BUPA Great North RunHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (1517 votes). 2009 race reviewed by: Big Wonga
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Smashing atmosphere!!
In full: Loved the race! The crowd was magnificent, kinda what you expect from the gerodie public. Didn't expect the weather to be so hot, the big crowd made it even hotter!
I don't understand those who complain about the cost of the race. They know full well how much it cost prior to entering so why bother complaining afterwards? No one pointed a gun to your head to enter!? If you think it's too expensive then don't do it again. There are many more who missed out on the ballot would welcome the place you took!
For those who are after pbs, they should stick to the smaller races and stop your grumble cos it's simply annoying!
I know i will be back next year providing i can get a place.
Date of review: September 23, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Rebecca Ford 4
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: amazing crowd support. much of course on incline but no steep climbs
Date of review: September 23, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Funkstar
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Great race but tougher than I expected
In full: The first mile of this race was the best running experience of my life and should be experienced by everyone! The start itself was great the announcer and the music combined were a great way to get going.
The congestion on the course was frustrating at times, I agree with others that say ipods should be banned, I can't understadn why you go to this event and then run for 2 hours without speaking to or acknowledging anyone!
The organisation of the run was super, drinks stops were smooth and the course is what you need for 50,000 runners (it's wide).
People complain about the price but this run costs millions to put on, BUPA must have deep pockets. Sorry if you wanted a better tee but unlikely, unless the people of Newcastle are asked to subsidise our running.
I'll be back (oneday)
Date of review: September 22, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: GARYMAC
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: The people of Newcastle make it the best Half Marathon in the world.
Date of review: September 22, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: shadyg
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Special race, fantastic atmosphere, great to be part of it.
In full: I've done it now, but would probably do it again, really enjoyed the whole weekend in Newcastle. The race is crowded pretty much all the way round so difficult to call it a race, spend lots of time dodging other runners but the the spectators and atmosphere make up for any negatives.
Date of review: September 22, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: PAULA P
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Fantastic Atmosphere and Support!
In full: Thoroughly enjoyed my first GNR for the fantastic atmosphere (oggy oggy oggy!!!) and great support the whole way around from the supporters. Didnt bank on the heat and the shower pods were a much welcome relief. Also the little kids spraying us with their garden hose was too!
Only downside was the 5hr WAIT to get out of the carpark at the finish......what an absolute shambles!!!! Especially as I had a 6hr trek back home!
But on the whole will be back next year and learnt where to park to avoid a delay.
Date of review: September 22, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Pete Ellis
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Comparing this year with 2004 when I last ran the GNR I felt that
Date of review: September 22, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Robert Russell 5
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In full: Fantastic atmosphere and very well organised, but hard race and no way to get PB on this one (although I did, but nearly died achieving it). Sheer volume of people for all but last three miles made it v challenging and adds 0.1 mile to distance for zig-zag overtakes. Crowds were brilliant and made it into a rather emotional experience. Cheers of support and army cadets standing to attention for last 1/2 mile was humbling.
Date of review: September 22, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: James 1986
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Pricey race, but worth it. AMAZING atmosphere.
Date of review: September 22, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Anita Bartlett
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Brilliant
In full: This year was my first GRN. I thought it was fantastic and will be back next year definately. I didn't have a problem with people being rude and pushin past, apart from the one woman that was running in the green group when she had an orange group number on, not our fault she couldn't get there on time. Everyone I pasted, and pasted me were very polite. The generousity of the spectators on route almost had me in tears. People buying ice lollies, ice pops and such like out of there own pocket was amazing. I did get a bit confused when people kept shouting my name, then realised that it was on my vest!!!!!
Date of review: September 22, 2009
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