BUPA Great North RunHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (1517 votes). 2004 race reviewed by: Mike Redwood
 | | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great fun but no good for a fast time; too crowded and too many slow runners starting near the front.
Date of review: October 1, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: kiwidave
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: too many people
In full: I know that running with 50,000 others is a great atmosphere but it just far too many. During the whole race I never had more than a metre of clear space in front of me. They are focusing on being the world's largest half marathon rather than being a decent run. The Bolder Boulder run in Colorado, USA sets a good example - with 35,000 runners everyone is split into groups of 1000 and groups set off with about 5 minutes in between, which worked fantastically well.
Date of review: October 1, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Ceara Joyce
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: The race is too crowded for a PB, but if you accept it for the atmosphere it is superb.
Date of review: October 1, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Pigbag
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Need to introduce proper starting pens. Now I've run it, I will pass next year
Date of review: October 1, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: lesley hedley 2
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: absolutely do -able all over again this week end!!!
In full: Absolutely fantastic atmosphere and to have Kelly Holmes sign my running t shirt just made the day even more special. Recommend to anyone who can get around a good course in iron wheels or limbs made of flesh. Excellent
Date of review: October 1, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Steve Bonthrone
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Fantastic experience and great atmosphere
In full: The organisation is exceptional given the number of people taking part. Wouldn't like to see the numbers increase as it may become over-crowded. Again the problem of congestion and very slow runners near the front in the first couple of miles. Excellent accommodation from Nirvana. Definitely back next year!
Date of review: October 1, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Clueless
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Fantastic event in which one can celebrate running and human kind in perfect harmony
In full: PB potential is non existent given the masses running. Next time I will ignore the pace markers at the start and just make sure I try and get as far forward as I can if I want to try for a good time. But the whole experience was fantastic. Wonderful people with amazing stories to tell made just being there being a priveledge for me. And the sight of the sea at 113/4 miles was the most wonderful sight in the world. But I didnt get my pasta party tickets - just as well from what I have heard. My son did the Junior event on the Saturday that was a bit of a shambles at the start due to the crowds but fantastic experience for him.
Date of review: October 1, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Y not
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: any race that can cope with 45k people must have something going for it!
In full: Obviously not the flattest course and yes the water stations were a bit frustrating, not well marked and I had to detour off route so as to grab my own bottle off the tables (I like the lid on so it lasts longer)
Probably wont do again now that I know of more races, just too much hassle for a run
Date of review: October 1, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: Firestarter
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: well worth the effort, enjoyed every mile!
In full: Absolutely brilliant, this was my first time at GNR and loved every mile!! The atmosphere was incredible, both from the runners and spectators. A little disappointed with my finish time,(I was never going to get a PB with that many people running), but hey, isn't that what makes us come back for more?
Date of review: October 1, 2004
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2004 race reviewed by: julie coopland
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: First timer but it won't be my last!!
Date of review: October 1, 2004
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