Eastbourne Half MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (201 votes). 2012 race reviewed by: Lombster
 | | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Tough in the wind and rain, but overall a good course.
Date of review: March 5, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Harrisimo
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: A good course with plenty of potential
In full: This was my second half marathon having completed the Hastings Half Marathon last year. I'm aware that Hastings is considered to be one of the best half marathons in the UK calendar and is now in its 28th year, whereas Eastbourne is just 7 years old, so it would probably be unfair to compare the two.
Highs:
- Despite the awful rain and wind, the course is pretty fast except for one daunting hill about three miles in. Best approach is to just get your head down, grit your teeth and get on with it. That was my approach and it was over with sooner than expected! Once you reach seafront level again the rest of the course is flat.
- The amazing marshals at mile 11. I'd read about these very animated and enthusiastic ladies on this website prior to the race, and sure enough, there they were. By this stage in the race I was really struggling, so this was a welcome boost to my morale! Special mention must also go to the bagpiper who braved the elements to play some tunes.
- Decent medal, plus a chocolate bar, banana and water at the end of the race. I was also given a sachet of aloe vera heat rub, which was nice.
Lows:
- The queue for the toilets before the race was massive. I counted just 12 portaloos. For an event with 1,400+ runners, that doesn't really feel like enough.
- I know the weather was terrible, but by the time I reached the final 100 metres, the grass in Princes Park was very muddy and slippery. My time was 1hr 46mins so I felt sorry for the still-to-finish runners behind me who had to contend with the deteriorating running surface.
In summary, I'd say that this race has great potential. And in decent weather with a bit more support around the course, it could be really great. Don't let the hill put you off!
One more point - did anyone else's GPS watch measure the course as 13.23 miles?
Date of review: March 5, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Tweats
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: A great race, just needs some tweeking!
In full: As I first timer is Eastbourne I generally enjoyed the race. Having done a lot of local half marathons, I was looking forward to what Eastbourne had to offer.
The baggage area wasn't secure which was a shame, luckily I had a friend to hold my bag. The warm up and the atmosphere at the start was great!
The course itself was good despite the weather, the incline and length of the hill between miles 2-4 what longer and steeper than expected, I managed most of it and I run hills!
Despite the weather the crowds cheering and the marshalls were fab. The water stations were crowded, could have done with another table and a few more helpers at each station and I believe this was the first half marathon I've done that didn't have energy drinks around the course and I've done plenty but there was plenty of water and jelly babies at miles 6 and 8.
Good medal, a glass of water, a banana and chocolate at the end was just what the doctor ordered!
Date of review: March 5, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: sprogg
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Organisation | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Mixed feelings after my first Eastbourne half
In full: My first Eastbourne half and left with mixed feelings. A note in the info you get sent through about baggage storage would be useful for first timers. Did get a very speedy respone when I emailed about this, but didn't realise until I got there yesterday that it wasn't secure. Nevertheless, there were no problems. The wind and rain was something else and at times took my breath away. Wasn't prepared for that hideous hill but managed to keep running. Felt the water stations could be organised better with signs before hand to warn you they are coming up and maybe people to hand out the cups - its quite diffcult to grab a cup from a crowded table as you go by. A huge thanks to the girls round the foot bridges etc - the enthusiasm and support was just what I needed. By the time I came into the finish at 2 hours the park was obviously muddy and very slippery - no hard finish for me as I was terrified I would slip over. Couldn't find any water, fruit etc at the finish which was a bit disappointing - not sure there was any?
Date of review: March 5, 2012
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2011 race reviewed by: Karen Samuel
| | 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: Eastbourne half marathon organisers were able to stand and deliver such a great race ...
In full: .... but I nearly froze to death waiting 15 extra minutes before the race started I couldn’t even hear what they said the problem was, but boy that wind was sooo bitter cold!
The race eventually started with a bang and we were soon off; every one rushed passed me at 100 miles an hour. I'm sure I was running backwards :=(
The roads were clear and traffic free but then came that terrifying monster hill at mile three towering above me. I nearly peed myself just looking at it. Running uphill and even downhill was a hair raising and nail biting experience. I could not get up that hill very quickly but that sight of it did nearly put me off it :=(
The rest of the half marathon was flat. A few of water stations had a mouthful of water in some of the plastic cups which did not help my swollen tongue! The other water stations were great.
The wind was ice cold and fierce especially along the sea front. I had a job to catch my breath and even a tougher job to catch the runners!
Folks at mile 11, I tripped, and did a nose dive to the ground which left me with a few cut and bruises. The female ladies at the water station were great they fixed me up, fed and watered me, but I was all shook up!
Two young vocal girls with lungs of steel were cheering the runners on and made us runners smiled.
How many bridges did we cross? A bridge too far.
I finally managed to cross the line I was very disappointed with the time but the odds were against me.
The banana and chocolate were delicious. I was also disappointed with ‘beautiful’ unmarked Eastbourne half marathon 2011 medal- this definitely needs to be addressed!
Next time I must try and remember to bring my bucket and spade.
Sorry Folks but this is my last race review due to the inmates , I mean forumites complaining about my ratings :=(
Don’t cry for me Argentina.
Date of review: March 31, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Sean Conlan
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great but beware of the huge hill early on
Date of review: March 30, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: wobble wobble
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: An enjoyable race, liked the route
In full: My only minor quibble was at the end as I was given my medal but had to hunt out the water. I then noticed a few people eating bananas and then saw a box of them on the floor. As it wasnt obvious they were for the runners I had to ask if I could have one. Would be nice if these were offered to the runners as they finished the race. But overall an enjoyable race!
Date of review: March 21, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Natasa Tintor
| | 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: Great race for my first half marathon
In full: Really enjoyed this for my first race. The hill was harder than I'd expected, and the water stations didn't always have full cups ready, but they are minor complaints on what was a great day
Date of review: March 18, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: MrSoutham
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Windy day, great race!
In full: My local Half marathon. Trained properly this year so took off 19minutes from last year in 1.23 so was very happy considering the WIND!!!
After reading these comments I actually remember the girls cheering us on as we just turned back onto the seafront. Well done to them, i hope they get some feedback and a reward :)
Thanks again to the organisers, much bigger field this year which i think came as a bit of a shock!
Date of review: March 13, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: SCOTT KENDALL
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: A Very Windy Day
In full: Well organised and marshalled although the finish line felt a little rushed.
Well laid out course and the hill is a good challenge.
Date of review: March 10, 2011
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