Bideford Half-MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (79 votes). | 1 to 10 of 19 ratings | Page: 1 2 |
| The big picture 2009 (19 votes) | | Overall score | | 73% | | How many would do it again? | | 82% | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 84% | | PB potential | | 73% | | Atmosphere | | 75% | | Organisation | | 51% | | Value | | 76% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 73% |
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2009 race reviewed by: The Other Guv
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Got a PB - loved it!
Date of review: March 4, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: senor spam
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Fast and beautiful course, recommended
In full: I last ran this in 2004 and was concerned that the doubling in size since then would make things congested. In fact, apart from right at the start, all was well; the road closure in the runner’s direction meant we had loads of room. Apart from the distance issue (an honest mistake – which everyone makes once in a while) the organisation was faultless. There was plenty of support at the start and finish, there were cheerful folk at the water stations and a friendly bunch in the club house. The weather and the fabulous scenery all helped to make this a great day out – as did the camaraderie amongst the runners and my spot prize! Thanks to everyone involved in putting on this race; I’m hoping I won’t leave it so long next time to return (especially as this year if I take off the 0.3 extra miles I would have had a PB - just like I did here in 2004!)
Car park was £1.50 for 4 hours – is that such a big deal?
Date of review: March 4, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Paul Elliott 9
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: The weather certainly helped but this race was great fun in a beautiful setting.
Date of review: March 3, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Mark Trebilcock
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Terrible error for established race
In full: Disappointing, won't bother another year. Pathethic start slow get away & corners, should have started on road . Where were the marshalls???
How can it be billed as flat - first half is undulating.
Such a shame - expect next year's entry to be down.
Date of review: March 3, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Sue Woods 3
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Guaranteed PB for everyone
In full: Well I thought it was a great event, even with the extra yardage (glad to hear the distance was confirmed as too long or I would have been really worried at my pace and cursing the accuracy of my Garmin). Just think, we all got PBs as I doubt many people have done a 13.45 mile race before. Really good having a technical T-shirt at the end. Thank you to all the organisers.
Date of review: March 3, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Pacey Plodder
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Fantastic race- will do it every year I can!
In full: Course was flat as a pancake. Support was fantastic especially as quick first half mile loop brings you back past the spectators at the start and is a real uplift, as was the support from the folk of Torrington at around half way, there were loads of them right outside the pub (Named the Puffin Billy!), cheers guys. Also, great support right the way through the last 500m. Marshals were excellent and everywhere, drinks stations were well organised, it was good to have water in bottles making it a lot easier to drink than the usual plastic beakers, nice touch BAC. Road was shut in the running direction which is another credit to the organisation. The tunnel was interesting!, at around 10 miles (and in my state of severe fatigue) the experience felt slightly psychedelic to me so thank you for that. Obviously the distance issue is slightly annoying but I reiterate previous comments about it being an honest mistake, it only detracted from my PB not my experience and I’ll be back to smash that next year anyway! (Someone running at the front was obviously switched on enough to lead us back on course so a big thank you to them!, could have been a catastrophe else ! And one more thing, at least it effected everybody the same, we were all in it together and I’m betting it doesn’t happen next year!) Be quick next year because it’ll sell out fast. Shirt was good quality. If I was to suggest one thing to improve the race I would say 1200 runners would love a big banner with START to go with the great music and dancing marshals at the beginning! Thank you Bideford running club!
Date of review: March 2, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Restlesslegs
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Still my favourite race
In full: I can understand those who had trained for a PB being annoyed by the distance. I use this as a fast training run, so it didn't bother me too much (although I would have probably got a PB too).
We all make mistakes, its just human, and the RO put their hands up straight away.
I love this race and will be back next year.
One other thing - I do like the range of momentos. I still use the towel of a couple of years ago, and the quality shirt is a great idea.
Date of review: March 2, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: AussieSarah
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: A great race for a first timer, despite the distance issues
In full: As this was my first half I wasn't too upset about the distance issue, and to be honest I am just relieved to discover that my footpod isn't as far out as I thought it was yesterday!
The section of the course along the Tarka trail was lovely and scenic and the turnout in Bideford to welcome us back was great. I will definitely run it again -especially if I know it is going to be shorter next time!!
Date of review: March 2, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Ali Runner
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Yes it was longer then stated but they have owned up to it! lets give them a break shall we!
In full: I would be more inclined to be annoyed if they had not owned up to their error, at least now everyone has a reason why their times were not as they thought they should be. I am not going to let this spoil what for me was a lovely race, the scenary is beautiful the support great and for once a T shirt I can actually use! I travelled from Bristol and I would do again.
Date of review: March 2, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Majors
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: If you ignore the distance error a great race
In full: As this was a training run for myself the mileage was not an issue but can fully understand the frustration for people who were going for PB's on this fairly quick course. I too would be livid if I was treating this as more competitive than I had planned. My only suggestion apart from the measurement would be to add a bollard warning sign on the path leading back to the main car park within the first mile. Would not be able to comment on postage or payment issues for the timing chip as I had no problem in receiving mine. Great course, Extremely well supported in Bideford itself & at the point where you join the Tarka Trail, was not expecting a mass turnout of supporters in the rural sections. With 1200 runners it would have been nice if there was a bit of help from the council with the parking charges (Only knew that the long stay cheaper carpark was to the rear of the finish line as we had been out the day before the race - Surely the whole area could have been long stay charges - or less - for the day £2.50) In fairness to BAAC they had advised of the charges. For a tourism reliant town out of season I would have thought an influx of people using the local cafes - & in my case, hotel - would have allowed for subsidised parking. Hope the issue does not allow for future races to be affected by disgruntled runners as this is a charming race
Date of review: March 2, 2009
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