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Bupa Great Birmingham Run

Here's how RW members rated this race (74 votes).

51 to 60 of 74 ratingsPage: 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  

2011 race reviewed by: clairef78
Overall score
 
100%
Would you do it again?
 
Yes
 
Details:
Scenery
 
60%
PB potential
 
60%
Atmosphere
 
100%
Organisation
 
100%
Value
 
80%
Beginner-friendliness
 
100%

In short: A fantastic event
In full: This was my 3rd Birmingham Half but can I say what a tremendous event it has now become. As a Brummie myself I was immensely proud of the event. With top class competitors, Birmingham is now on the running map!

Superbly well organised - what else could you expect from the Bupa Team. I couldn't fault it. The NIA bag drop off was excellent and the warm up at the start got everyone in the mood. The coloured wave start was a good idea and eradicated the crowd control problems from last year.

This was my 8th half marathon this year but it had the best atmosphere by far. Yes it is an uphill battle towards the end but considering the rest of the route is completely flat I welcomed the challenge.

The last part of the race along Broad Street to the finish makes the pain worth it. The crowd were amazing.

I failed to get a PB but already I can't wait till next year.
Date of review: October 25, 2011

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2011 race reviewed by: BigMunnki
Overall score
 
100%
Would you do it again?
 
Yes
 
Details:
Scenery
 
80%
PB potential
 
80%
Atmosphere
 
100%
Organisation
 
100%
Value
 
60%
Beginner-friendliness
 
100%

In short: Finally a race for Birmingham to be proud of.
In full: I have run all of the previous Birmingham Half Marathons but was disillusioned in some ways as the race organisation showed little sign of improvement. However, with this, my faith in big races has been restored. The organisation was seamless. The support from the crowds was great and it was fantastic to watch the TV coverage when I got home and see Haile running around the park where I am for parkrun most weekends.
Yes, there is a hill to climb coming back into the city centre but I don't really see how it can be avoided and hills do add variety to the course.
Date of review: October 25, 2011

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2011 race reviewed by: RunnerBean_1987
Overall score
 
60%
Would you do it again?
 
Yes
 
Details:
Scenery
 
60%
PB potential
 
60%
Atmosphere
 
60%
Organisation
 
60%
Value
 
60%
Beginner-friendliness
 
80%

In short: Well organised and good supported race
In full: (Reviewed on behalf of boyfriend who ran)
First time running this race, was well organised and good support along the way.
More undulations than expected for a city race - last 2 miles quite tricky with tough (ish) hill might catch out first time runners of the distance (even the elites found it tough!) Definite PB potential for the more experienced runner.
Only really gripe would be that more water should have been provided before and after the start of the race. Overall another great BUPA race and would recommend.

Date of review: October 24, 2011

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2011 race reviewed by: Mark Smith 128
Overall score
 
100%
Would you do it again?
 
Yes
 
Details:
Scenery
 
40%
PB potential
 
60%
Atmosphere
 
80%
Organisation
 
100%
Value
 
80%
Beginner-friendliness
 
80%

In short: well organised event
Date of review: October 24, 2011

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2011 race reviewed by: bess40
Overall score
 
100%
Would you do it again?
 
Yes
 
Details:
Scenery
 
80%
PB potential
 
60%
Atmosphere
 
100%
Organisation
 
100%
Value
 
80%
Beginner-friendliness
 
100%

In short: Fab day- great atmosphere, corrected last year's mistakes, hill in wrong place!
In full: Really great day, superb organisation correcting all the problems from last year. The people of Birmingham were brilliant - all sorts of live music along the route and the cool old lady vicar on the decks was back! Great to have world class athletes and absolute beginners in the same race. The hill at 10-11 mile felt much hard this year and is a tough one. The only thing that was better last year was the medal, shame that neither T-shirt or medal say the words half-marathon. Don't stay at a hotel on Broad St the night before - very noisy car horns until 4am.
Date of review: October 24, 2011

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2011 race reviewed by: johannemica
Overall score
 
80%
Would you do it again?
 
Yes
 
Details:
Scenery
 
60%
PB potential
 
80%
Atmosphere
 
80%
Organisation
 
100%
Value
 
60%
Beginner-friendliness
 
80%

In short: Highly recommended
In full: This was my first half marathon and I'd highly recommend it to anyone else looking for a first try. Really well organised this year and runners of all levels and abilities so really encouraging for a beginner! Yes - the hill at 11 miles is a killer and - being a local - the route at the end is a bit strange as you seem to turn away from the finish line which, psychologically is tough!
Date of review: October 24, 2011

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2011 race reviewed by: Mike Berry
Overall score
 
100%
Would you do it again?
 
Yes
 
Details:
Scenery
 
60%
PB potential
 
80%
Atmosphere
 
100%
Organisation
 
100%
Value
 
80%
Beginner-friendliness
 
80%

In short: The organisation was so perfect I didn't notice it.
In full: Great organisation, bag drop off in NIA brilliant, great course - fast & mainly flat with a little tease at the end. Plenty of water, great support and suitable for everyone from Haille to my Mum, who finished only 1hr27 behind the great man. Outstanding race.
Date of review: October 24, 2011

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2011 race reviewed by: Tony Hails
Overall score
 
80%
Would you do it again?
 
Yes
 
Details:
Scenery
 
60%
PB potential
 
60%
Atmosphere
 
100%
Organisation
 
100%
Value
 
80%
Beginner-friendliness
 
80%

In short: A great day in Birmingham
In full: I have run various Great Run events and the support in all of their events is always amazing and Birmingham is no exception. The crowds were brilliant and the number of people who shouted your name from your number to keep you going was superb. The event is the usual sleak operation you expect from the Great Run team. So its a Big Well Done to all the Great Run staff, the Marshalls and all the people of Birmingham for putting on a great Half Marathon.
Date of review: October 24, 2011

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2011 race reviewed by: mmarty
Overall score
 
100%
Would you do it again?
 
Yes
 
Details:
Scenery
 
80%
PB potential
 
60%
Atmosphere
 
100%
Organisation
 
100%
Value
 
100%
Beginner-friendliness
 
80%

In short: superb
In full: nova have done a good job transforming this into an a-list race. great organisation and i loved the route. the inclines in the latter stages were testing but that's what made the race for me. i want to be tested. great crowd support in the city, bournville and cannon hill park. well done nova and well done birmingham
Date of review: October 24, 2011

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2011 race reviewed by: Sparky 89
Overall score
 
100%
Would you do it again?
 
Yes
 
Details:
Scenery
 
80%
PB potential
 
80%
Atmosphere
 
100%
Organisation
 
80%
Value
 
80%
Beginner-friendliness
 
100%

In short: One of the most uplifting races you could run
In full: A brilliant run and I'll remember it for a long time. Superb support from the locals. The hill at 10-11 miles wasn't too bad if you paced yourself carefully. My first '1/2' and I can't wait until my next one. Well done to everyone involved and all fellow runners.
Date of review: October 24, 2011

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