Bedford Harriers Oakley 12 & 20Here's how RW members rated this race in the past (458 votes). 2011 race reviewed by: phil miles 4
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: A run for runners - organised by runners - excellent!
In full: Really well organised, though was a little manic before the race in the hall, suggesting that they may have reached their limit in terms of numbers. However, everything was well managed - changing, baggage, refreshments, information - couldnt find fault with anything.
Probably the most marshalls I have ever seen on a race course, fantastic turnout, and all were encouraging runners and managing the traffic very well - big thanks.
Course was tough going, hilly first lap takes something out of the legs, but very scenic through the villages. Only slight downside was the last 1/2 mile through the houses which was a little dull given you run back past the start, then having to run round the field to get to the finish - I could see it, but it seemed a long, long way away!! All in all, big well done to Bedford Harriers AC - oh, and great hoodie, thanks!
Date of review: March 27, 2011
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2010 race reviewed by: Anke Kaiser 2
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Excellent prep race for London - The marshalls were fab (especially the Ladies).
Date of review: April 6, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Lisa Hamblin 2
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Being my 2nd 20 miles race before the vlm, I found it testing without being impossible. Loved the Hoodie and the scenery, not so keen on the hills!!! Missed the refreshments, but thats my fault as near the back of the race. Would recommend.
Date of review: April 3, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Anne-Marie King
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: A well organised event
In full: Thank-you to all the marshalls who encouraged me round the course and made me get a better time than I thought possible.Couldn't have had a nicer time.
Date of review: April 2, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Jane Le Druillenec
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Tough but rewarding. Very well organised. Great prep for London
In full: As someone relatively new to running I found the hills challenging but enjoyed the scenery. Liked the two laps - when you rejoined the first lap at mile 15/16 you knew the end was in sight. Didn't see the refreshments at the finish, that may have been because I finished towards the back. Excellent training for London though, a very well organised race and a great choice of memento
Date of review: April 1, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Frank Wood 2
| | 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: Another well organised running on a very lovely rural course.
In full: Surprised at how good the turnout was and very good conditions. Organisation excelent as usual and the commemorative hoodie is fantastic.
Date of review: April 1, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: mowzer
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Challenging course, superb marshalls, well worth doing.
In full: 'Undulating' really is the word - and not many flat bits in between! Supportive and well organised marshalls, lovely refreshments afterwards, nice scenery going through the countryside or the villages (and some welcome local support), well-manned and frequent water stations, great hoodie. Results were on the website very quickly and photos were also quick. The 2 laps work as the 2nd lap is shorter and follows a slightly different course - once you rejoin the first lap course you know you are really on the way home. And I don't even mind the short stretch through the housing estate at the end (keep saying "just 5 more minutes"). Parking was an issue - even the overflow parking was full and many just resorted to parking in the housing estate. Perhaps another overflow car park can be found next year. Thanks to Bedford Harriers and everyone who made this tough race so enjoyable.
Date of review: April 1, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Julia Lines
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: friendly people, good route, best memento going
In full: The only downside to this race is the fact it is a 2 lap. The route is good, challenging but not gruelling. The marshalls are lovely and well organised. It is almost worth doing for the excellent hoodie memento. Good pre marathon distance, done it twice now and it will be on my calendar for next year.
Date of review: April 1, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: william peter mitchell
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% |
In short: worth the journey
In full: I came down from derbyshire to do it as a pre VLM having read the reports of what a good pre london race it was and I was not disappointed,
the marsals where very good and gave everybody lots support.I was also able to pace myself with very pleasant young lady from London called Nicola who is also doing VLM which greatley helped me to keep to my pace time,hope you do well at London Nicola I hope I got your right as I have a terrible memory for names. The hoody is great even my daughter liked it well done for a great event.
Date of review: March 31, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Claire Waters
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Very enjoyable, great marshalls and fab hoodie.
In full: The race was fantastic, but why do some runners think it is ok to drop their empty gel packets on the ground? If you are so weak that you cannot manage to carry it to the next marshall (all of who had bins with them), then perhaps you should stick to sitting on your sofa on a Sunday morning. Running a 20mile race does not give you permission to litter the countryside, and it gives runners a bad name.
Date of review: March 31, 2010
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