Orpington Mara*funHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (40 votes). | 1 to 10 of 15 ratings | Page: 1 2 |
| The big picture 2009 (15 votes) | | Overall score | | 77% | | How many would do it again? | | 87% | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 57% | | PB potential | | 55% | | Atmosphere | | 68% | | Organisation | | 70% | | Value | | 77% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 75% |
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2009 race reviewed by: Ashley Smith
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Biased opinion from me !
In full: I ran the 1st event 5 years ago and was on the committee for years 2 - 4. This year I started and timed so apologies for bias in the report.
After setting off the Marathoners and Walkers I ran the half mystelf. It would appear that due to traffic the marshals at the A21 crossing had not recieved thier vests and WRONGLY directed the early runners on the left side of the road - This was I beleive corrected quickly as I reported the matter to the next marshalling station. IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN.
That said I was horrified to see some runners taking thier lifes into thier own hands and choosing to run in the road rather than on the grass verge, given that they had their backs to the cars along a 40MPH (60 more like) section of road. Fault lies with both parties here. Runners I passed on this section were shouted at to stay on the verge, but I could not catch a couple up ahead.
The course is due for a change next year. There will hopefully be far more OFF ROAD sections and Im looking to find a route that will encompass more trees and woods thus taking in the some of the hidden beauty of the area. DOWNSIDE it will get tougher !
This has always been a low key event designed for FUN. It was great to see so many 100 Marathon Club members in attendance and the general feedback is possitive.
All constructive points though are welcomed so enable the event to get better and better and to be more of what YOU all want from a great day out.
Date of review: May 11, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: LHWMG
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Well organised charity event
In full: Low key well organised charity event,it was billed as a maraFUN,had route instructions to follow - but it was very well arrowed.It was novel stopping and waiting at pedestrian crossings over a few major roads.
Date of review: May 11, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: APD
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: A unique atmosphere and a deceptively tough challenge!
In full: Being local perhaps I'm biased - but I found this event great fun again. The numerous marshalls and helpers really create a special atmosphere so you never really feel on your own despite the small field. I hated the golf course section last year, but now I've changed my mind - it just adds to the special challenge! Forget a PB. Whether raising money for charity or using as a training run - just enjoy it! I don't agree with Shades remarks...yes it's different and you have to look out for yourself, but why is it any less safe than any training run in the suburbs? I'll be back.
Date of review: May 11, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Worlds End Laner
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Mara-Fun? Yes it was fun, a good day out.
In full: A good day out. Friendly helpful marshalls, well sign posted. At the roundabout at the end of Green Street High Street, the marshalls were directing the runners to stay on the left hand side going up the A21. It would have been better to advise them to cross at the roundabout as you then get a good 2 mile run without having to cross again, and importantly in hot weather, you can run a lot of the distance while shaded by the trees. I agree with the other comments that the golf course needs looking at for next year. Shades, you went the wrong way at the golf course! I was just in front of you at the time. I'll definitely do this one next year. Thanks to everyone who organised it. I recommend it.
Date of review: May 11, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: SHADES
| | Overall score | | 20% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 20% |
In short: Dangerous course - if you feel suicidal this is the race for you.
In full: Let's start with the positives, lovely weather, good race info on location of race HQ and parking details. Lovely friendly helpers all doing their bit to raise money for their charity. The course was well signposted and waymarked. Lots of drink stations, squash, water and lots of sweets on offer.
This event had been advertised on RW as road, but somewhat oddly it has a UKA multi terrain permit, there is some off road. I guess multi terrain must mean that there need be no concern whatsover for the runners' safety. I consider this course highly dangerous, a few of the marshalls did help with some of the road crossings. The majority of marshalls had not been briefed on any aspect of marshalling at all and failed to advise me to cross at a junction to safety whereas I was trapped on a verge on a busy A road in heavy traffic (I was told this happened to several runners). After this experience on the A road at 9 miles I decided to pull out at halfway so just pottered around the rest of the course including stepping over the rubbish flytipped at the edge of the golf course. However at 13 miles I just decided to walk round the 2nd half and I was only nearly killed twice on the 2nd lap. The course is also measured short.
This is such a dangerous course, obviously designed by somebody who has no knowledge of running or health and safety. How there has not been a serious accident so far is truly amazing.
I would like to meet the man that underwrites the insurance for this event....he is one brave man.
Date of review: May 11, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Colin Stevenson 2
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Really enjoyable, friendly and well organised. Well done to all concernedn
Date of review: May 11, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Graham "legs in threads"
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Well organised friendly event - good to see it growing in popularity
In full: A fun run, not a race - try telling that to the group I was struggling to keep up with - very well organised low key friendly event - good for beginners and experienced runners alike - maybe I'll have a crack at the full marathon next time around (if I can get enough miles in my legs).
Date of review: May 11, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Kent plodder
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: In aid of a good cause - great marshalls and well stocked water stations..
Date of review: May 11, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Shivs1974
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: A fun half-marathon
In full: Brilliant water stations - always where you needed them. Lovely marshalls & great signage.
This was my first half marathon & whilst my aim was to get round, I didn't quite get the time that I had hoped for. But I had fun - though my legs don't feel like they did today - and would highly recommend it.
Small suggestion for next year is that better signage is needed round the golf course.
Thanks to all those who organised - really enjoyed it & my daughters loved the bouncy castles - so much so they missed me finishing!
Date of review: May 10, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Jerry-
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Great Fun as all fun runs should be
In full: This is one of those little gems of a race that doesn't appear on a lot of race calendars but don't underestimate it, it was brilliant.
The course was a bit of a toughy for both experienced and new runners to the sport and well worth the challenge. I loved the friendly and relaxed air about the race and the really helpful marshalls with a multitude of well stocked and equipped water stations (special thanks to the station in Lynwood Grove whose vaseline did me a great service).
The event in the school grounds afterwards was lovely and had a real village green feel about it with bouncy castles, children running the track with a certificate for them after and some scrumptious cakes and tea.
Well done all, see you all next year to see if I can get a marathon PB again :-)
Date of review: May 10, 2009
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