. I've done 7 races this summer and this was the very worst for traffic control. There were long stretches where nobody was controlling the traffic at all and where there were no marshalls. I got driven off the road into a ditch by an abusive driver and spent some time standing still in the road waiting for a bunch of drivers to sort themselves out - one doing a three point turn in the middle of the course. Two other friends doing the race also had similar problems with driver obstruction and abuse. The traffic control has to be sorted out. On a plus note, the number of drink stations on this course was great, particularly in light of the temperature.
Date of review: September 19, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: Nick Gallop
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Very friendly, with lots of encouragement from the road side for a first time runner
In full: Ran through lovely New Forest countryside. Met lots of others running a marathon for the first time, and some very supportive experienced runners, especially Mike who helped me through the last two miles. Some rather nasty hills at the end.
Roadside support was friendly, and encouraging, especially the boy who offered slices of Mars bar for energy!
Date of review: September 19, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: Chris Smith 14
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Challenging but enjoyable, plenty of water stations on a hot day.
Date of review: September 19, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: Poke
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: A bit hilly but very scenic
In full: Apart from the first water station being a bit of a shambles the organisation was great.
A very scenic course, which helps to take your mind off the pain of the hills.
I found it tougher than expected but probably down to the sleepness night in a tent rather than the course! I don't recomend camping for anyone hoping for a decent time.
I'd definitely do it again - but in a B&B next time.......
Date of review: September 19, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: Martin Payne 2
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Tough race in hot weather
In full: This was a difficult race under any conditions. However, there are some elements that need to be sorted out. While there were plenty of drinks stations, two of these were undermanned meaning that runners had to queue up. Secondly, this is not a traffic-free course and cars weaving through runners made some sections very dangerous. Also, lots of people crossing the course near the finish meant that it was necessary to take avoiding action.
Date of review: September 18, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: Peter Moss
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 20% |
In short: Excellant race,great weather,very hilly,but lots of water and support,stewards &police did a great job
Date of review: September 18, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: Anna Martin 6
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Great Scenery but very poor organisation in the car park and mile signage after 9 miles disappeared. Also our supporters did not think much of New Milton
Date of review: September 18, 2005
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2005 race reviewed by: Bad Wabbit
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Great scenery and well organised!
In full: People finding that they miss the start should turn up earlier!! Agree with the comments about motorists using the same roads as the race - couldn't they have put in place wider diversions? Great weather and support throughout - will do again!
Date of review: September 18, 2005
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