Bristol Half MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race (888 votes). 2012 race reviewed by: Matthew S
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Not enough mile markers!
In full: My biggest criticism of this race was that there were only clearly visible mile markers at 1,2,3 and 12 miles! I spotted an 8mile marker sprayed on the ground at one point but couldn't be sre this was official.
The last 3 miles had way too many twists and turns and 2 hills which took away any chance of a super quick time.
Date of review: October 1, 2012
|
|
2012 race reviewed by: Tom GBH
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Well organised, good atmosphere and flat. Good to see it a bit later in Sept this year, so no risk of it being too hot
In full: The colour coded start makes a difference to the start and we didn't feel too bogged down early on as a result. Tech t shirt good, as was medal. Could have done with more than just the kitkat for refuel in the goody bag and would prefer to avoid cobbles, but only two minor complaints about what was a really good event.
Date of review: October 1, 2012
|
2012 race reviewed by: peter groome
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Improves every year - close to perfect now
In full: It's hard to see how this event could be improved. It compares favourably with every other big event I've taken part in and the organisers make small improvements each year. This was my fourth time, and have yet to be disappointed in any way.
The course is nearly flat, not quite a billiard table with three inclines, but none of them are arduous, each amounting to around 20 metres. It starts off on wide long, straight roads and gets narrower later, so it is easy to settle into a steady pace and rhythm. The system of staggered starts with colour coded pens should be used by all big events; handling that many people successfully takes a lot of careful planning, something many others don't seem to be able to do. I have never felt uncomfortable, ill-informed, or unhappy in any way with the organisation of the Bristol Half Marathon and would recommend it wholeheartedly.
The marshalling was efficient, as always, the people of Bristol turned out to cheer everyone on, with jazz bands adding to the festival atmosphere.
The course shows off Bristol's natural beauty to the full, going out and then back under Brunel's suspension bridge, past the historic harbourside and around Queen Square. There are a few cobbled streets that add to the character and charm of the route.
I always find the runners friendly and supportive. A lady near the end was struggling and everyone rallied around to help her along.
This has become my main event each year, and is as good as a big, city centre event could be. Congratulations to the event organisers again; this deserves to be amongst the top events of the running calendar.
Date of review: October 1, 2012
|
2012 race reviewed by: Fiona Turton
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Great organisation ,lovely marsahalls and support .
In full: Thoroughly enjoyed this run. Great crowd support.Amazing PB potential. Clever streaming organisation at end but would have really loved someone to cut off my timing chip as bending and unlacing at end horrible .. AHHH stiff .. !
Date of review: October 1, 2012
|
2012 race reviewed by: Martin B77
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Good slick race, fast course, great support
In full: Well organised, though the wave start was very messy. I started in wave 2 on a 1:43 and was weaving through wave 1 walkers from the 3 mile marker. Please try and avoid the cobble stones for next year.
Date of review: September 30, 2012
|
2012 race reviewed by: SRP
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Nice Event
In full: My first Bristol Half and I enjoyed it. Organisation was good for a big race and I felt the price was fair, good T-shirt and medal. Support in the 2nd half of the race was appreciated and got me to a PB. Thanks!
Date of review: September 30, 2012
|
2012 race reviewed by: Priestess
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Fast course
In full: Good fast course with enough variety to keep it interesting. Could do with improving the starting organisation (too complicated) and the mile markers which are hard to spot. A good day out though.
Date of review: September 30, 2012
|
2012 race reviewed by: Justin Haines
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Good big city race
In full: My only criticism would be that there was a nasty hole in the road which someone could have easily had an accident in and that there were no sports drinks on the route. A gel is not quite the same. Otherwise a very well organised event,with a great t-shirt, medal and support.
Date of review: September 30, 2012
|
2012 race reviewed by: shaun carpenter
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: excellent race good route my 5 time runing bristol-see u next year
In full: excellent race nice medal and tech t shirt good route my 5 time running bristol-see u next year
Date of review: September 30, 2012
|
2012 race reviewed by: taulpaul
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Decent toast course with good atmosphere
In full: Good big city race. Start pens was a bit chaotic but race thinned out very quickly after the start line. First half of the race is along the portway which is very flat and straight so if not the most exciting part of the course does allow you to start and maintain a good pace. Second half within the city is more twisty and turns but has great atmosphere from the crowds. Good finish, well organised with medals and t-shirts. Decent medal and technical tee. Definitely recommend it if you like the big city races.
Date of review: September 30, 2012
|
| |
denotes Subscriber-only content | 
