Sheffield Half-MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (528 votes). 2012 race reviewed by: CraigReed79
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Hot day
In full: The organisation was good and they added an extra drinks station and sponge stations along the way, however, the early stations were woefully understaffed/poor organised and caused lots of problems with people running into each other. The tables could have been spread out much further so density of runners would be lower or have had them on both sides of the road (as done further along the course when the runners had already spread out). Other than that, great race, much better without the underground carpark and subways, and stadium finish... seemed further this year for some reason.
Date of review: May 28, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Cake
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
Date of review: May 28, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: kaska
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Poor organisation in stadium, otherwise great.
In full: There was no excuse for delaying the start in such hot conditions. Latecomers will still get their chip times, and weren't able to start near the front anyway (if they were that bothered, they'd have turned up on time). Some awkward barriers to movement in the stadium weren't appreciated with tired legs. At least one of the stewards in the stadium hadn't a clue about where the exit was (sent us the opposite way). Once we got going though, the race was excellent. Great support on Eccleshall Rd, and even the industrial parts were grimly attractive. Good provision of water. No hills to speak of (compared with the rest of Sheffield).
Date of review: May 28, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Misfit_of_Ska
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: I keep coming back, but there is definitely room for inprovement
In full: I like this run, the course is good and atmosphere is brilliant in parts. Ok, so Brightside is a bit dull but then again there are some rural races that are boring as bat droppings the WHOLE way round! However, after running the Leeds two weeks ago Sheffield has a lot to consider... Leeds was cheaper, with plenty of bottles of water on route, a goodie bag with a technical t-shirt, a chocolate bar and the option of water, juice or isotonic at the end. I don’t want to be in the position of saying Leeds is better than Sheffield!
I really pushed for my sub-2hrs this time, having had such a successful run a fortnight ago, only to miss it by seconds. Seconds probably taken up by stopping to queue for water, and then trying to throw it in the general vicinity of my face while running! Poor. I'd say I wasn't going to do it next year but obviously I will. These complaints come up year after year and the organisers don't seem to listen, not even as poor souls pass out at the side of the road - guess I need to start running with my own water. PS perhaps there wasn’t enough goodie bags as some of them didn’t contain medals. My other half had to go back to get another bag, and I overheard a lady (outside of the stadium) asking where folk had got their medals from…
Date of review: May 28, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: irregular
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: One of the city races where the route actually passes through the city
In full: The heat was a contributary factor to the event as many runners were crowding onto footpaths to gain whatever shade was on offer.
Several casualties were observed but were efficiently being dealt with by support staff.
Parking excellent and well directed. Some of the red tape restrictions in the arena were pointless - toilets were adequate if one visited the far side of the stadium or the bar area( this was announced )
Water would have been better in bottles as the amount in cups varied considerably albeit stations were adequate.
Fantastic support in the towny areas.
The course is not flat but manageable by average and fun runners.
Overall a well organised event well worth doing!
Date of review: May 28, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: JakeUK
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Local support was fantastic
In full: A PB race, which I'm sure always sways one's opinion slightly! The start in the stadium setting was great if a little chaotic. Would rather go without a tee shirt if it meant water bottles at the drinks stations. The local support was fantastic, a genuine boost during certain parts of the race. A massive thank you to anyone out there shouting support, playing music, cheering, you are all ace :) This could be one of the best northern half marathons with the level of support from the locals.
Date of review: May 28, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Carol Bull
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Excellent support on Ecclesall Road again!
In full: We didn't have any issues with parking. We arrived at 7.45am and went straight into the Arena car park as advertised with no queue at all. I really enjoyed starting and finishing in the stadium. Those last few metres along the track has a really buzz about it with everyone in the stadium cheering you on. I really appreciated the extra water stations that had been put on due to the heat, and the sponges were lovely, but agree that there was some crowding especially at the first one. As per previous years the highlight for this race for me is Ecclesall Road. The support on both sides of this road is incredible and really uplifting. Sheffield is traditionally an industrial city so I don't think the organisers can avoid running through some of them. I really enjoyed this race despite the heat.
Date of review: May 28, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Andrew Nash 3
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: hot and too many runners spoilt a good race
In full: Firstly the bad - yes i agree with everyone about the water although i felt there were enough stations (more than in a lot of other races) but use both sides of the road not just 1. Bottles would be good but i know from other events that when discarded these are a menace for other runners! Toilets as always in short supply. Why there weren't portaloos around the stadium perimeter is beyond me. And finally the bag at the end - 1 bottle of water, no tech t shirt and no snack to replenish. Not good enough!
Now for the good. After climbing in the lake district on Friday and running a fell race on Saturday i was expecting the run to be difficult but the course isn't too bad at all. I found the support to be good especially around the 5-8 mile points and at the stadium. The info pack sent out prior to the race was excellent and i had no problems with parking or access in or out of the stadium.
Overall a good event which i would do again although i feel a limit of 5000 runners is needed and attention to detail could be improved.
Date of review: May 28, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Jonathan Tinker
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Hot & Hilly!!
In full: For the size of the event (6000+ runners), the organisation was poor. I've seen better at local running club hosted races. The water situation was a disgrace - especially so for such a hot day. Plastic cups?? where were the sports bottles & Isotonic drinks? Congestion was caused at the water stations, with only one side of the road used. Only one sponge station (mile 3 & on the return, mile 10). And then no water at the finish other than the small bottle in the 'goody' bag - or should that be 'lack of goody' bag? usual bog standard cotton t-shirt. Scenery was poor, mostly through industrial areas. Support was patchy, due I guess to the above. However, Eccleshall (half way point) was brilliant. Fantastic crowd support with some entertainment thrown in. Start / finish at Don Valley good too. Although I think the event is not able to support the number of runners taking part. Traffic congestion severe at the start, despite allowing plenty of time.
For the number of runners taking part, the event should be much slicker organised. Other cities put on so much more for their half marathons. Sheffield can and should do better to make it a top notch race.
First half of the race virtually all on the uphill. Not too steep, but a constant slog upwards. Really can't believe how bad the water situation was - especially considering the hot weather.
Must do better.....
Date of review: May 27, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: adrian wilson 3
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Very hot today but that is not the organisers fault.Water in bottles would be better though.
In full: Enjoyed this race despite the inclines and hot weather.Medal was nice.Had to queue at some water stations and this is un-acceptable.Bottles next time please.
Lack of toilet facilities at start was not great.Ended up using some bushes as a urinal.Again not acceptable.Otherwise organisation was fine.
Date of review: May 27, 2012
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