BUPA Great North RunHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (1517 votes). 2011 race reviewed by: Kirsty Simcox
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Amazing atmosphere, euphoric! In full: This was my first half marathon ever and I'm so glad it was the Great North Run. I had an amazing time and at the end of it I didn't feel I had been running for my time of 02:01 because there is so much going on! Absolutely loved this race and will be doing my best to do it next year, I would recommend it for everyone purely for the experience. Date of review: September 22, 2011
|
|
2011 race reviewed by: Denny Turner
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Great day for a slow first timer. In full: I started near the back and took 3 hours, but I had a great time. Atmosphere was amazing. Long walk to the start, but the Red Arrows coming over us were fab! High five from Mo Farrow was also cool! Found it very hard but wothwhile. Organised well, we found no problems at any time. Only grumble NOT ENOUGH LOOS either before or during the race for us girls! Date of review: September 22, 2011
|
2011 race reviewed by: Smarteee
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: A Great Run In full: There is no doubt this is a special race, the atmosphere and support is brilliant.
The organisation is slick, only grumbles would be there should be more loos at the start as you get penned in early and the T-shirts you get are now cheap quality compared to what they used to be.
That said you do it for the run not the T-shirt and the run is one you have to do. Date of review: September 22, 2011
|
2011 race reviewed by: Stuart Wallace 5
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Proof needed for faster zones In full: I enjoyed this race and loved every minute but I was in the front of the Green Zone H as not being over ambitious I put a 2:25 time down on my entry. I ran a 1:55 but found myself having to struggle through lots of white and even orange numbers. Surely people in the orange zone and the front white zones should have to have some proof of a time. I know this is not a great PB race but at least make it possible for people to attempt a PB by being put in with people looking for a similar time and are capable of it. Date of review: September 22, 2011
|
2011 race reviewed by: Anna Reilly
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In full: Always my favourite run of the year - started in the orange zone this year which was a little devoid of atmosphere and a bit more serious(compared to the pink and white zones of my previous experiences). That said, it was nice not to be held up by countless fancy dress outfits and people overestimating their abilities this time! The crowds are amazing. If you could bottle that feeling you get when you come over the Tyne Bridge and have the Red Arrows fly over you....you'd never need work again.
Date of review: September 22, 2011
|
2011 race reviewed by: Jimmy V
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Good but could be better In full: This is my first experience of the Greant North run and to be honest i was expecting better. The atmosphere did not quite compare to a number of other big races that i had done and also the quality of post race mementos were dissapointing given the price. However no issues with getting stuck behind runners etc as i was in the section just behind the elite club runners. In addtion the race was very well organised. Date of review: September 22, 2011
|
2011 race reviewed by: James Tellam 2
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Fantastic once again Date of review: September 22, 2011
|
2011 race reviewed by: Claire Brazenall
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: A fantastic experience but if you're looking for a good time don't leave too much for the last 2/3 miles as it's too congested to put in a real kick. Date of review: September 22, 2011
|
2011 race reviewed by: Darren Chaplin 3
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
Date of review: September 22, 2011
|
2011 race reviewed by: Andrew Tudor
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Tremendous day all round In full: 1st Half Marathon absolutely loved it only negative was that slower runners and walkers don't always take the organisers advise and move to the left of the road so you can get slowed down at times, would have been good to see some reminders or stewards enforcing this. Date of review: September 22, 2011
|

| |