Fitness First Bournemouth Bay Half-MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race (216 votes). | 1 to 10 of 12 ratings | Page: 1 2 |
| The big picture 2011 (12 votes) | | Overall score | | 82% | | How many would do it again? | | 88% | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 90% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 73% | | Organisation | | 77% | | Value | | 78% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 77% |
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2011 race reviewed by: Lottie Sutcliffe
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Wonderful atmosphere and scenery, well organised and good facilities
Date of review: April 9, 2012
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2011 race reviewed by: woody 40
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: enjoyable run and a bonus with the weather.
Date of review: April 6, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: PartyEllie
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: perfect weather for a jaunt along the beach!
Date of review: April 5, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Twils
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Flat quick course, bit congested in places
In full: Course was quick and flat, marshalls were friendly and there was support dotted around the course.
Main problem was the start as it was very congested. They could have done with organised starting pens and a few more time markers. Also other parts of the course on pavements were a bit tight so found you had to run in the road to get past people.
Other than that, enjoyed a nice run in the sunshine along the beach, with a pb chucked in for good measure!
Date of review: April 4, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Jack Stam
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Good value run on the sunny south coast
In full: A fast run with a few challenges - not quite a flat as you first think but no serious climbs. A fine partly sunny day along the beach which I found quite warm. I could have done with more water - the combination of insufficient helpers at the water stations handing out inadequate half filled plastic cups of water did not help. It only put pressure on the helpers when the main field arrived and I have never mastered drinking out of a flimsy cup when running. Prefer a small bottle any day and prepared to pay a few extra quid in registration for it as well.
Shame people still feel the need to start at the front and slow down faster runners behind, but as the first expected finish sign at the front of the start was 1hr 40 it is possibly no surprise.
Other these 2 things, a well run event at a great location.
Date of review: April 4, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: runnersbeen
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Flat race, lovely scenery
In full: This was my first time at Bournemouth, and had a really good time.
I thought the race was very well organised and came across no problems what so ever. We were very lucky with the weather, not too hot and only a slight breeze. Had it been windy I can imagine I would have been sand blasted for most of the race. My only gripe and I was very surprised that this would be my gripe, was the marshalls (well 90% of them) I have never come across such miserable marshalls. Only a few were encouraging and gave you a kind word. The rest just stood there with an arm out pointing. Some areas of the route were very quiet and it would have been nice if they had shouted a few encouraging words.
That said I did get a PB and would like to go back next year and do the 10k.
Date of review: April 4, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Grayster H
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Superb sunny Bournemouth Beach run
In full: Such a fast, flat race. You have two inclines but apart from that it is flat as a pancake. Definitely a PBer. Weather was perfect. Sunshine but not too hot. Not big wind which can be a killer on a seafront run. The scenery is fantastic; I saw another review described it as monotonous - this course would be if it wasn't for the amazing views.
Race start was the usual congestion; it should probably start further down the prom from the pier. The expected time markers made not sense (the quickest being 1:40) so the start was a free-for-all but that was quickly solved on the Durley Chine hill! That hill takes the puff out of you massively but once you get back on the beach at Alum Chine, you can easily settle into a fast pace. Support around the pier was excellent.
A saw a comment about the 1k race getting in the way to the race start. You could, of course, walk through the entrance to the winter gardens to get around it - but there were no signs saying this. Similiarly I don't recall seeing a sign pointing towards the left for the t-shirts and bags after the finish so anyone turning right would have missed them.
This really is a great race in a very picturesque location, especially when the weather is so good.
Date of review: April 4, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Amy Hayhoe
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great run, lovely view.
In full: This was my first half marathon and only my 2nd race ever, really good event for a beginner to races. Good scenery although mile 12-13 was hard, could see the end but it felt further away than it was!. Really enjoyable, will be back next year! Some mile markers were missing, or maybe I just missed them. The sponge half way was well and truly needed. Good potential to get a good time, very pleased with mine.
Date of review: April 3, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Sarah Ngugi
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Bad organisation at Pier Approach, Baggage buses separated from the start by a 1km kids race!
In full: The race was good, great weather if a bit too warm, that sponge was a welcome sight. However the positioning of the baggage buses was very poor, as you then had to wait to cross a 1km kids race to get to the start, so much for a relaxing start, more like a panicy get me to the start moment!!! Next year i'm sure this can be rectified
Date of review: April 3, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Half Marathon Matt
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Flat - bar two inclines - fast race
Date of review: April 3, 2011
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