Events

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

In short: New course promised for next year
In full: Let's not abuse the word 'dull' in favour of 'snoozing' for the scenery and course. Yet it remains a favourite on the calendar and rightly so: the organization and fun of the event make it much more than just worthwhile, and I strongly recomend the event.
Date of review: December 15, 2005

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

In short: Very enjoyable
In full: An excellent event, including fun runs etc meant that there was a lot of people in the park watching. Course was good, keeping on country roads and starting/finishing in the park. Exceptions being the stretches on Redbourn and Hemel roads which are both busy, with some very stupid drivers (I saw somequite dangerous manoueveres). Very good mix of standards.
Date of review: November 7, 2005

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

In short: Good freiendly feel to the race , with some great support.
In full: Nice race ,that was well organised so that PB chasers and Fun Runners all had a good run. Course was a bit bland during the last 4 miles, but the support at the finish was marvellous.
Date of review: September 27, 2005

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Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		No
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		60%
Value		20%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Dont bother entering on the day
In full: I entered this on the day (for the princely sum of £14!!) but this meant no official timing because the chips were not given out to those who entered on the day - which explains why there is only 1400 people listed as finishing when there were 1700 starting.
Date of review: June 22, 2005

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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: Leafy route with good atmosphere. Traffic a little hairy at times.
Date of review: June 18, 2005

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

In short: This event will grow and grow!
In full: Highly recommended - the organisation is as good as you will find in any of the "top" half marathons but without the huge number of entrants making it impossible to run in the early stages. In fact, the broad start in the park means you get into your running stride almost immediately and even starting fairly near the back I was over the start line in less than 1 minute.

The first half of the course is great - very pretty. Nothing you could seriously call a hill, but lots of gentle ups and downs to make the running interesting. The second half is a lot duller - flat and mainly along main roads - but quick. Finish is great, with hordes of spectators cheering everyone on.

Marshalling was flawless, and they have obviously taken to heart previous criticism of the water stations - I've never seen so many in a 1/2! Really enjoyed my day.
Date of review: June 18, 2005

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

In short: A well organised event. Marshalls were helpful as were regular water stations. Route along the A road for the last few miles was a bit dull. Would have been useful to have some distance markers for last 800m/400m.
In full: The only thing that annoyed me about this event was Westminster Lodge charging runners to use the toilet. I would not have minded paying if I knew this money was going to charity. Next year perhaps they could consider not charging or donating the funds to the nominated charities.
Date of review: June 16, 2005

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

In short: Great atmosphere at start and finish as the park is perfect for spectators. Miles 10-12 a bit tough due to stretch of 'A' road and the hot/sunny weather. Marshals on course were very helpful. Use of chip timing this year was an added bonus.
In full: The 25th anniversary next year should be even better with course changes promised in order to take in central St Albans.
Date of review: June 16, 2005

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

In short: My first - and I'll be going back!
In full: My first half and I loved it - Redbourn Road is a bit boring but other than that an enjoyable course. Pulled off a much better time than I was expecting. Do it next year!
Date of review: June 14, 2005

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

In short: Great parking if you go early. The only problem is, if you don't finish very early, you have to wait a longtime in the car park. More marshalls there would have been good!
Date of review: June 14, 2005

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