Abingdon MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (556 votes). 2008 race reviewed by: runningwidger
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Flat, Fast, a great atmosphere, what more could you ask for?
In full: From the very moment I arrived at the start I knew this was going to be a great race. The marshalls and organisers were friendly and helpful. The course was as flat as flat can be yet it was still quirky and scenic enough to stop it becoming dull. Although the roads were still open the marshalls and police did a fantastic job of keeping the runners safe. There was plenty of water and a sponge station. Not only did the marshalls do a great job directing and cheering on I was impressed to see several of them on bikes checking on runners throughout the course - lets not forget these people have kindly given up their Sunday so that we can have this marathon.
The finish in the stadium was an amazing touch! The shiniest medal I think I've ever seen, a fabulous goodie bag filled with actually useful stuff (like chocolate and energy gels) instead of the usual leaflets etc and much needed tea and biccies after. There is no way I'm missing this one in 2009!!
Date of review: October 20, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: BSD
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great for a first marathon
In full: Thank you to all the organisers - the route was great, started on time and the start and finish in the stadium was just the ticket. I'm speaking on behalf of some of my supporters and the fact there wasn't a map of the route with the pack, the toilets in town were not unlocked. For the runners can there be toilets dotted round the route and possibly some bottles of water rather than cups? Overall a cracking race but the walk back to the car was a killer!
Date of review: October 20, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Top Cat 68
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Great race - fast, well organised with enthusiastic supporters and marshalls. Thank you Abingdon Amblers - great show.
Date of review: October 20, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Simon Atkin
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Flat, fast course with excellent marshalling
In full: Great course, almost flat throughout. Very well marshalled by all the volunteers and Police - big thanks to all of you. The support from marshalls, and spectators was very welcome and encouraging. Plenty of water and signs. All in all a great race - maybe setting a new PB by 45 mins makes me a bit biased though.
Date of review: October 20, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Emma-Jayne Bailey
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: A very friendly race, supporters and marshalls were great and kept us going.
Date of review: October 20, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Gingerhound
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Fantastic event
In full: Thanks everyone involved. My first non big city marathon and really enjoyed the change. Not saying better or worse but definitely different. On the plus side friendly atmosphere, no hassle, queues or crowds, benefits of a stadium start & finish (hot & cold drinks!)and you can see and hear your support if you have any. But you won't have massed crowds urging you on or sports drinks at the water stations. Fast course, the only incline of any note is only an underpass but it's at about 24 miles so felt like a mountain! After that every kerb looked about 3 feet high, I'm sure some of them had snow on top. Would definitely do it again. Only quibble would be on the return route through town centre had to cross road a few times with traffic running and wasn't mentally up to that particular challenge at that point. Shutting eyes and running towards the marshall's voice seemed to work - DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME KIDS.
Date of review: October 20, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: J Rogers
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: great start and finish on track, good flat route
In full: Had a really great day and the finish on the track was wonderful, lovely to have so many people out supporting too. Only one criticism was that I saw one of the first few men getting diverted back into the loop at Preston road when he should have been directed to the finish.He was clearly an elite runner. He was eventually caught and sent back but it must have cost him nearly a mile- could well have cost him a prize.
Date of review: October 20, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: GEPRIG
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Simply the best
In full: It is. It just is. Well done to the Abingdon Amblers.
Date of review: October 20, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: JonnyS
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Well organised with a nice flat course.
In full: First year running this event, made sure I entered early to get in. No problem with the parking even if it was about a mile from the start/finish. The course was flat with no 'surprises'. It made a pleasent change after running the Clarendon Marathon 2 weeks prior. Plenty of marshalls most giving their support. Nice to see some of the locals cheering us along. The water/feed stations well stocked and plentiful. Nice to finish on the track with the crowd roaring you on. Will certainly be back again.
Date of review: October 20, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Treacle Tart
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Wonderful race through a great mix of scenery, with a lovely atmosphere, fab marshals and a wonderful stadium finish.
Date of review: October 20, 2008
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