BUPA Great North RunHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (1517 votes). 2004 race reviewed by: grubbysoles
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Wonderful if you're going for pure fun. Impossible if you want a good run!
In full: I would agree that this is more an 'event' than a race. Brilliant for a first-time half-marathoner/fun-runner due to the atmosphere, the tv coverage, and the amount of people coming out to cheer you on. But very very crowded from start to finish - I actually walked over the finish line as there was a queue! Do it with friends for a laugh, but don't dream of a pb here, unless you're lining up with the elites at the front! Very well organised, though - the baggage buses are very reliable and easy to use, and it's the first race I've done where the Red Arrows have greeted me at the finish line!
Date of review: October 9, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Gee Bee
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Put simply its now too big!
In full: This isn't really a race, its more an event. At no point was I actually able to get into a stride - was tripping over people all of the way. People were walking right from the begining and not being realisitc about what their times would be. Silly thig is - if I was to do it again I wouldn't now be realstic about my time, but stand as far up to the front as I could - and so the porblem gets worse. Something seriously need to be done about this element of the race.
I have to say i had no difficulties with the baggage buses and thuoght this aspect of the race was excellent.
Date of review: October 9, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Jane Nodder
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Too many people and baggage buses need sorting out!
In full: I hadn't realised quite how slow this race would be despite knowing how many would be there. It would be better to restrict numbers or advertise as a fun run only. Also suggest the organisers visit London Marathon to see how they organise the baggage. The overall weekend was good, but wouldn't do the race again - not because of getting a good time, more because you can't really even run steadily.
Date of review: October 9, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Darren Robertson
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: I think its getting a bit too big you can hardly move for the first few miles!
Date of review: October 9, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Smithyy
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: A fantastic atmosphere but too many people walking in a group righ from the start.
In full: A really great day and well organised given the numbers taking part. Something definitely needs to be done to segregate those treating it as a sponsored walk or who need to take regular breaks from running. A separate lane seems like a good idea. I'm not the fastest runner but I knew when I completed the first mile in 10.5 minutes that it was going to be slow even for me. There also seemed to be a lot of people who hadn't prepared and needed first aid. Having said all that the atmosphere produced by the runners, spectators and the bands was the best I've experienced.
Date of review: October 9, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Virgil
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 20% |
In short: My 1st GNR. Now I know the set up I'll do things different next year and I hope I enjoy it a lot more
In full: Started between the 1h45 and 2h markers. Took 11 mins to get to the start and I was passing walkers before the underpass! Like that for the next 10/11 miles at which point I had just enough room to start enjoying the run.
Date of review: October 9, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Jo C
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Fantastic first 4 miles, then too many people, not enought road!
Date of review: October 8, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Running scared
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: It nearly killed me, but I'd try again!
In full: I did a much worse time than I expected but I started and finished at the back so found the way beautifully clear. As a first race, I wasn't prepared for the long wait beforehand and the 20 minute walk to the start line (although I knew it would happen). Don't see how the organisers can stop ignorant people starting in the wrong place though.
Date of review: October 8, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Lazybones - The Original
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: You can't keep me away!
In full: This was my sixth visit and I'll be doing it again and again as long as I can! I know all the arguments but if you want a PB don't do it and then moan unless you are elite. It is a race for the whole weekend experience and atmosphere. Many of us now meet up every year and just have a great time. If you look on it as an enjoyable weekend away amongst like-minded people you will have a great time. If you are deadly serious and can't bear to not try for a PB every time you run, then only do your local races.
Date of review: October 8, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Diane Wailes
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: As a beginner I found the GNR an incredible experience. Wonderful atmosphere, very friendly and well organised. I would recommend it to anyone. The music along the way really adds to the carnival atmosphere.
Date of review: October 8, 2004
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