Bristol Half MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race (888 votes). 2011 race reviewed by: Elizabeth Dix 4
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 20% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Enjoyable 1st half but organisation could be better
In full: First of all my race pack went to a completely incorrect address! Secondly the t-shirts could be in more female runner friendly sizes! My "Small" t-shirt drowns me! Otherwise all went well for my first half marathon.
Date of review: September 14, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Steve Curd
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Runs like clockwork, but some missing mile markers towards the end?
Date of review: September 14, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: RuthM
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: My favourite half marathon
In full: Lovely tshirt and medal, and I got a brilliant (for me) time! Volunteers were lovely, and plenty of drinks available.
Date of review: September 14, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: John Potjewyd
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 20% |
In short: new course, same hills, more wind and sun - may as well go on holiday and not run
In full: The hills in the centre within a few miles of the finish are too much for any but the regular club runner. The weather was not fit for a race. It was hot. I lost 4 kg (almost 9 pounds) of fluids. I couldn't possibly drink 4 pints during the run to replace fliuds. Overall: race from hell.
Date of review: September 14, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: David McNeil 5
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Generally well thought out event. Better than most
In full: This was my first time at this event. The course is generally fast and flat with lots of long straight sections in the first 8 miles and a two wave start, both reducing congestion. Despite this, the number of runners in the event (10000) can lead to the first mile or so being slow.
There is plenty of NCP type parking available within a few minutes walk of the start, and the race facility provision and organisation(toilets, bag drop, information, post race drinks etc) is nothing short of excellent I was also very impressed with the sheer number of people who had given up their Sunday morning, clearly on a voluntary basis. As noted elsewhere, the only negative was the absence or poor positioning of markers within the last 2 miles. The 12 mile marker seemed to be absent and as the finish gantry only becomes visible within the last 200m or so, "countdown" markers - 800m, 400m etc would have been useful. Otherwise a fantastic day out !
Date of review: September 14, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Clive Pickles
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Well organized and enjoyable.
In full: I've done this race each year since 2005 and always found it a good experience. I used to prefer going round the streets first and then up the Portway and back to the finish. The drag round the streets at the end is heavy going but I see the point of getting into a wide road as quickly possible. Basics like baggage storage and toilets are excellent and the only gripe I have is that some mile-markers seemed to have been missed or were difficult to see. Will take part next year without doubt and would recommend it to anyone wondering whether to try this race.
Date of review: September 13, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Stephanie Luxton
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In full: This years t-shirt was much better that lasts (even though a small was massive!) but I agree with other comments about the goody bad- disappointing! My garmin also measured 13.4 miles but that might be me, must learn to cut corners! 1 minutes slower than last year but with recent injuries I can't complain. I enjoy Bristol Half, more people turned out to cheer this year but thats probably because the weather was good! The cobbles, twists and minor inclines towards the end definitely slowed me down but Ill be back next year to beat my time!
Date of review: September 13, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Tom77
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: fast course, well organised, bit pricey
Date of review: September 13, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Half Marathon Matt
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Worth a go!
In full: Good race, nice and fast, bit dull once run under the Suspension Bridge and back, but apart from that its a nice fast course.
Downside: Cobbles - I know they are loved by some, but for other (like me) they are a nuisance, and slowed me down considerably. A route which by passed the cobbles would have got top marks.
Special praise for the marshalls, st johns and paramedics there - saw some many people collapse, and within seconds help was there, and ambulance called (when needed). Well done all of you, should be very proud.
Date of review: September 13, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Lady Wot Jogs
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Loved it!
In full: Organisation brilliant, great scenery, great all round atmosphere. Found the last few miles a bit challenging, but at least i know what to expect next year. This is a perfect event for people like myself who live outside the area as plenty of accommodation available around start/finish area.
Date of review: September 13, 2011
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