Pharmalink Maidenhead Half Marathon  Here's how RW members rated this race (115 votes). 2011 race reviewed by: Clyde McCrabbe
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Great Race - Very Well Organised
In full: I really enjoyed this race. The support along the route was fantastic (even in the rain). In particular the mile running along the Thames river was so very scenic. Will definately be signing up for next years race.
Date of review: September 6, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: shelly runs
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Lovely race even in the rain
In full: We all looked like drowned rats by the end but it was a lovely race with a nice route. Apart from the really pointless first loop which just caused chaos all of the road closures were managed well and the route was well marshalled with lots of water stations. A great event for a first timer as it was flat and friendly. Nice medal at the end. Will be back next year
Date of review: September 6, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Ron Faster
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Another PP classic
In full: Loved it and I am sure PP will sort out the start and the baggage for next year. I'll be back for sure.
Date of review: September 6, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Brian Gray 7
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Fantastic race and super flat
In full: This is really a great event and for PB hunters out there this course is truly flat.
For a 1st running of an event I thought it was great and a big turn out of welcome support pretty much all the way round.
There were a couple of problems that I'm sure will be sorted out for next year.
The main one being the start with front runners catching up back markers on this first little loop. This didnt really effect me but I did see some turn right instead of left and I'm sure there are a few annoyed runners out there. It is essential that they resolve this.
Wasn't keen on the idea of the steps but it wasn't too bad and the rest of the course being so flat more than made of for it.
I drove an hour and a half to get to this event as it fitted in nicely with my marathon training. Even with that long drive I'll be back next year for sure!
Well done to all at Purple Patch.
Date of review: September 5, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Surrey Runner
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Overall fair. Would have been good but for the start.
Date of review: September 5, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Rennie
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In full: Short loop at start needs to be longer as front runners having to walk second time around when meeting rear of field. bag drop a disater for many due partly to the rain and partly to the fact that bags were stacked in two lorries and the bags could not be found. many were left queuing in the pouring rain for up to half an hour! A large marquee or school building would have provided a solution to the baggage and adverse weather! Not ideal when just completed a half marathon! No showers as advertised which was also disapointing. There were also no time pens at the start so slow runners were starting near the front and causing problems for many. Apart from that it was an enjoyable race!!
Date of review: September 5, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Fiona Turton
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Super scenery, friendly marshals great spectator support . Fun
In full: As said lots of times already .. the loop at the beginning needs sorting to ensure everyone knows where to go .
Prefer to have my number and chip posted please .
Steps on route potentially dangerous
but a fab run and I smiles all the way . Roll on next year .
Date of review: September 5, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: MrsK8
| | 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 full: First of all, I liked the idea of the number for life idea, esp. as I got my lucky number.
The race village wasn't huge but there seemed to be enough there. There didn't seem to be be enough toilets but in fact, the queues moved quite quickly.
The start, as everyone else has pointed out, was a bit of a shambles. I think they should have had pens so people could have lined up in the correct place. The first 1/2 mile loop was pretty bad, although I wasn't caught up in slower runners it was quite demoralising to have run through the start line twice. I also didn't like doing the same lap again at the finish.
The route itself was very pleasant & was pretty flat as promised. I do prefer to have bottles instead of cups as I manage to spill so much water over myself! But there are so many races which do cups instead of bottles so we can't really complain.
Free parking close to the start was very much appreciated. The medal was quite impressive although a little goody bag to go with it would have made it even sweeter!
I think there needs to be more a finishers funnel. I was getting a bit annoyed battling through lots of non-runners just to get my chip removed & collect my medal drink etc.
Overall I thought it was good, just really need to sort out the route at the start & hopefully the finish. The
Date of review: September 5, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Walshie
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Great inaugural race
In full: Very good first race and sure the glitches will be ironed out but this was a very enjoyable event. Only negative was picking up the bag at the end - perhaps a large area of the town hall could be used next year as vans are always chaos. Well done to the organisers.
Date of review: September 5, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Charlotte Ing
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Well done Purple Patch
In full: I was very impressed by how well this event was organised especially considering it was the first year. There was massive PB potential and I really enjoyed the route which was more scenic than not and the rain was more than welcome!! I wonder in future if the race would benefit from time seeding at the start as we were pretty much crammed in along the road so there wasn't a chance to get a fast start.
Date of review: September 5, 2011
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