St Albans Review Half-MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race (397 votes). 2009 race reviewed by: Mav586
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Hot and Hilly - then again it always is. Great organisation.
In full: Having done this for the past 3 years they always seem to pick the hot days for it. The "undulating" (hilly) nature of the course is always challenging and with the heat definitely makes you feel like you've achieved when you get round. Never got anywhere near a PB here and dont think I ever will (invariably 15 minutes slower) - but then again I do it for the personal challenge. Great organisation (much improved on last year) the Ice Lolly at the end is bliss.
Date of review: June 15, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Jimo
| | 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: Very well organised day, well set up course.
In full: Parking was easier enough. Plenty of facilities layed on for the non runners. Thought the organisation was spot on. Plenty of water stops, most I've had in a hlaf (mind you they were needed with the heat). Quite nice having the walkers go a hour before as it gave you targets to catch all the time! Couse itself is undulating rather than hilly, only 'bad' hill is mile 6-7 where it's a solid 1 mile of uphill. Last couple of miles in are downhillish. Would reccomend to anyone.
Date of review: June 15, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: ClaireG
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: More hilly than 'undulating' for a beginner but lots of support along the way , best part was the lolly!
Date of review: June 15, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Joe Ashwell
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Great course - challenging and fin!
In full: I really enjoyed this race, it was challenging (hilly, as expected), well organised and had a nice atmosphere. The scenery was great and the fairly narrow twisting lanes made for a good, fun run. Well done to the organisers. My only problem was there was a little confusion over the parking signs.
Date of review: June 15, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: David Evans 25
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: fantastic race, lovely people, nice everything else.
Date of review: June 15, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Grayster H
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Hilly and hot but excellent.Top marks again for a really great day.
In full: This has become probably my favourite road HM of the year. The weather has been a belter for the last 3 years (too hot for some I guess), the fun run keeps my kids happy and the beautiful park it starts and finishes in is perfect to stay in for the rest of the day. The actual run is quite tough as the course is really pretty lumpy so you never find a comfortable pace. Numerous water stations and I always enjoy the lolly at the end. Parking alway bad but this year using the Premier Foods car park would have made things much easier - if only they had had a sign or marshall at the roundabout so everyone could have avoided the pointless 20 minute queue into the park only to be told to u-turn and go back! I will be back again next year - this is a truly great venue and enjoybale sunshine run.
Date of review: June 15, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: a.k.a "billy"
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: First time at this race and I will be back.
In full: Have to say I had read poor reviews of this race many times so I had low expectations of my debut at this event. However on the day I thought it was good.
Parking was easy at 9.10am with loads of spaces and then a short five minute walk to the start area.
Toilets seemed busy if you used those in the start area but you could also use those at the track or leisure centre which were quiet.
Baggage drop was simple and efficient.
On the course there was masses of water stations it was impossible to go thirsty.
At the finish you were very quickly handed your medal, t-shirt (with choice of sizes) and ice lolly and there was loads of tables with water on to quench your thirst if it still needed quenching.
A quick warm shower afterwards was also a pleasant surprise.
My thanks to all the cheery marshalls and helpers.
Date of review: June 15, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Zoe Miller
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Excellent event, would recommend
In full: Hilly and hot, but then again you can't control the weather and not every course should be flat and easy! Hard for a beginner but a great event and very well organised. MUCH better than last year, no bottlenecks at finish and lollies to go round. Only criticism, not enough toilets!!!!
Date of review: June 15, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Alexs' girl
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Hot and hilly as always, great marshalls, lovely course.
In full: I always enjoy St Albans half, but I feel this year they have raised the bar for themselves. The organisation was great, the marshalls were really excellent and there was plenty of local supported. Previous worries about the amount of water on route seemed to have been sorted with plenty of water stops and even some locals had set up water stations in their front garden. Only small gripe was the parking, but there wasn't much the organisers could do about that. Will be back next year I'm sure.
Date of review: June 15, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Arron Smith 2
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% |
In short: Hot and hilly but lovely scenery. Will consider it again next year.
Date of review: June 15, 2009
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