Luton MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (269 votes). | The big picture (269 votes) | | Overall score | | 77% | | How many would do it again? | | 84% | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 56% | | PB potential | | 59% | | Atmosphere | | 66% | | Organisation | | 83% | | Value | | 79% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 69% |
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2012 race reviewed by: Shoelaces
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Excellent first marathon challenge for me
In full: This was my first ever marathon so it is difficult for me to compare against other marathons, though I have also run about half a dozen or so half marathons to compare it with.
The weather was fantastic (sunny, no wind but cold) and a real bonus for November time. What I was most impressed with was the all round organisation to the marshalling. I don't think I have ever run a race where the marshalls were smiling and cheering you on so much, even by the time the last lap came round.
Having such a large hall to congregate before and after really helped. There were plenty of helpers, great changing facilities and some great masseurs which I certainly needed at the end!
I personally thought the course was quite hilly and it felt as though there was much more uphill sections than downhill, though thankfully no massive hills to speak of. It was an interesting combination of scenery from main roads to parks to housing estates which I actually enjoyed as it broke the laps up.
Anyway, I had a great time and managed to run a 2:55 time so very well pleased!
Date of review: November 23, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: shazza 3
| | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Restored my faith in this race after the disappointment of 2008!
In full: The beautiful sunny day helped to create an impression of a more scenic & rural course than I remembered, the hills were not as tough as I had feared, and the laps gave a nice certainty about what was still to come. I was very pleased with a sub-4 hr finish time, with the last 2 laps being of roughly even pace, and enjoyed this race very much. Well done to all involved in organising the marathon.
Date of review: November 21, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Andy N4
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Excellent race
In full: 2nd time for me. Lap format is very helpful when going for a specific time as you know exactly what is coming by the time you get to the third lap.
It's a well designed route with good variety. Some country lanes, a bit of dual carrriageway (with a path), some industrial areas, a housing estate and a couple of parks. And the undulations also add interest - nothing so steep to really slow you down but enough to keep it interesting.
And organisation and marshalling is first class. Thanks very much indeed.
Date of review: November 20, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Oranj
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
Date of review: November 20, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: The Lazy Greyhound
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Another great Luton Marathon
In full: This was my 8th Luton marathon and despite the hash criticism dished out in 2008 and 2010 I have never had any issue with the running of this event which has always been spot on. A quality medal which puts a number of bigger races to shame was a bonus. Keep up the good work.
Date of review: November 20, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: chris poynter
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: More hilly than expected but good marshals and medal
In full: Quite a testing race as was more hilly than I expected. Marshals were were very encouraging but not many spectators. Was confused over when to start my watch because as we had chip timing was waiting to run over the start mat but there wasn't one. A couple of narrow paths where you couldn't pass other runners. Good quality medal and beenie hat.
Date of review: November 19, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Jolyon Bland
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Well organised and terrific value.
In full: A fairly challenging undulating course. Very well organised with barely a queue from start to finish. Well marshalled although not may supporters.
Date of review: November 19, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: David Maitland-Wood
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Hilly in parts, nice long downhill final 3 miles, runners soon thinned out, well organised.
Date of review: November 19, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: PAUL A DAVIES
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In full: This was the 4th time I have run this and it has got better each time. A glorious day helped, and the 3 laps are also helpful. Marshalls were pleasant mand many of them. Organisation was excellant and a great course. Well supported en-route and good goody bag/momentos and medal. Great to have drop-out points and the relay as well.
Date of review: November 19, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: John Hanson 5
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: expected the worst
In full: and got a flipping well organised "proper" race.I thught it a well organised and well marshalled race. The three lap race didn't phase me and the "uglier" areas didn't last a minute. If I had a niggle cups in marathons is a no go for me as I do not stop during a run. There was also one bottleneck on the first lap that apart I really enjoyed this race and will wear my hat with pride.
Date of review: November 19, 2012
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