Nike Milton Keynes Half MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (558 votes). 2010 race reviewed by: JazzyDog
 | | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Some small changes could really make a difference for 2011
In full: A fast, scenic course. The intial 2 miles were along closed roads and the remainder along cycleways and paths - all very flat except for the last mile, which was a killer climb. Chip to chip timing and well staffed water stations (with easy to drink bottles).
Really appreciated the family encouraging runners by banging drums and cans at the 4/11 mile junction.
However, I felt sorry for the 10km backmarkers who were overwhelmed and I would have welcomed something more than a bottle of water as refreshment at the end of 13 miles.
Date of review: March 7, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Lambeau
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: No complaints just needs tweaking here & there
In full: I thought it was okay, and got a pb. Enjoyed the course apart from the hill about 11 & the final hill.
Didn't have an issue with the 10k runners but then I plod along at the back. No doubt if the half started in front of the 10k they would be commenting about the likes of me.
Most of the complaints are directed at areas that didn't affect me. Hopefully these bugs can be ironed out.
Date of review: March 7, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Mark Thompson 5
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Need to learn from the mistakes for next year
In full: I will try not to be too critical here, because I actually enjoyed the event, but there are a number of issues that need raising and addressing for next year.
1. The start. Have bigger time gaps between the races and predicted time pens, no one had a clue where to stand.
2. The first couple of miles. Narrowed down very quickly, before the pack had thinned out meaning it was pretty congested.
3. Posts. There were a lot of posts on the footpaths, some marshalls warned of them, as did some runners, but I saw one male runner who will now be talking in a higher voice!
4. Entry Fee / Goody Bag. It was pretty steep for what you got. Food and drink in a bag at the end can usually be provided by sponsors (there are supermarkets galore nearby who must be worth approaching)
5. Baggage. Oh Dear! 80 minutes to collect my bag, all the time seizing up! Considering the chaos, the queue was pretty good natured. They won't be if it happens again.
I hope the organisers read the feedback on this site, because a lot of the same themes are cropping up, most of which are fairly easily remedied!
Date of review: March 7, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: davemk
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Very disappointed for home race
In full: The baggage point was awfull, worse than last year.
Waited 40 minutes for a post race massage in the cold which was sub-standard and left my calf muscles in spasm. Very unprofessional therapist who wouldn't give me her details.
Very disappointed with post race goodies. No big brand goodies or decent medal.
This is my home race but will do Berhampstead next year
Date of review: March 7, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Tony6401
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great race. teh only downside was the queue to hand n your bag. I eventually gave up and jogged to my car to store my bag
Date of review: March 7, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Doc Martin
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Well organised and surprisingly scenic for a modern town, mild hills
In full: Nice Nike optional extra tee shirt. Good parking and race organisation. Plenty of loos at start, none on course but plenty of bushes. Generally flat but the first 1 mile downhill is also the last, so dont expect a fast last mile. Mixture of town, villages and lakes. Problem a t start with the half running into the back of the 10k race that starts a few mins before, causing congestion. On the whole well worth the trip
Date of review: March 7, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Lieutenant Lucerne
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Fairly fast course. Some scope for organisational improvements.
In full: Some good features, some scope for improvement.
If the 10K race is to have a separate start, it might make more sense to wait until 10 minutes or so after the half marathon.
Similarly starting pens, or finishing time boards at the start would be useful.
(From reading the other reviews, I'm pleased I decided to leave my kit bag in the car.)
Positive features included the first three miles of the course on closed roads and then most of the remainder of the course on cycle paths.
Getting in and out of the parking was straightforward.
The course has definite PB potential (which was helped by the weather this year).
As it's a local event I would do it again.
Date of review: March 7, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Adam Kilsby
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Has the potential to be a very good race, just let down on a couple of points.
In full: The first couple of miles were very congested trying to get past the slower 10k and fun runners. Not such a problem for a plodder like me, but I could imagine the elites getting a bit annoyed by it.
I thought the course was pretty scenic and varied and was well signed and marshalled. I really enjoyed it, especially in the sunshine today. Running round Willen lake was a definate high point.
I wasn't aware that there were sports drinks on offer, but the water stations were well placed and frequent. A lucozade at mile 11 would have really made my day!
I managed to blag a free massage afterwards, courtesy of the lovely people at Isis, which more than made up for a lack of a goody bag. That said a flapjack/banana/choccy bar would have hit the spot afterwards.
It's my first half for a while, but I'd definately do it again. A great big thankyou to all who helped organise and marshall today.
Date of review: March 7, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Hannah Turner 3
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Great route for pb's. Not great organisation at start.
In full: The route was great, parking was great, not enough toilets at start. The lack of a goody bag was a shame. The water stations were well placed and I always take my own energy drink for a race this long.
Date of review: March 7, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Ann Virco
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 20% | | Organisation | | 20% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 20% |
In short: gutted,expected better
In full: why did the 10k start in front of half,felt sorry for serious runners weaving through 10k and waisting precious seconds ,i tried desprately not to get in your way,i hope i didnt.
as for the marshalls,im the first to say thankyou for giving up time so people like me can run races but to the guy eating his lunch,the marshall who left her post to talk on her phone and the other lady chatting to a friend and had to be approached for directions thanks!
i know races rely on volunteers but if you dont like the job dont volunteer
im even more sorry to say i live in(and love)milton keynes
Date of review: March 7, 2010
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