Events

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

In short: Brilliantly organised race despite the hideous weather
In full: The Stevenage HM was my first ever half-marathon and foray into long distance running. I was understandably nervous given I had only got into running a few months beforehand. I had contacted the Race Director prior to the race to express my reservations about meeting the time cut off point in which course support would be withdrawn, but was quickly put at ease and felt reassured that all would be fine on the day. I was not disappointed - despite the horrendous and diabolical weather, the undeterred and friendly marshals were fantastic with their support to the runners given the non-existent crowd support. The race officials and organisers ensured that the race went ahead like clock work. The course itself is slightly undulating and perhaps a little challenging for a first timer, but generally speaking was pretty fast for those wanting to improve on their PB's. Overall excellent race and I would consider doing it again.
Date of review: March 29, 2013

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

In short: Well organised, very good marshals
In full: Horrible weather, but the marshals still managed a cheer and a smile for everyone, good job guys and thanks. Course is undulating with the endless and not exactly scenic underpasses, but Fairlands valley park was really nice with all the leaves turning orange. An enjoyable race.
Date of review: November 10, 2012

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

In short: Great value, great marshalls, with PB potential.
In full: Despite the poor weather, the whole event was well organised. I understood that a lot of people mugged it off due to the rain which was a shame, but overall it was a good day. Loads of credit goes to the marshalls, who were friendly, smiley, ever helpful and encouraging. One was even singing! Not what I would call a flat course but negotiating the underpasses is much better than being on the road! Nice little medal too - will be back next year!
Date of review: November 6, 2012

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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: Despite the weather a new PB
In full: Good half marathon race with pb potential. Well marshalled despite the weather which helped a lot.
Date of review: November 6, 2012

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

In short: cold and wet
Date of review: November 5, 2012

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

In short: PB Potential but no intersting land marks
In full: Pluses: Fab, encouarging marshalls (who must have been freezing)Good changing facilities, , quick number retrieval, nice bling at the end, announcer calling out runner's names at the end, tea & cakes, swift baggage drop off and collection.
Negatives - My main gripe was the parking arrangements & transfer. We arrived at the car park at 8:55. The 1st bus turned up at 9:25 (publicised for 9:00)This was half full when it arrived and we didn't manage to get on. We finally got on the 4th bus at 9:55, soaked through and cold as each bus was half full from a prior pick up.
Personally, I wouldn't do this race again as the course is not very interesting. I like a bit of scenery.
Date of review: November 5, 2012

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

In short: Was pleasantly surprised with the route around Stevenage as I had only ever visited the trading estates before. The underpasses weren't too arduous and I took minutes off my PB. Excellently organised and marshaled will be back next year.
Date of review: November 5, 2012

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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: A fixture in my racing calender in spite of the weather! Great marshals
Date of review: November 5, 2012

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

In short: An excellently organised half marathon which minimised the problems with the awful weather
In full: The organisation at the start of the race was absolutely fantastic, the weather was truly awful but there were no problems staying dry and warm at the stadium before the race. The race director's did a fantastic job keeping everyone undercover until the race was ready to start then got everyone into position promptly and off to a smooth start.

The course itself was flat and so great for PB's, I managed to take 40 seconds off my previous best.

Special mention to the marshalls as well who were plentiful and very encouraging.

Will definitely do this again next year.
Date of review: November 5, 2012

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

In short: Nice two-lap course with a track finish
In full: My first half-marathon and it began in the pouring rain waiting for the coach to take us from the car park near the football stadium to the athletics stadium. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do about the weather!
It was great with the start and finish at the stadium as we all sheltered from the cold and rain, changing rooms etc., with a few laps of the track for a good warm up.
The organisation was excellent and a special mention to the marshals - they were numerous and very encouraging, and although the rain thankfully relented shortly after the start, deserve all the congratulations for braving the weather.
The course itself was good: two laps starting from the athletics stadium, then a finish with a lap of the track. Mostly run on cycle paths which meant a little up-and-down as we negotiate the various underpasses, with the rest taking in the Fairlands Valley Park, which was certainly the most pleasant section: as it was two laps, we went round the park twice. As this was my first half, a PB was guaranteed but the up-and-downs were mild; there were perhaps a few sharp turns, but all in all, I think a good course for a PB. Thank you Spartans!
Date of review: November 5, 2012

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