Windsor Half MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (279 votes). 2010 race reviewed by: Jose Salinas
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Undulating race with fantastic last stretch
In full: This year they tweaked the course so it all took place within the park, and it was great.
No car traffic to contend with whatsoever during the race, very well marshalled, good toilet facilities though a bit poor on the goody bag issue, but you get a mars bar and a lucozade, so at least that's something.
Windsor is a lovely picturesque town, and the last mile on a straight line that seems to never end with the castle at the back is one of the best sights in any race I have ever run.
I would not call it hilly, but it's undulating, up and down, and it can be taxing at times, but then the last mile is mostly downhill!
Date of review: September 26, 2010
|
|
2009 race reviewed by: Nikola Mann
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 20% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: First and last time for me...
In full: I'd never been to Windsor before the half marathon and was looking forward to seeing somewhere new - the finish overlooking the castle was spectacular but aside from that, I could have been running in any park anywhere. The course didn't seem very spectator-friendly either but I'd like to pay particular thanks to the lady at Mile 11 who appeared to be cheering for one and all - your positivity really made a difference. Particularly for me, as I'd vomited at Mile 10 (mild heat stoke, I think).
The day was baking hot, which made the 1pm start feel harder than it needed to. Combining that with disorganisation from the very beginning (starting 20 minutes late due to traffic problems) and a hilly course, I didn't have a huge amount of fun. Plus, the organisers not providing adequate drinks at the end of the race was ridiculous, and dangerous - I had two small cups, but it seemed as though it was in the minority. A funsize Mars bar (as opposed to a goody bag) didn't really sweeten matters much either.
A nice medal and good toilet facilities can't make up for Windsor inadequacies in other key areas.
Date of review: November 2, 2009
|
2009 race reviewed by: Brandon Emma
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
Date of review: October 30, 2009
|
2009 race reviewed by: Get Down
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Great potential let down by poor organisation
In full: Let's be clear, this is a challenging race - hilly, hot (this year) and crowded. Too crowded for the narrow paths for the first few miles, not helped by the very short staring funnel with an hour's worth of times spread over 200 metres of less.
The comments about organisation are fair, and it seems that this race is just too big for the location. The spectator area is great, lots for kids to do, and a good chance to watch in the first mile. But things don't seemed too well organised for runners (and drivers). The start was delayed but the one place this couldn't be heard was when waiting at the startline - the speakers didn't point in this direction. I too was refused more than one cup of water when I finished, which is madness - even offering to use the same cup! And for a race that makes so many statements about not running with iPods, about half of runners did run with them, which is dangerous on a course this narrow and I got frustrated with people cutting me up.
What did happen before the 80s and the first Walkman. Did people just sing too themselves?
So, Windsor - done it once and that' enough. A shame.
Date of review: October 26, 2009
|
2009 race reviewed by: Ferry
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 20% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Terrible terrible T-E-R-R-I-B-L-E organisation
In full: All the signs were good. A half-marathon in Windsor Park and in September.
Sadly the reality was utterly rubbish & so badly organised that I've got to assume the team in charge have never actually run the Windsor Half.
The three worst decisions were....
a) The totally daft start time that ensured we were all out during the hottest part of the day.
b) The 20 minute delay to the start that ensured no-one was ready.
c) The criminal lack of organisation at the exit to the car-park that ensured our lasting memory was one of a race full of potential, but ruined by the bunch of muppets in charge.
Greenwich next year. Bring it on.
Date of review: October 18, 2009
|
2009 race reviewed by: northern andy
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: This was tough
In full: I did windsor over 2 years ago and thought it was tough then but never thought i could experience that heat in september again..but i was soo wrong.
I beat my last time as i was better trained but the combination of the heat and the hills were a real killer and wondered why do they start this race a 1pm???!
Anyway thought it was a great day out, great atmosphere and loads of great looking women !
The event and the training has also inspired me to do more events but i think im gonna concentrate at being really good at 10k!
Date of review: October 13, 2009
|
2009 race reviewed by: Never Give Up Girl
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 20% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 20% |
In full: I think anyone contemplating doing this race should read these reports on RW. I would agree 100% - absolutely barmy start time was blazing hot. Wonder if the organisers have ever run at that time of day in that environment... Very hilly course so really not for the faint hearted. I was okay with the water stations not my first half by any means but always take some myself the two stops I threw the water down my neck each time. No shade on much of the course. Wonderful surroundings really should have started circa 9am. Nice medal though. Not a PB course although only 4 mins under mine. I wouldnt do it again but it was an experience ticked that one off the list...
Date of review: October 5, 2009
|
2009 race reviewed by: Michelle Thompson 4
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 20% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Too hot, too hilly, RIDICULOUS exiting out of car park
In full: A londoner who did this race to see a bit of Windsor but it turned out that I could have been running anywhere in any park. Really wished that i didn't do this. Will not be back next year.
Date of review: October 3, 2009
|
2009 race reviewed by: Ridgeway Joggeress
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 20% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Some dangerously careless organisation in a beautiful location
In full: I was well-prepared for this one and it's not my first or longest race, but the water stations were too far apart and plastic cups impossible to carry. As a result I passed out at 9 miles, and managed to stagger to the end but was still vomiting well into the evening. Until the organisers of this race change the start time and take their responsibilities seriously I think they will continue to have serious casualties on this race. Having said all that - I don't think the car park fiasco was their fault - no one could have predicted an accident happening right outside the exit. From my point of view it has put me off racing for life.
Date of review: October 2, 2009
|
2009 race reviewed by: Tamsin Stewart
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Very tough hills, but great atmosphere
Date of review: October 1, 2009
|
| |
denotes Subscriber-only content | 
