Isle of Wight Marathon and Half  Here's how RW members rated this race (138 votes). 2007 race reviewed by: Tony Hodge 6
 | | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 20% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 20% |
In short: Brutal
In full: My 28th and final marathon. I support everything Terry Earney has said about this race. A more scenic route would be a good start.
Date of review: May 30, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: Terence Earney
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: A great race, spoilt by heavy traffic.
In full: I agree with Robert, that this race would benefit from greater publicity. It was very disappointing to have so little public support around the course. None of the locals seemed to have any knowledge of the race. We enquired, on arrival at the Canoe Lake, by asking a number of people already there, if they knew where the registration station was. They all declared that they knew nothing about any race. It would have been helpful if there had been one or two signs directing runners to the registration area.
On the whole, a very well organised race, with very helpful marshalls, drink and sponge stations, and exellent St John's Ambulance service. The only factor making me undecided about entering again next year, is THE TRAFFIC. Too many close shaves for comfort.
Date of review: May 29, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: RobCooper
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great race if you are prepared for lots of hills, beware traffic trying to get you!
In full: This was my first attempt at the Island and really enjoyed it until 17 miles when I started feeleing quite ill, until that point I had felt great.
I would comment that it should be better publicised on the Island for local to support & cheer on and also so that they no there will be runners in the road. My Great Aunt has lived on the Island since before the race started and the first she knew of it was when I told her I had entered. I think there were a maximum of twenty locals around the course to chher us on.
Traffic in our direction had signs to warn of runners, traffic in the other direction had no idea. This resulted in many a car trying to pass us, only to find a car coming from the other direction around blind corners at 60mph. As for the coach that nearly removed my right elbow, let's just say I was less than impressed.
In all, a beautiful course, under populated by runners and supporters alike. I would also have preferred to pay more to enter and have water in bottles instead of cups; the offer to take your own drinks to water stations of your choice was great though.
Date of review: May 23, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: RunGaryRun
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: DNF - Gracefully retired at 15 miles - no way was I going to get to the finish!
In full: Apart from that minor problem, a thoroughly enjoyable, well organised and friendly marathon. Loads of marshals to control the traffic. Weather was lovely and I'm sure the last 11 miles were just as scenic as the first 15! Thank you to Ryde Harriers for the organisation. Look forward to 2008!
Date of review: May 23, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: Kane Tobias Wilson
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: The hardest Marathon in Britain...more like an ultra Marathon..a beast
In full: I couldn't finish the race...didn't eat enough and short on 23 miles but it was an amazing race...the hardest I will probably ever take on in this country...orgaisation was fantatsitc with distance markers all around and marshalls at every corner...thanks to Sharon for helping me out on 23 miles and the woman who gave me her lucozade on 19 miles that helped me on to 23...maybe needs some more competitors to increse the atmosphere but it's one of the country's best kept secrets....
Date of review: May 23, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: Crucial Carp
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Unique event with enough hills to keep you interested.
In full: Very friendly event with an interesting course profile. Road traffic not bad. Surprising that more people don't come out to support it though, especially considering how long it's been running! Should be a 'must do' in the marathon calendar.
Date of review: May 23, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: Kent plodder
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: My most enjoyable marathon experience
In full: This was my first trip to the lovely Isle of Wight.
The 2007 marathon was tough but it was well organised and followed a scenic route around the island. There was enough water and sponge stations, in fact they seemed to be at just the right intervals. The facility to have your own drinks taken out to drink stations was appreciated and the collection on the course was seamless. Very freindly and helpful organsers and marshalls contributed to a well organised event. I would love to come back. I was pleased to finish inside the top 20, but there were a few points after 19 miles where I was unsure of which way to go. A few more marshalls or even signs would have helped remove the doubt.
Date of review: May 22, 2007
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2007 race reviewed by: Mike Hawthorne
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Like hills? You'll like this race.
In full: Well marshalled course and a friendly atmosphere. Well organised too. Quite a tough profile though.
Date of review: May 21, 2007
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2006 race reviewed by: Liz Storer
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Tough course providing satisfying sense of achievement
In full: I thoroughly enjoyed the race. Even though I was right at the back the marshalls were splendid, very encouraging and helpful. Could have done without the strong wind in the second half which interfered with any potential benefit of the occasional downhills. Didn't like the traffic, though.
Date of review: August 29, 2006
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2006 race reviewed by: K Holdaway
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: New meaning to undulating
In full: Up until an hour before the race still not sure that my ankle was up to it but soldiered through. A challenging race but the first 10 miles takes it out of you. Well done marshalls. Hopefully next year will be injury free and better run but not a pb ... will save that for Silverstone I think.
Date of review: August 25, 2006
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