Berkhamsted Half-Marathon Here's how RW members rated this race in the past (532 votes). | The big picture (532 votes) | | Overall score | | 77% | | How many would do it again? | | 91% | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 86% | | PB potential | | 52% | | Atmosphere | | 65% | | Organisation | | 63% | | Value | | 65% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 63% |
|
|
2013 race reviewed by: Claire Hart 5
 | | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: As a new runner I would describe this as hilly rather than 'undulating' In full: This was my first ever race, and I took part as part of my VLM training. The course was very pretty, but a lot of this was completely wasted on me as I was exhausted by the hills. I realise that I am newbie, and seasoned runners will probably find the hills a lot easier to cope with but I found them very difficult.
The marshalls were lovely and encouraging (especially as I was towards the back of the race) And special thanks to the lovely ladies at the top of the second hill for your encouraging words)
The first water stop was very much needed after the hilly start, but it was nearer to mile 5 than 4. Bottled water would of been preferable to cups, but I now know to take a bottle for my next race. It wasn't a huge problem though, I just stopped for a few seconds to take on some fluids.
Thankfully there was a lovely downhill finish, with the finish line in sight from the top of the hill.
Sparse goody bag, but to be honest, I'd just finished my first half marathon so I didn't really care!
All in all, a lovely route, a perfect sunny morning, but a tough course. The VLM is relatively flat so I'm hoping these hilly races will put me in good stead for that! Date of review: March 13, 2013
|
2013 race reviewed by: Runningto150
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Lots of hills, great supported local race Date of review: March 6, 2013
|
2013 race reviewed by: John Kenyon 2
 | | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Well organised, hilly, beautiful day. Legs still hurt! Date of review: March 5, 2013
|
2013 race reviewed by: steven king 3
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Good to see the sun this time In full: My home race- seemed better organised this year and the marshals support/ encouragement stood out for me. Traffic to Bourne End and once again around Nettleden a problem. Overall great day - same medal for the 3rd year now - must have bought a job lot of 5000! Date of review: March 4, 2013
|
2013 race reviewed by: Bella72
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: A Date of review: March 4, 2013
|
2013 race reviewed by: mark castleton 2
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: A great race Date of review: March 4, 2013
|
2013 race reviewed by: Colin Braybrook
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: What goes up must come down In full: Very well organised, very scenic. Loads of loos at the start, good marshalling and water-stations en route. Yes there is one big uphill and a couple of other noticeable uphills, but there are descents too and the last mile is pretty much all downhill, which is a great way to finish. Thanks again. Date of review: March 4, 2013
|
2013 race reviewed by: Will Thurley
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Beautiful run. Great weather this year too. Date of review: March 4, 2013
|
2013 race reviewed by: Hannah Starling
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Lovely race , a hard but rewarding one In full: Thoroughly enjoyed this. Lots of hills so no good for PB but running is not all about PB. Sun came out at 5 miles and I felt on top of the world. Will do again. Date of review: March 3, 2013
|
2013 race reviewed by: RosRunner
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 20% |
In short: Well organised but the hills just keep coming! In full: I was told there were 2/3 main hills but it seemed to me that there were a few little ones in between as well! It was hard to PB due to the long AND hard slog (ouch hamstrings) but you can catch up on the downhills IF you can handle the pain the following day - ouch quads. Well organised: good loos, marshalls who really made a difference with their supportive comments and baggage drop military style! But I won't do this race again, too painful and combining runners and traffic is an accident waiting to happen. Date of review: March 3, 2013
|

| |