Luton MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (269 votes). 2009 race reviewed by: Tony Reeve
 | | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: My first marathon, really liked the three lap format
In full: Its hard for me to judge this against other marathons - but I have run two half marathons before.
Once at the venue, it was not clear where to find the start location, but otherwise the organisation was fine and the marshalls very friendly.
I liked the three lap format - by the time I got to the third lap, I knew the course and had a very clear idea of how much further there was to run - great for a beginner.
I liked watching the front runner pass me at the 14 mile stage (me half way through 2nd lap, his 3rd) - he had run about 22 miles, so was running half as fast as me again. Also, being passed (and in some cases - passing) the relay runners added a bit of interest.
I didnt find the course particularly tough - the hills were only slight inclines, I thought more flat than undulating.
The weather held out. Yes, there was a chilly wind blowing, but it is December, the sun was out and it wasnt raining - what more could you ask for!
The only disappointment was the scenery. Partly housing estates, some park, some country lane / village, but some industrial areas and a long straight stretch along the A6 didnt make for the most interesting route. I know that the Luton area has more to offer, but then I guess keeping the three lap format doesnt allow you to venture too far into the country.
Overall, an enjoyable event. A good choice of first marathon (except perhaps time of year).
Roll on spring for my next one.
Date of review: December 8, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Orko
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Suprisingly fast course
In full: Many complaints from some reviews of wind or cold but ITS DECEMBER!!! Course advertised as undulating but I have completed many races with more hills than this one that are advertised as flat. Just a couple of little bumps in the road but hardly noticable, that is why I would rate this as a really quick course. Very well marshalled and not as ugly as I was expecting. Overall very good, well done to the organisers.
Date of review: December 8, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: QB
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Second time here for the marathon and liked it alot again
In full: Thanks to the marshalls and organisors who really do a great job. I rembered from last time great support from the marshalls and same again. Route was easier than I remembered, definitely at the flat end of the undulating marathons!, and reasonably scenic on the whole. I'd do it again
Date of review: December 8, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Hazel swinton
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Brillant organisation and Marshals
In full: I thought the route was tough and the wind did not help but you could not fault the Marshals the were excellant and kept me going when it got very hard. I also loved my medal and bag! If i thought i could do another Marathon this would be it!
Date of review: December 7, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Bangers
| | Overall score | | 20% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 20% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 20% |
In short: Brass Monkeys! Icy headwinds that didn't ease off.
In full: Water given out in plastic cups at 3 mile intervals. Terrible!
Wasn't aware the race has started, or exactly WHERE the start line was!
Despite a moderate air temperature of 10 degrees (in which I normally sweat buckets!) the icy head winds made the temperature plummet to the point that knees turned to balls of ice.
It took every last microgram of my willpower to run past the finish line and start the third lap.
Awful experience.
If you want to run at that time of year...go to Lisbon!!!
Date of review: December 7, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Roy Grew 2
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Good event - borring course hasn't stopped me coming for the 7th time. my 150th marathon
In full: a good event well organised - liked the goody bag. one of the races that recognises all age groups, in the results and prizes for that reason I will all ways support it.Well done.
Date of review: December 7, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: rookery
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Surprising pleasant course with fantastic marshalls
In full: Marshalls were very encouraging and provided great support. Great organisation all round.
The course was tough, the hills and wind really took their toll by the third lap. Scenery was pleasant enough once out of the housing estates. Managed to get an 11min PB and under 3hrs 15 for the first time.
I strangely enjoyed the lap format - probably as I thought in terms of laps rather than miles.
I thought the eco goody bag was a nice change from the usual cotton T shirt that never gets worn again.
It was also fun walking from the finish up the hill to the HQ in the sports hall ;-)
Date of review: December 7, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Kevin kemp
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: I ran this as part of a relay team..
In full: Not sure if I could run three laps of this course but as a relay race it works extremely well. A big thumbs up to the marshals who braved the wind and gave great encouragement to all the runners.
Well organised and will definitely be back next year
Date of review: December 7, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Taff Boy
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Nice end of year run
In full: Good to get one last mara in before the Christmas party season starts. I like lap coures. Seems to be easier in my head. Instead of concentrating on say 20 or 22 miles before the energy levels go, you think about laps and before you know it, your on the last one. Only complaint - the goody bag is fairly useless. Much prefer a t-shirt. Sorry to moan. Big thank you to all the marshalls as always. I ran last years race when it was cancelled, so it was nice to have some company yesterday!
Date of review: December 7, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Nearly There
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: A good race with a real mix along the route
In full: Marshals were great and enthusiastic - actually made you feel as if they were pushing for you the individual.
Parking was an slight issue - perhaps radios between the roundabout and car park marshals would help? It would have been nice to have bottles of water rather than the cups but I do appreciate the cost impacts of that.
The wind made the second and then definitely the last lap harder still.
May well be back!
Date of review: December 7, 2009
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