BUPA Great North RunHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (1517 votes). 2008 race reviewed by: Katy Ralph
 | | 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: A race for all abilities!
In full: A fantastic event for all standards of runner. After about 2 miles I didn't feel overcrowded and had a pretty smooth run to the finish...and a PB! People are very friendly throughout. If you haven't done it..get your entry in for next year!
Date of review: October 7, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Donnasib
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: The biggest and the best
In full: This is the race that converted me to running 4 years ago. The atmosphere is always absolutely amazing and whilst the route is uninspiring, it really doesn't matter one bit because of the crowds and the camaraderie and the reasons why so many people run this race. This was my first year in fancy dress and it was hilarious. The whole race just flew by thanks to the crowd cheering me on in my very unflattering wonder woman costume! The bands are always great too.
Whilst a PB is possible, don't run this race for that. It's so much more than that, it's the occasion and the emotion and the fundraising that's important.
Considering the sheer number of people running this race, I am always impressed by the organisation. It will never be perfect, it's not possible with 50000 runners and all their supporters but they do a great job at the beginning and at the end. Also, whilst getting back to town is a nightmare, the local transport services do the absolute best they can do with an enormous amount of people, so for those who may stress about it, go to the pub and have a well deserved pint or 2, or try one of the curry houses in South Shields and chill out and wait for the crowds to disperse. As long as I can keep getting a place, I will be returning year on year. It's my all time favourite race and I can't speak highly enough of it.
Date of review: October 7, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Brentwood Womble
| | 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: Excellent Day
In full: Fantastic weekend - great run, good weather, people so friendly, lovely to have so much support not only on the route but also from fellow runners. Red Arrows magnificent as always. This was my first GNR and I will be back next year hopefully!
Only negative was getting away from the car park - no-one seemed to know what was going on and anarchy ensued amongst the drivers! It took longer to get back to the hotel than it did to run the race, but with that amount of people it is to be expected - didnt spoil the enjoyment of the day though.
Date of review: October 7, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Ali Dutton
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Only complaint is there weren't enough loos!
In full: Please put more loos closer to the starting pens next year. I was gutted that I had to stop en-route & still had to queue - it added 6 mins to my time (how sad am I)!!!
Date of review: October 7, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Scottish Mike
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: A great race full of exhilarting atmosphere
In full: I feel like I was one of the lucky people who didn't feel over crowded the full way of the race. I was hardly dogding people.
The race did feel like I was constantly on an incline, but the crowds push you along (I would definitely say put your name on your top - it's a proper buzz)
The last stretch was fantastic, the crowds the biggest I have ever seen. Unfortunately once you finish this is where it let it down, but it's expected.
I am definitely coming back, I have set a target that I need to beat now!!!
Date of review: October 7, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Welsh Wanderer
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Gorgeous day, lovely run and good company.
Date of review: October 6, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Roundy.
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: What a great day!
In full: So it's busy and you often have to dodge people. This isn't a race for PB's so if you're obsessed with that and you're anti-social go elsewhere! Thousands of people, all with varying ability, taking on the challenge and many raising money for charities close to their hearts make this event very special, as does the magnificent support of the locals.
Date of review: October 6, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: yorkshire scamp
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Amazing atmosphere mainly makes up for the negatives
In full: Back for the third time. Positives are:
- electric atmorphere
- red arrows
- great crowd support
Negatives for me this year were:
- too many slow runners in the Orange zone this year, I was put in white zone E this year but passed 1000's of slow runners (& a few walkers!) in the first few miles.
- Family reunion area on the grass was inadequate, not enough space & couldn't sit down because of the mud
- the price...I still can't work out why it has to cost so much!
Date of review: October 6, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Michael Ewing
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Fab event- something for everyone
In full: Its my 10th one this year. T-shirts beginning to all look the same. Get a grip T-shirt designers!
But faultless organisation...runners well-looked after and great turn-out from the people of the Tyne
Date of review: October 6, 2008
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2008 race reviewed by: Care Free Whoever You May Be...
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Too Many runners
In full: Don't want to sound like an old fart and definately not like one of those club runners who believe they are professional and demand right of way but this was my fourth year and although it is a marvellous event, the race is marred by too many runners now. Throughout the whole race, i was either running around people who obviously have great misplaced expectations on the day for their finish times or getting faster runners push past me only to slow immediately causing me to kick their heels on more than one occasion. Then the ridiculous rush and elbowing for the finish line! ITS A FUN RUN PEOPLE, IT IS TOO BIG TO BE ANYTHING ELSE. ENJOY IT FOR WHAT IT IS!!!!
Date of review: October 6, 2008
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