Darent Valley 10k  Here's how RW members rated this race (220 votes). 2011 race reviewed by: Ian Russell 3
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Superb rural 10K with added bonus of chip timing
In full: My second year at the Darent Valley and this has already become one of my favourite 10K's (the glorious weather may have helped sway that!)
The route is very scenic, with a few slight inclines to help keep you focused. The downhill to the finish means you can start building the pace from a long way out.
Whilst the final 3K is on a main road, the traffic was rather light so wasn't an issue.
Date of review: April 11, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: tim dale 49
| | 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: well organised, very pleasant route, with good atmosphere.
In full: Excellent and scenic race in glorious weather- cheeky hill between 6 and 7 K that made the achilles ache a tad- agree last bit on main road let it down slightly, but the traffic was well managed by the Police and felt safe- good atmosphere with plenty of locals out offering support- well organised, good HQ, lots of good marshalls out on course too- I'll be back next year (which reminds me, there was a bit of traffic congestion getting off M25 on way to village as big boot fair at Pedham Place- I'm pretty sure these are held on most Sundays, so will leave a bit more time next year)
Date of review: April 11, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Liz Routledge
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Great day - very scenic, supportive marshalls
Date of review: April 11, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Henstooth
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Views and challenging little hills - cheeky
In full: Saw the medal that they gave out for previous races and thought "I want one of them there preeetty medals". Came off nights, one hour rest and was picked up by my mates for the 8:30 start. Weather was GREAT. Parking good, short walk to start. Had a lovely "village" atmosphere. Chip timing so no worries about trying to get over the line. Fast start on the road. Surprised a few car drivers with hundreds of brightly clad runners passing them! Fantastic marshals and directions were clear. Nice touch was white spray painting protruding tree roots and the bigger rocks. Saw many people I knew (took the mick out of the copper doing traffic duty !)Cheeky little hills, beautiful views - smell of the river - ahhh! That "testing" hill that don't end where you think it would at 6k was a pulse lifter. Good fast finish with the downhill. Lots of support. Larger water station at the end with some fruit would have tipped the top of an already great event. AND THE MEDAL ! So preeetty! Thanks Swanley - Did it in 47.22 - got to bet eventually at 11:45. SLEEP.
Date of review: April 10, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: jules9399
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Excellent scenery, organisation, value and last but not least excellent weather !!!
In full: A lovely scenic race with some lovely off road and across field sections to mix it up ! Yes, I must also mention that demanding hill between 6k & 7k however it does give you a real buzz once you make it to the top! I really do love this race ! Well done Swanley !
Date of review: April 10, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: J Lav
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great race, lovely weather, super medal.
In full: Loved this race which was well organised and over a lovely undulating scenic route with only one really horrible hill near the end which was steep but quite short. I also liked the 8.30 start.
The only bit I didn't like was the run along the road back to the village with the traffic whizzing by but other than that I really enjoyed it.
The medal was well above average and the Sweatshop voucher appreciated.
I'll be back next year without a doubt.
Date of review: April 10, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: HUFF&PUFF
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Well done to all at Swanley, brilliant race in fantastic weather conditions.......
Date of review: April 10, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Kevin White 2
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Beautiful race with firiendly organisaton
In full: I've been wanting to do this race for years and the wait was worth it. Wonderful scenery, friendly and well organised marshals and lots of smiles and a unique medal at the end.
Definitely, a great way to start yuor Sunday!
Date of review: April 10, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Run Kirst Run
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Nice race
In full: Nice race, shame about the water stations!
Could have done with a few more people handing out water instead of having to queue, especially at the end for a much needed drink!
Date of review: April 10, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: SilkTork
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Cracking little run in brilliant weather. Loved it.
In full: I did this two years ago and enjoyed it. It was even better this time. Weather was glorious, and I was expecting the undulations so I took them in my stride (though I hadn't remembered quite how steep that little climb is at the end of 6K!). Everyone is friendly and chatty, and there's a lovely warm atmosphere.
The route undulates through Farningham and Lullingstone and a hop farm, with a cross country climb from 5K that will slow you down, and a short but stiff climb at the end of 6k. The last 3k are pretty much all downhill into Eynsford, so a fast fun finish is assured.
The only stretch I don't like is the main road from 7K to about 8K - it's dull, and there are cars zooming past. There was a delay with the water at the end. People queued for quite a while. Having two water containers would help. But these are minor quibbles - this is lovely run with a unique and special medal. I think everyone should run the Darent Valley 10K at least once in their lives.
Date of review: April 10, 2011
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