Fairlands Valley Challenge Multi-Terrain Marathon (Now Incorporating UK Trail Running Championships)  Here's how RW members rated this race (110 votes). 2007 race reviewed by: Brian J
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: A very enjoyable way to spend a Sunday morning...
In full: I did the 12 mile option..this was something a lot different from a normal race. It's not really a race at all but a run with some map reading thrown in. An event to forget about times and just to enjoy running which wasn't hard given the scenic Hertfordshire countryside on a sunny Sunday morning. Deserves to have more entrants next time...
Date of review: July 24, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: Paul Kayley
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Such a pleasant diversion from the usual "City-Type" Road Races
In full: Directions & a map to keep you on your toes.
More cake & cereal bars than you could imagine - then a BBQ to finish.
And somehow they arranged for 5+ hrs of sunshine.
Superb!
Date of review: July 23, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: Jonathan weal
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: This is the surprise package of marathon running.
In full: I was not expecting over 20 miles trail running,poppy clad farmers fields,undulating English countryside that would not have been out of place in Devon or Dorset.Woodland paths rich in oxygen,trees shading us,forest rows with little urbanisation.A few miles of cycle ways and parkways.These flanked with lakes,tennis courts and the occasional golf course.Fairlands Valley is a great credit to the harmony of tranquil living.
Stately mansions in acres of greenery,has Dallas come to Stevenage?Glad I have visited
such a spectacular parkland setting.
The organisation is great,the people know all about marathon running.Is it easy to get lost?It can be,this is not a pb course unless you have a personel sherpa.This maybe to give home advantage.Stay in a pack if you can.
Refreshment stations,great medal,cups of tea
cake and biscuit.
Now for the bread pudding.Arguably Britains finest.I dont know how many generations this secret recipe has been passed on for but it is worth a fortune to a British baking company.A melt in the mouth experience slightly sweet soft in texture and a carbo energiser.Three portions were really appreciated.A great BBQ and the Fairland Valley Scout hut was in a welcoming and convivial mood.Thank you FV Spartans.
Date of review: July 23, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: chris bozier
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great day out, despite multiple nettle stings and grazes.
In full: Nice to see parts of Hertfordshire I don`t normally come across. Well organised with great refreshments. Thanks a lot.
Date of review: July 23, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: Sarah Geddes
| | 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 short: good run, well organised, but no veggie bbq!
Date of review: July 23, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: Robert Armstrong
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Exceptional
In full: What a great day out! It was the best part of a day by the time I got back to the Scout Hut.
When I first saw the four sides of written directions, I did have a 'what am I doing here!' moment but they are very detailed and once you get going, pretty easy to follow (only got 'confused' a couple of times). A race of great character is probably the best way to summarize - hope I can make it next year. Very friendly club....well done The Spartans. Enourmously inspired by the 100 Marathoners....only 97 to go for me!
Date of review: July 23, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: EoinR
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: My first marathon, a great experience!
In full: This was my first marathon, and I really enjoyed it. Great atmosphere and the other runners were really friendly and helpful, especially when I almost got lost several times! Tough enough course, but the bread-and-butter pudding at the water stations was great. Well done to the FV Spartans for organising it!
Date of review: July 23, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: The original waccyracer
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: loved running through the wooded areas.
Date of review: July 23, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: Helegant back in training
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Friendly with good scenery and of course, excellent bread pudding
Date of review: July 23, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: Steve Platt
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Special
In full: Great organisation, incredibly friendly and fantastic value - thank you to all concerned. Definitely a special day.
Date of review: July 22, 2007
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