Nike Milton Keynes Half MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (558 votes). 2006 race reviewed by: Simon Johnson 11
 | | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Well organised race.
Date of review: March 13, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: Linford
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: An average race that needs better organisation
In full: It has the potential to be a very good race, nice location, easy parking and pb potential however better signage and better finishing would improve it
Date of review: March 13, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: KazzaF
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: My first half marathon and what an enjoyable run! Great course, well marshalled with enough water stations, but shame about the delays at the finish line.
In full: This was my first attempt at a half marathon and I found it very enjoyable. I picked it because it was a flat course and didn't expect it to be as scenic as it was. I was pleasantly surprised.
There were plenty of marshalls, some more encouraging than others, but full credit to them for standing around in the cold! Lots of spectators too and a good atmosphere.
I have read other comments regarding the traffic control and can't say that I witnessed or experienced any problems at all. The marshalls and police did a very good job at controlling the traffic when needed.
The water stations were at ideal points and the lucozade an unexpected bonus.
I was slightly disappointed with the start as I was near the back of the field and no-one knew that the race had actually started. We were expecting a gun or loud hailer at least.
The finish was also a little disorganised and it took about 7-10 minutes to get through to the other end. It was not ideal standing around in the cold for so long without also being able to get to a drink.
Having said all that I have great memories of this first half marathon and would do it again.
Date of review: March 13, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: newbierunner
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Perfect time trial over this distance
In full: Well worth it. A couple of snags with times but not worth moaning too much about. With no hills to speak of and a nice fresh start to the day it made for perfect conditions to do a good time with definate PB potential.
Date of review: March 13, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: Luddy
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: it has all been said before: Start and Finish a nightmare, the rest okay
In full: Somehow I got lucky up front during the start and got away okay. Funny enough the megaphones were around but weren't usen't during the start. Whatever they were used for during the finish is still a mystery to me. The course is nice and easy so that you can keep a steady pace. I was a bit puzzled about the mile markers as well, thought it was my polar watch acting up. Finished with PB so I cannot complain, the finish was mad, I guess a simple change of venue for the finishing line will do for next year. As for the T-Shirt? who needs another one that is just rotting in the back of the wardrobe with all the other ones or be used for cleaning, still wondering what I can use the medal for...
Yes, will probably come back next year, hope it is a bit warmer then ...
Date of review: March 13, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: Iccle Jim
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Nicerun, but poorly organised
In full: I appreciated the lucozade and facilities seemed very good. Then people turned up, no-one could get in or out of the main hall as there was only one door in/out and desks lined on one side. Half an hour before the start there was a huge sardine thing going on as everyone looked for the baggage area. I was told by one marshall that we just leave bags in the hall. What happened to a semi-secure area and tags? After a run back to the car I then had a 20 minute queue for the loos and a run back to find the start line.
I never actually found the start, there was no obvious line for us midway through the crowd. The race itself was pleasant, and marshalls friendly and helpful.
The finish was as bad as the start, firstly trying to run through crowds of finishers and spectators, then turning into sprint the last bit, only to wonder where the finishing line actually was! I stopped my garmin at 13.17 miles (acceptable) but only when I hit a crowd of runners standing still! Then spent 20 MINUTES standing still waiitng for... my number to be written down by a single man. He did work hard, but could have had help! I eventually got to the end of the filter, stiff as a board, cold, and fed up.
Date of review: March 13, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: Scorpio
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Fast, scenic with a few testing small inclines
In full: My first experience of this race, and after smashing my PB by 2 minutes I am very happy. Have been surprised by some of the negative reports but I finished relatively quickly so I think I missed any major problems.
Negatives:
1. better signage needed upon arrival for toilets, number collection, registration etc.
2. Directions to the start as wasnt clear when I arrived at 9.30. A big START and FINISH banners would be good. Neither were clear.
3. Start needs predicted time categories. Too many slow runners at the front - some who had never run half marathon before!!
4. Please get sponsorship from a water company and get small bottles...
5. I went straight off at end as I didnt realise about free massage, drinks etc - signage again would be welcome.
6. Chip timing or more timing marshalls at end along with actual finish line needed.
Positives:
1. Easy to park.
2. Friendly staff.
3. Lucosade Sport sponsorship nice surprise!
4. Carpark right next to finish/start.
5. Fast course with some lovely little villages and scenic routes.
6. Good medal.
7. Great PB!!
Overall, excellent. Flat description is maybe stretching it, though the majority of it is. However, there are a few undulations towards the end which are there to test your legs!! A few signs towards the end saying 400metres to go etc would be useful...
Date of review: March 13, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: Melissa Olivier
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: My first race and I loved it
In full: This was my first race ever and I really enjoyed the whole experience! Will definitely be back next year to run it again!
Date of review: March 13, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: Mark Huish
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Beat my previous PB by nine minutes - very happy
In full: Although bitterly cold I left with a very warm feeling because I beat my previous PB by about 9 minutes, can't be more exact because Championchips not used. Hope they recify this next year.
Date of review: March 13, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: DrGonzo
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Good almost traffic free course. Well organaised .. apart from the END
In full: Finish was amateurish in the extreme. Ruined what was otherwise a well organised event. Sort it.
Otherwise water stations fine (also Luc sport). Marashalls did fine job, must have been cold and even friendly police woman just after the 7. Flat and PB potential.
Date of review: March 13, 2006
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