BUPA Great North RunHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (1517 votes). 2009 race reviewed by: Paul Hooper 3
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: chaotic carnival atmosphere...i loved it
In full: I think that the GNR was one of the most inspiring events i have ever run, the people of the north east turned out in droves to cheer on the runners/walkers/joggers, i do understand some of the negatives if you are very competative , however if you are happy to run because you like running then this race delivers on all counts..i loved the mental start with all the oggi, oggi oggi's in the underpasses, and post race transport was excellent, the scenary was not great but the tyne bridge at the start and the view over south shield at the end was terrific. i think that i would like to do the race again next year
Date of review: September 22, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Chemane Brier
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: VERY hilly, fantastic turnout of spectators, spectacular views for the final 1.1miles and over tyne bridge!
Date of review: September 22, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Marcus Hake
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Too many people
In full: I foolishly hoped for a PB and ended up disappointed. The course itself is OK, although pretty uninspiring along dual carriageways. Big problem was the crowds; I've never been so jostled or manhandled by such a huge number of strangers, and not a single word of apology or even acknowledgement. I certainly didn't get a feeling of the legendary atmosphere of such an event. Most people seemed pretty zoned out in their own world and impatient of others getting in their way. I saw a number of tumbles, some pretty nasty. I actually found it fairly stressful, which is something I've not experienced before in any organised race.
The locals, on the other hand, were superb - setting up makeshift stalls by the side of the road, handing out water, ice pops, encouragement, oranges and hosings. All were extremely welcome in the heat. Organisation also seemed to be good, although I didn't need to use the toilets or the baggage facilities which other people have complained about.
Date of review: September 22, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: CHitchen
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: An experience of a life time!
In full: From; the scene of 50000+ runners at the beginning to the rainbows made by the sprinkers in the middle to the red arrows display at the end, a great day. I'll be back!
Date of review: September 22, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: John M Rogerson
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Great Run = Great Fun
In full: I do like the atmosphere of this race. To be part of an immense group egged on by the fantastic bands and crowds is fantastic. For the third time since I started doing this race I was on the Tyne bridge as the Red Arrows roared past overhead. It makes a real festive atmosphere. This is not a PB race. You will never really find out how fast you can go as you will always find yourself hemmed in and in danger of tripping over someone or a discarded bottle but hey, just go with it and enjoy the ride. Talk to people, brush the hands of strangers and play spot the runners in fancy dress as you cruise along. Enjoy it...
Date of review: September 22, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: SuperRunningMum
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Third time!
In full: This was my third GNR and loved it!
there were few minuses - lack of enough toilets! powerade not nice and bottle too big! BUPA power mile - no jelly babies. i was really looking forward to them! and one celebrity runner should not wear her name on her back if she can't take people supporting her on.
i ran a PB despite the heat and crowds. I hope next year some people consider others when runnign past - shoving others to get passed is not polite. we are british after all. i will be back next year with bells on! (not literally!)
big question still is: Sting? Why? Why? Why?
Date of review: September 22, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Lady M
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: FANTASTIC
In full: Just what I expected and more!!!!!!
Date of review: September 22, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: NicolaJShu
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Recommended for the buzz and atmosphere, and the course isn't too competitive either!
Date of review: September 22, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: NIGEL Braithwaite
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Too crowded for a PB for me
In full: Fantastic event, fantastic atmosphere and incredible organisation. I was hoping for sub 2 hours but could never get enough space to stretch out - didn't spoil it though. Next time I'll try to start nearer the front!
Date of review: September 22, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Richard Wheeler 5
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: The most amazing day. My first event of its kind and one to remember!
Date of review: September 22, 2009
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