Events

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 full: The first MK marathon was a real baptism of fire for the organisers, they literally jumped in at the deep end! Weather was awful, it was windy and rained throughout and this just added to the existing puddles on route, making this more of a cross-country run in parts! Despite this the MK team did a brilliant job, they didn't cancel, the stewards were fantastic, the crowds very encouraging and even the pipe band played on and the choir sang on, almost reminiscent of the Titanic! There were teething problems, I would have liked to see a finish line clearly and the goody bag was a bit sparse, but it was good to finish in stadium MK. Plenty of drinks on route, lovely route snaking round 2 lakes, along the canal and through woods, would have been wonderful in the sunshine...I'd happily do it again just in more favourable weather. Thanks to everyone involved
Date of review: May 5, 2012

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Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		No
Details:
Scenery		40%
PB potential		80%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		40%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		40%

In short: I feel for the organisers, the weather was terrible - but the organisation was not great. A few tweaks and it could be fantastic.
In full: I feel for the organisers, who did well to get the race to continue despite terrible weather...however, some fairy big problems (redways narrow and flooded therefore quite stop/starty in places; sat watch registered 26.69 miles not 26.2)and some small issues (hand medals out rather than having them at the bottom of basic "goody" bag; have a decent looking finish; more help on baggage trucks), meant that for the size of the event the organisation was a bit of a let down. With some reflection, a few tweaks and better weather it could be a great race! Again though, very well done to the organisers for continuing despite bad weather.
Date of review: May 5, 2012

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		No
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		80%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		80%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: Good organisation, well spaced out drinking stations, clearly defined mile markers and comfortable startb to the run in the respective 'time pens'. Despite the weather, a pleasant run with some picturesque scenery.
Date of review: May 5, 2012

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		60%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: A very good attempt for the first MK Marathon under very trying weather conditions!
Date of review: May 5, 2012

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		80%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In full: The organisers did brilliantly in awful conditions. Only gripe was queue to get into parking lot and that shuttle bus didn't run during the event and so spectators arriving later had to wal from the parking area. As a runner it was fantastic. Thank you so much to the spectators for applauding all runners as they came through - you were brilliant!!
Date of review: May 5, 2012

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		40%
PB potential		80%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		60%
Value		40%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: Lovely race - can't wait for next year
In full: Huge well done to the race organisers who did a great job under challenging conditions. There are bound to be a few teething troubles with a brand new race and the atrocious conditions on the day must have meant plenty of last minute stress for all concerned. They should be applauded for the great job they did.
The people of Milton Keynes should also be applauded for turning out in such numbers and making so much noise in the terrible conditions, they made me smile!
Well done Milton Keynes.
Date of review: May 4, 2012

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		80%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		60%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: This was my first full Marathon so can not compare, but as good organisation as any of the other runs I have taken part in. The weather could of been kinder but it was forcast.
Date of review: May 4, 2012

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Overall score		40%
Would you do it again?		No
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		80%
Atmosphere		40%
Organisation		20%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: POORLY THOUGHT THROUGH
In full: The weather was not the best. I would like to thank the Marshalls and did so while on the course but the organisors need to seriously take in all the comments. This is my first feedback as I found it so poor. Toilets.. not enough never ever queued for so long. Start.. No indication where to stand , no time markers, no psce makers, so stuck out of position, then narrow lanes impossible to pass. Mile markers saw one at 5 then half way then a few at the end. Finish... not sure where that was, I was freezing, wet and cold and was offerred water at the end and a bag with my medal wrapped in a plastic bag inside. Hands that cold couldnt get the medal out. Nothing to keep me warm, I told a marshall I had seen enough water for one day. Exiting the stadium, disorientated, cold and miserable, could not get my bearings. Then found I had to cross the course to get to my car, so stood again freezing. Would I do it again. No because the half was just as bad even worse. And I'm local !
Date of review: May 4, 2012

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		60%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: Potential to be really nice race but confounded by the weather this year.
In full: This was my first marathon so I don't have much to compare it with.

I loved the organisation before the event and the volunteers on the course. The support along the route was really special and much appreciated given the conditions. I also liked the concept of the eco-friendly goody bag.

I didn't love the confusion at the stadium at the beginning and the end of the race. Where exactly was the finish line? I also didn't think that the contents of the goody bag were that special. Given the conditions I think it was especially important that there were space blankets available at the end for runners.
Date of review: May 4, 2012

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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: Wet, cold, windy, but great marathon course, just some teething troubles.
In full: Good course snaking around MK, and not on the roads is a real bonus. Loads of drinks and fuel stops is a really strong point, so didn't have to carry too many gel/ energy packs myself. Recognise some of the comments on organisation at start and finish, but I'm sure they will improve for next year as I would definitely come back again, afterall it is all about the race itself.
Date of review: May 4, 2012

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