Events

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

In short: Compared to the race of old, very disappointing
In full: Walk to start was far too long. Drinks were insufficient. May as well not have bothered with medal and mug - they were not specific to 2012 event. Best that can be said is that it is a good training run with like-minded people. It's a shame that the race lets down such a prestigious club.
Date of review: April 6, 2012

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Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		80%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		60%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		40%

In short: A good training run for the Spring Mara's
In full: First time here, and so was very lucky that the conditions were ideal.
20 min walk to the start was a nuisance, especially after the walk from the second car park to the HQ, but all organisation otherwise was fine.
Majority of entrants were club runners in groups, using it as a training run, which is obviously why the run is held in March, but there was a very friendly atmosphere throughout.
Bags were transported to the finish for us (different location to the start), and a coach took finishers to the HQ, where cakes/rolls and drinks were available very cheaply.
Route itself was not inspring, but interesting enough, and the laps were pleasant enough to not get annoyed with them. Two minor hills on the laps, but neither were too long or steep.
Would run again, but only if in training.
Date of review: March 26, 2012

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

In short: Good mental preparation for a Spring marathon
In full: I would echo the previous runner's comments. The three lap run is good mental preparation for a Spring marathon as is what is quite an undulating course. A low-key race (especially the start) but most people seemed to be using it as a training run and seemed happy to chatwhich added a bit of life relief. The coach back to the school was appreciated and the driver was very cheery. One minor grumble: I signed up late and assumed I would need to pick up my number on the day. However, my number arrived in the post, which was good. Unfortunately, the organisers had not used the correct postage which meant I had to pay another £1.22 which I didn't appreciate. I thought this had only happened to me but it also happened to at least two of my clubmates so I imagine other runners were affected too.
Date of review: March 18, 2012

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

In short: This race is good preparation for the London Marathon.
In full: Good warm up race for the London Marathon!
Its just a shame that the drinks are provided in plastic cups rather than in bottles. Running 20 miles demands more water and energy drink that was provided and it is easier to drink in bottles. Not much of an atmosphere as far as being cheered on by spectators but this race does give you a sense that if you can do this 20 mile race with no atmosphere then the Marathon of your choice should be more than achievable. Would have been nice to have had a bit more of a goody bag at the end ( some food would be great )and no toilet facilities were at the finish and the medal didnt have any kind of markings that showed / proved that it was indeed the Gloucester 20 mile race that had been run which is dissapointing. Some marshalls were superb, some were quiet and just watched you run past. Overall a beneficial event which is great for training for a marathon just some finishing touches could have made it a much better race.
Date of review: March 18, 2012

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