Shell Four Villages Half MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (140 votes). 2011 race reviewed by: fat thighs
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Fantastic example of how a race should be orgainised
In full: Brilliant organisation -race chips, park and ride, marshalls, water stations and the cheerful ladies serving tea at the end.
Thank you to all involved. It was a fantantic day and an example how a race should be organised.
Date of review: January 27, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Cavarama
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Well organised, friendly event, as ever!
In full: A well organised event, with friendly marshalls and an excellent park and ride system to get into the village itself.
The start was a bit ropey, but it was down to a last minute change, so couldn't be helped. And the chip timing meant that taking a while to reach the start line didn't hurt most people's chances.
Some great support en route, which really gives you a lift.
Unusual gift at the finish, plus a nice medal. Oh, and the free tea and biscuits are always very welcome!
Date of review: January 26, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Steve Riley
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Another great run
In full: My favourite road race. Maybe I'm biased because it's my local race, but this is a calendar highlight.
Date of review: January 26, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: mark neeld
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: One of my favorite half marathons
In full: I look forward to this half. Popular feel good race which is always full. Great marshalling and good support. Definite Pb potential. this year organisers forced into start change which unfortunately didn't work which was slightly disappointing. Hoping for an improvement for next year. Thanks to Helsby running club for a good day out.
Date of review: January 26, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: blueneil61
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Four Villages Excellent First Time Half Marathon
In full: Was coaxed into doing the Four Villages Half Marathon, earlier than I had intended to do one, because it was recommended by everyone in my running club who had done it previously. Chester Half in May was my target. They weren't wrong!! It was a fantastic first half marathon, for me at least. The organisation (park and ride to the start), the camaraderie of the runners and the general atmosphere of the day made me feel very relaxed. I started the race at a reasonably slow pace as advised then slowly built the speed up as I felt comfortable. The hills didn't feel too bad and the downhill stretch at the end was worth the wait. It worked and I clocked 1:40 which I was well happy with and felt I could have gone quicker. Roll on Chester!!
Date of review: January 25, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Phil Gillard
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Excellent
Date of review: January 25, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: jane ashbrook
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Once again a great race, well done Helsby RC! Love the buff in the goody bag.
Date of review: January 25, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Neil Robinson 17
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great race
In full: Great race, my third year in a row and i always enjoy it, although this year the start had moved and so was a bit of a mess but not a major problem. Tea and biscuits at the finish went down a treat! One thing i would like to raise is the medals i received in the previous 2 years both had the year 1981 on, but this years had 1982, dont know why!
Date of review: January 25, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Beer and Lard
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: No surprise entries close so quick
In full: Finally managed to run this race after having to pull out the last 2 years to to illness. It was well worth the wait and will back next year. Hopefully next time I'll spot the 10 mile marker, this year it was head down and plod up the hill.
Date of review: January 25, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Kicked-It
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Hugely popular race for very good reasons
In full: Great atmosphere before during and after this classic Winter Half. Fabulous organisation from the Helsby club, with the commemorative Buff being an imaginative and quality memento. The medallion in its own presentation case was a lovely touch too.
It may be a testing course, but if approached tactically, those hilly stretches can still produce fast times if you run the downhills to full effect: lots of PB's this year proves the point. A clock at mile 10 was a great idea I'd like to see catch on elsewhere!
From the marshalls at the park and ride, to the Rotary Club guys and the marsahals out on the course I've never met a cheerier and more friendly bunch: a real community event with the organisers obviously, and rightly proud of the race.
This is on my must do list for next year.
Thanks to all involved
Date of review: January 24, 2011
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