GrizzlyHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (166 votes). 2012 race reviewed by: melvin vayle
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: this is one of the all time greats - please keep doing it and the axe valley runners!
In full: Unbelievable weather for early March and a fantastic atmosphere with plenty of fellow hashers taking part. It was just as well there was less beach as the race was really tough in the warm conditions
Sadly I was the author of my own poor time as hadn't done anywhere enough training and hadn't run for 4 weeks after a flu-virus plus It was too hot and I had terrible cramp (a very big thank you to the marshals for some impromptu on-course physiotherapy!)
A massive thank you to the race director and the 500+ who were involved in the organisation of the this huge event.
Even went in the sea after I had finished (chafed intimate areas and seawater don't mix as I found when I got out!!)
Date of review: March 12, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Derek Boles 2
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: One of a kind, a superb event.
In full: As this was the 25th Grizzly and I did the first 7 or 8 until it got harder and I got older I 'only' did the cub run this year but what a race. I can honestly say it was probably the most enjoyable event I have ever taken part in after running for 30 years.
Allthough the route strays through some pretty remote areas you kept meeting little groups of really enthusiastic spectators which was a great lift.
Thanks to Axe Valley Runners and all involved in organising this event especially Gary Parrett.
The sunny day didn't detract either, and I have the pink head to prove it!
Date of review: March 12, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Deberella
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: A fantastic, challenging, hilly, muddy race. Proper hardcore. Loved it!
In full: Superb weather,beautiful location,brilliantly organised. I challenging body aching race, but so glad i did it. Loads of water stations, jelly babies a plently. Really friendly runners of all ages and from far and wide. Loved the finish and firemen to boot.
Date of review: March 12, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Chesilboy
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Leg-smashingly perfect. The most fun I've had in any event ever.
In full: This race is designed to be tough and it excels! This is not a corporate pretender 'hard man' event, this is 20.5 miles of the real thing - as nature intended, with stunning views to match.
The organisation is impressive and flawless, so much so I believe they may have even been responsible for arranging the glorious sunshine.
It's the people that make this race truly special, the countless grinning marshals, bagpipe players, bands, drummers, banners, signs, amazing support, and silly comments nailed to trees. A sense of humour flows from every pore of this race.
It would also seem that every jelly baby in the UK was sent to Devon and handed out by every marshal and grinning kid all the way around. I swear I finished the race heavier than when I started! :-)
When you do finally finish (I didn't want to) you get a great technical T-shirt and the option of getting hosed down by the fire brigade or running straight into the sea.
Oh, and the icing on the cake was an individual handmade cupcake iced with the number '25' to mark the anniversary of this event. Almost too good to eat I thought as I stuffed it into my face whilst running into the sea....
Date of review: March 12, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Phil Henley 2
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: WOW
In full: my first time running this, fantastic. great organisation, marshalls and support all excellent, beautiful scenery and a lovely sunny day, perfect. i thought the first half was hilly but the second half was much more, hands on knees and just keep moving. a massive thanks to all concerned, well done. had a welcome ice bath (sea) after, was looking forward to that. thanks.
Date of review: March 12, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: madmudrunner
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Boggy, hilly, hard! Fantastic fun.
In full: Another great race, brilliant atmosphere, marshals were all very enthusiastic and supportive even if they did lie! "It's flat from here", "Last hill..." without the disclaimer "for the next little bit..." It wouldn't be the same without it though. Quite roady/ tracky this year and less shingle which was a little disappointing.. But not that disappointing! I heard the bottlenecks at a couple of gates were due to a farmer being awkward, but grateful for the rest breaks.
The bog was short and shoe-sucking, but did like the shoe wash afterwards (stream) and the bonus bog a bit further on. :)
Lots of water stations, and many thanks to all the marshals offering jelly babies - very appreciated later in the race!
Overall, another well organised race, hope to get in again next year - it's my favourite run. :)
Date of review: March 12, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Pete Waumsley 3
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: tough but glorious, scenic race
In full: Positives: friendly marshals
brilliant weather
fantastic crowds
beautiful scenery all the way
awesome organisation
great t-shirt
finish line organisation - brilliant
great day - fantastic experience
Negatives
Big hills!
Finishers of 'Cub' race got same finishers t-shirt as Grizzly.
well done AVR - dont drop this race (rumours i heard today)
Date of review: March 11, 2012
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2010 race reviewed by: Red Squirrel.
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
Date of review: April 25, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Simon Dean 2
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: As hard as it's reputation, but a fantastic challenging race to run
In full: This was my first grizzly and after being talked into it 6 months ago I had been training as hard as possible around injured achilles in order to complete it. The race is as hard as it's diamond hard reputation, with hills, mud, beach, water, hills, steps, hills and eeven more beach. Out of the 20 miles, I estimate about 2 miles that don't hammer your legs in one way or another! fantastic marshalls, superb organisation on the day and also loads of info provided pre-race so it was impossible to not get parked and to the start line on time. I take my hat off to Axe Valley Runners for organising a truly monumental event. The only down side for me was my own lack of fitness! I'll be back next year fitter and knowing a bit more about what to expect! One of my most painful buit most memorable and satisfying races to date. A classic!
Date of review: March 15, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Kevin kemp
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Real men do wear pink...............
In full: The only flat parts of this challenge is the 100 metres at the start and finish, everything else is just extremely undulating.
You don’t run this race for a PB you run to become a survivor and wear the pink shirt with pride. Congratulations Axe Valley Runners for putting on such a great event.
See you next year
Date of review: March 15, 2010
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