adidas Silverstone Half-MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (180 votes). 2010 race reviewed by: Paul Jones 15
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Great organisation - shame about the building site
In full: This was my second time at Silverstone for the half marathon and I'll be back again next year.
The organisation is brilliant and if you get there in plenty of time there's generally not a problem getting to start.
It's a fairly flat course and it's interesting to see the track being ungraded for the Formula 1 this year. My only gripe would be that the last 1.5 miles have a slight and consistent uphill gradient and running into the wind on that section was quite draining.
Date of review: March 15, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: TonyRob
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great Organisation, race itself quite boring
In full: Very well organised and despite the numbers parking and getting out afterwards was very easy. Sadly the scenery and the atmosphere were lacking. there were some good parts of the track with support but mainly it was a grey dull slog. Silverstone looks better on TV when the cars are on it ;)
Date of review: March 15, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Lorney
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Faultless organisation but not a great course and certainly lacked the atmosphere expected of an official London Marathon training run!
In full: Carparking at the start was easier than expected. There were plenty of toilets aswell and queues moved quickly!
However, the run itself was pretty disappointing. Very efficient start with no delays but some of the turns were quite tight and there were quite a lot of runners being 'squeezed' off the track in places. Some parts were like a building site and the dust created from so many runners going over gravel and sand etc was terrible on such a windy day. I found the large gravel areas quite difficult to run on and I'm surprised no-one tripped on those metal grids as some of the joins were quite raised.
Water stations were well manned and there were plenty of them I thought.
Atmosphere was non-existent really for such a major event. The radio station that was playing on the loudspeaker in the paddock area could not be heard most of the way round the track...wish I had brought my headphones as spectator support was a bit thin on the ground too. The few people that were shouting out encouragements were much appreciated.
Like others i was disappointed that the t-shirt in the goody bag was not a technical one, also I will never be able to wear due to the XL size!! The medal was ok though.
Unlike other comments, I had a terrible time getting out of the carpark. Although I finished in a good time it took me nearly an hour to get out of my parking space, it was a total scrum getting out and some drivers were starting to get quite aggressive! No carparking marshalls in sight....
An ok run, glad I did it for my marathon training but would not be tempted to do it again. Shame as there were some nice touches, like the clocks at each mile marker.
Date of review: March 15, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Kitty Hung
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Spaggatti course with too many twists & turns and far far too many people
In full: With so many twists & turns, of course all runners want to run on inner circle. I was pushed to the floor by a selfish, inconsiderate, rude, aggressive runner. I injured my right leg and it is now only 5 weeks before the London Marathon. I'm sure whether I can make it. The organisor should put a notice to warn those big and chunky runners not to knock over small runners.
Date of review: March 15, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: MovingAlong
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 20% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: More challenging than expected & boring
In full: Organisation spot on. No faults at all.
The course however was pretty boring, and the atmosphere was virtually non-existant.
Certain parts were akin to running around a building site, race results appeared almost 24 hours later and single sized cotton t-shirt.
Novelty of running on a race track only goes so far. I won't be returning next year.
Date of review: March 15, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Sparklies
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Very different race to normal - very glad I took part!
In full: Definitely an enjoyable run! Could have done with an extra water station in the middle section (or at least a warning that there would only be Lucozade for the next 5 miles on a hot day) as I'd have kept my water bottle from mile 3 a lot longer, but aside from that gripe it was a really good race! Particularly appreciated all the lone supporters out in the middle of the course, often with their very enthusiastic children, who were doing a fabulous job encouraging us all. That last mile against the wind was a killer - never realised Silverstone had hills!
Date of review: March 15, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Jez Maytum
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Well organised but more atmosphere round the ntire route would be nice
In full: Extremely well organised event, from car parking, to baggage, to water stations, and all at great value too.
Course this year, plenty of "off road" loose surfaces, not ideal for 10000 pairs of feet.
Being sponsored by Adidas it is hugely disappointing not to receive a proper running t-shirt with size options, an XL sized cotton t-shirt is poor compared to many other races.
And better marshalling on the walks back to the car parks. Last year and this year, the poor runners still out on the course at the 10 mile stage have to deal with spectators and finishers all blocking their route, not fair, whether you are a 1.10 runner or a 3.10 runner!
As for the day itself, tough tough tough with the wind, especially last mile, phew!
Date of review: March 15, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Tommy boy two
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Were's the results?
In full: This is the second year I have done this race and I don't have any major faults with it. I did a PB even with that gale at the end so I'm happy!
I think it is well organised, I had no problem getting in or out. Plenty of drink stations at the right places in the right size bottles. The facilities are good at the start/finish for runners and spectators alike. It is also a wide track so you can get yourself into the right position without zig zaging around.
The most impressive thing about it is the price, the same as a club organised run but you get so much more. Its not every day you can run round a GP circuit!
I take on board the comments of others about the T-shirt, I don't know many XL runners? Also the getting in and out of the car parks was an issue the first time I did it, Silverstone is famous for it. I learnt my lessons there and didn't hang around at the end this time.
All in all it is well worth the money and I will be doing it next year, touch wood!
Date of review: March 15, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Hog's Trotter
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Gold Star for Silverstone
In full: The day was well organised. The parking was easy in and out and the race start and finish area were just great.
Changing prior to the race in a huge garage felt a bit strange but there was plenty of room and it was out of the wind!
The goody bag and the giveaways from the sponsors before and after the race were very generous and the race entry fee was a bargain as it also included the medal and tee shirt.
I ran the last third of the race with The Runners World 10 minute pacer and this kept me on track for the final push up the incline in to the wind – thanks and I hope your arm has recovered from carrying the sign!
Bag collection was amazingly efficient as were the drinks stations out on the race track
Date of review: March 15, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Nicola Lathom
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 20% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 20% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 20% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Very boring, no atmosphere event!
Date of review: March 15, 2010
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