Hampshire Chronicle Winchester 10KHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (196 votes). | The big picture (196 votes) | | Overall score | | 64% | | How many would do it again? | | 78% | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 63% | | PB potential | | 56% | | Atmosphere | | 58% | | Organisation | | 56% | | Value | | 64% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 63% |
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2013 race reviewed by: COLIN ARMSTRONG
 | | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: No chipped start, Hilly, disappointing medal, no goody bag
In full: Bit misleading to state the race is chipped and then omit a chip sensor at the start - makes the chip a waste of time for anyone not on the front line IMHO. The timing company was less than helpful when I questioned them about this and the organisers didn't reply at all. Pretty hilly from start to finish but good numbers helped keep the pace up. Medal truly poor (paper sticker on blank medal jobby) and nothing more (unless a cup of water counts). Feels like the organisers skimped on cost. Still, managed a PB so all's well on that front - looking forward to trying a flatter route. Also agree with comments that this was a real missed opportunity to create a truly special race round one of our most historic cities - the route starts on the outskirts and heads away from the city so you don't see any of the sights at all.
Date of review: February 26, 2013
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2013 race reviewed by: Sandy Balls
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: A pleasant 10k around the northern fringes of Winchester
In full: Having read reviews from previous years, I arrived with low expectations, but was pleasantly surprised with the organisation. The route has enough mild ups and downs to keep it interesting and although not traffic free, I didn't encounter any problems. The start and finish areas all ran smoothly and there was good pockets of support despite the bitter conditions. I was very happy with my time and will be back in future.
Date of review: February 25, 2013
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2013 race reviewed by: Jenny Harper 2
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: OK, but not many frills!
In full: I had a good run, and enjoyed the support of the pockets of wellwishers cheering you on, and the other runners who were friendly and welcoming, however I did feel that the organisers have scrimped on costs. Given that there were over 600 entrants, and most of these will have friends and family coming along too, the toilet facilities were woeful. 8 leisure centre toilets for such a big race is not enough, and resulted in long queues and flushes giving up, many smaller races have a bank of portaloos near the start, and there was plenty of room for this. There was no warm-up to get runners in the mood, and given how bitter it was this would have helped people avoid injury and help to create a good atmosphere. The announcer had no megaphone or tannoy so we couldn't hear his announcements. There was a lot of congestion at the start of the race which affected times and made it a jostle for space on a poor surface. You do also get cars whizzing past as the roads aren't closed, which at times does affect your enjoyment of it.
Overall it's not a bad race, however please get some portaloos, everyone will want to go before a 10k run, and when its 2 degrees help us warm up a bit!
Date of review: February 24, 2013
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2013 race reviewed by: NellyP
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Winchester???? New route needed
In full: Having moved to Winchester a year ago I really love this city, what a missed chance to show off the city.
The route just doesn't go near the city, should be called Worthy's 10K. The start is too congested and whilst it's a good challenging course it's just such a missed opportunity.
The blurb says it's chip timed so it won't make any difference if your not at the front of the start when in fact it's gun start and chip finnish, so if your looking for a PB then ignore the stewards and get close to the front. It didn't make any difference to me but 20 seconds to get to the start is a lot if you're chasing a PB and the organisers should be honest about this.
If your expecting to see Winchester whilst running then forget it. I'll probably do it again but only because it's local, wouldn't travel any distance.
Date of review: February 24, 2013
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2012 race reviewed by: Smells HB
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Challenging but fun
In full: Good organisation, improved start and finish from last time I ran this. A bit tight at the start only marred by inconsiderate runners cutting up others on the run towards Kings Worthy. Friendly Marshals and patient drivers... And great weather!
Hills mean you would have to be in great shape to run a PB here but a great season opener
Date of review: February 28, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Sebastian80
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Really enjoyable Sunday morning race
In full: Like many I was put off by last year's reviews and only entered on the day and because I live 5 mins from the start. However, there was nothing to worry about because this is a really good race. The course has inclines and as a result is not super fast but it's not exactly fell running and decent times are achievable. It was absolutely perfect running weather (sunny but cool with a gentle breeze) and the middle 3 or 4k follow a picturesque road with fields on either side. Organisation was good, no problems entering on the day and all very relaxed and competent. Lastly, the whines from last years reviews about finishing on "shingle" are comical if it's the same finish (which I think it is). The shingle turned out to be a gravel road - totally inoffensive. I'd encourage people put off by subjective reviews to have a good look at this one next year.
Date of review: February 27, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: giventofly
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 20% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: nice day for it and friendly bunch but....
In full: I agree the course is still not quite right yet, tight start and finish with way too many tight bends on the run in and out. I don't mean too sound harsh on what was such a nice race day and such an enjoyable morning running however, compared to the Alresford or Hursley 10k it lacked any atmosphere and felt very much like a friendly gathering of older runners who all knew each other. Nice but hardly worth its rather steep entry fee. Unfortunately it lacked any pre or post race entertainment or fun runners or family events. The facilities were spread all over the place with not enough martials telling us where to go in the build up or afterwards. Sorry guys but compared to allot of other races of a similar size I came away wondering what did I pay for?
Date of review: February 27, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Gumball Boots
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Very well organised and a good atmosphere.
In full: Quite a hilly coursed but managed a PB anyway. Roads are not closed but they are quiet at this time and the marshals did a great job. Lovely weather for it this year too.
Date of review: February 26, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Wadda
| | 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 short: Well organised, good communication from organisers, a few hills but a pretty quick course
In full: I enjoyed this run a lot. Weather was just about perfect, nice friendly crowd with a good mix of abilities, and whilst there was a few hills they weren't too steep or long. (I managed a pb anyway.). Organisation all seemed pretty good so thx to all those involved.
Date of review: February 26, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: cazmo78
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: BRILLIANT
In full: Some great hills! Marshall's were great shouting encouragement to runners. I had a great run today and was only around 1 and a half minutes off my current PB time for 10km. So actually feel rather pleased. Today made me realise why I became a runner :-)
Date of review: February 26, 2012
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