Events

Overall score		100%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		100%
Value		40%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: I was buzzing from the time I got to the start until about an hour afterwards!
In full: This is just the best race ever.Brilliant atmosphere from start to finish,and after,great organisation,and great attention to detail,like the water booths,more than enough drinks stations etc.The crowd were fabulous!!A race you've just got to do before you die!!
Date of review: September 22, 2009

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Overall score		100%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		80%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		100%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Brilliant experience. Tougher than expected but atmosphere was superb, resulting in Pb.
In full: Lovely weather, possibly a little too warm. Felt more undulating than expected but brilliant atmosphere dragged me along. Luckily was in front starting pen so no congestion which meant a pb, so am really happy. Good organisation, loads of drinks stations.An expensive weekend but well worth it.
Date of review: September 22, 2009

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		40%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		60%
Value		40%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: Big & reasonably clever
In full: My 13th GNR was interesting-as usual hotter than predicted and tougher than expected but even though its getting bigger it seems reasonably well organised although a tad overcrowded. See you next year!
Date of review: September 22, 2009

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		No
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		60%
Value		40%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: Every runner should do this, but once is enough!
In full: I was delighted to get a ballot place in this the most well known and iconic half marathon, I am so glad I did it but I won't be back. The long wait to get to the start was very tiring, and I felt rather anxious in the crowded pen, but once we got going it was fine. My overwhelming memory is of the wonderful people who pretty much lined the route, cheering, clapping and giving out water sweets and ice pops, the fantastic bands who must have played for hours and hundreds and hundreds of banana skins. It was a beautiful day, the course is undulating, not too challenging and what a magnificent view as the finish approaches. Far too many runners to get a decent time, and I had to be careful not to trip over the discarded bottles. I agree with the comment about headphones, they should be banned at races as the wearer is oblivious to those around, and there was a lot of bumping and barging which could have been dangerous. BUT I am proud to say I did it, I got goosebumps and a lump in the throat, it is most definitley a once in a lifetime experience for me.
Date of review: September 21, 2009

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Overall score		100%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		40%
PB potential		80%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		100%
Value		100%
Beginner-friendliness		100%

In short: It's a nightmare getting away from the finish, but it doesn't matter because it such a brilliant event to be part of
Date of review: September 21, 2009

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Overall score		100%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		80%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: Awesome experience again
In full: Second time round and will be back next year. Hard work in the sun but well, well worth it, even if my time was slower than I hoped for. The locals are fantastic with the biscuits, ice pops and hose pipes. The effect of somebody you don't know clapping and cheering your name is amazing.

Bit suprised to read about goody bag issues. Not the reason I run in this event, after the atmosphere as long as I get the medal I do not care.
Date of review: September 21, 2009

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Overall score		100%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		80%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: A fantastic event, all about the atmosphere
In full: I was the keen one - at the start by 0730hrs ! Where did the time go - brilliant chatting to folk from all over the world. The mens urinals - what a brilliant idea but still needed a stop in the bushes ! Didnt see any celebs but the stars for me were the local kids giving chocolate / ice pops etc around the course - they made my day & I will sign up for next year as soon as I am rested - long journey for me was the only downside.
Date of review: September 21, 2009

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Overall score		100%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		100%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		100%

In short: GREAT RUN
In full: This is an event rather than a race. From Robbo on the bridge doing the pre race annoucements to the final mile along the seafront with the smell of bbq's the Great North is like going for a social jog with your mates.
The 3 minutes for Abide by Me needs to be seen.
Don't enter if you want a PB unless your in with the elite group expect to be bumped have your progress blocked by people running slower than you and to have water sprayed at you by the locals as you run along. This is an expensive race no doubt throw in the over the top hotel prices for this weekend and if you have change of £200 your doing well But the event is fantastic. On saturday I watched batman and robin run in the kids race with Batman as the child and his dad as Robin and watched international athletes sprint along the quayside. This event should be seen as a way of celebrating UK running and the ability of runners to raise millions for charity. As for the weather I'm convinced that Brendan Foster has made a pact with God to make sure it never rains on Great North Day. This was my 9th and they only get better for atomosphere. However the value for money aspect needs looking at as with the running club membership the cost is £50. Not that it will put people off By the way when is next years
Date of review: September 21, 2009

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Overall score		100%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		100%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		100%

In short: How do they manage to organise such great weather every year?
Date of review: September 21, 2009

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Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		Maybe
Details:
Scenery		40%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		80%
Value		40%
Beginner-friendliness		100%

In short: My first time. Enjoyed the race, as well as a night out on the Toon on Friday night !!
In full: For me, I finished in the top 2000, so I am happy with that. But i know a race like this is more about enjoying the occasion, which i did. Well organized, with great atmosphere at the start. As others have said, for the entry price, a tech shirt would have been better in the goodie bag.. Good medal though..
Date of review: September 21, 2009

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