Taunton MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (95 votes). | The big picture (95 votes) | | Overall score | | 84% | | How many would do it again? | | 96% | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 70% | | PB potential | | 67% | | Atmosphere | | 72% | | Organisation | | 86% | | Value | | 85% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 75% |
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2009 race reviewed by: TivvyP
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Fantastic for this first-timer. I LOVED it.
In full: This was my first half marathon and it was such a great experience. The organisation was superb - thanks to the organiser and all the marshalls and volunteers - especially the young people at the water stations; they were so enthusiastic. The support out on the course really kept me going too. I had a great day and can't wait for next year.
Date of review: May 7, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Restlesslegs
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Hard to beat
In full: My fifth Taunton marathon in a row. If I ever get into London again what will I do? I dont want to miss this race. (ok so I will do the half instead, but will feel a pang as I see the marathoners going for the fun second half. That will be better than 2005 when I did both. Never again).
I sort of repeat myself each year so have nothing to add to the other reviews apart from well done to all the marshals and helpers - especially the sponge station at mile 3/16 they were exceptional. (one being my daughter!!).
So well done once again Taunton - you show just how a race should be organised. Take note Bristol, Bath, Berlin (I could go on...)
Date of review: April 14, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Peter Grosjean
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: My 3rd time and I'd run it again! Great all round and good value!
In full: Well organsed and marshalled. Great support and atmosphere. Plenty of drinks/sponge stations. Nice medal and T-shirt. Great value. I've run this three times and all being well I'll run it again. Better time than last year so well pleased - this made up for a terrible performance at Bath due to getting stuck behind hundreds of slower runners!
Date of review: April 11, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: J,J,
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great organisation and a superbly friendly atmosphere.
In full: This was my first marathon and I loved it. Great organisation and a nice undulating course. It wasn't traffic free but that didn't seem to cause any problems as the lanes were nice and quiet. The marshalls and spectators were great even if the second lap did feel a little lonely. I loved running through the start/finish area to begin my second lap. Had to sprint the last 400m to get in under 3hrs which I managed with 20 seconds to spare.
Date of review: April 9, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: spanna09
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Really friendly, good for newbies to running!
In full: This was my first half and first big race before the Flora London Marathon. I really enjoyed the day and having gone to SCAT was lovely to run in my home town. I loved being able to run in the country side as now live in London. Really enjoyed watching the other runners and chearing the marathon runners. Very well oragnised! Excellen PA, he called out everyone's name which was lovely (made me feel like a pro!) It was especially nice to bump into an old friend from my days running as a teanager. Will definetely be back next year! Well Done Taunton!
Date of review: April 8, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Rachael Holmes 3
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Well marshalled, good atmosphere, great weather!
Date of review: April 7, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Tim Synge
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Fantastic from start to finish - congratulations to the Race Director!
In full: Report on the full marathon.
This was my first Taunton Marathon. I ran the Flora London Marathon in 2007 and 2008, but didn't get a place this year, so I selected Taunton as my 2009 marathon. This was mainly becaue it is reasonably close to home, but also because the reviews from past years seemed to be full of praise. And I have no hesitation in recommending it wholeheartedly.
The organisation was faultless from start to finish. Mr Lewis. if ever you tire of organising Taunton (and I hope that you don't, because I want to run it again and again), then you could have my vote for you to take over the Bath Half from the shower that organise that event. But please don't leave Taunton - at least, not while I'm still capable of running!
Pre-race organisation was faultless. Although the website only became active relatively close to the event, it was possible to confirm the date of the event well in advance because the Somerset County Council information centre seemd to know all about it. Race details were comprehensive and helpful - parking arrangements, the detailed map of SCAT, clear instructions for baggage drop, changing and shower facilities, the way the one and two lap events would work etc etc.
On arrival, there was an atmosphere of calm confidence. I had no worries about the event - there was a senhse that it would run like clockwork and that is exactly what happened. The commentator was helpful, the start pens were clearly laid out and ... off we went.
Marshalling was faultless from start to finish - what a cheerful crowd you were - thanks! The volunteers from scout groups etc on the water and sponge stations were brilliant. When I shouted on the second lap "You're doing a great job!", the standard reply was "No, you are!". All good stuff! And it makes a difference!
Weather was perfect - no wind, dry, not too hot. It did warm up a little after midday, though. It's a while since I have run in an event with sponges and they helped keep the body heat down as the day warmed up - spot on. I had been warned that there were no energy drinks on the course, so simply packed a few gels and this worked fine.
At the end of the first lap, with five out of six runners peeling off to the finish gantry, it suddenly looked very lonely. I hooked up with a guy running his 97th marathon (my fifth!!) and ran with him from mile 14 to mile 24 (thanks, Michael!). He then demonstrated that he had a little more in reserve than I did and sped off, but it was well worth pairing up on the second lap, otherwise it would have been a tougher challenge.
The commentator picked out individual runners at the finish, which was nice, and the finishing tunnel was unhurried and friendly. I managed to record a PB by some way, which added to the success of the day.
I will be back! Highly, highly recommended.
Date of review: April 7, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: steven harris 7
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: It was hot and God that last hill nearly did me in and certainly cost me a PB
Date of review: April 7, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Richard N
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: 2nd time I've done this and it's still excellent. Could find no faults with organisation. Pity about the cut off time for marathon, I'm not fast enough for 4.30 but would like to tryit!
Date of review: April 7, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Zarndo
| | 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: Fantastic, one of the most under rated events around. Great course, easy and fast with a few hills to even it out. t
In full: Well done Mr Lewis, another triumph, Great course that has PB written all over it. Only thing wrong was that all the size S t's had gone by the time the marathon runners had come in.
Date of review: April 6, 2009
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