Abingdon MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (556 votes). | The big picture (556 votes) | | Overall score | | 91% | | How many would do it again? | | 93% | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 70% | | PB potential | | 90% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 89% | | Value | | 81% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 77% |
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2012 race reviewed by: nick Bishop 6
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: It's all about chasing a time In full: This isn't a scenic course. There aren't any breath taking or charming views to inspire you. And it can be a wee bit lonely at times with other runners and supporters often thin mon the ground. But Abingdon is only about one thing: running a time.
So probably like most, I ran a PB. Happy with that. Date of review: November 16, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Mathew Browne
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: awesome race well done Amblers Date of review: October 31, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Possum hopper
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Second time at this event with a 'gap year'. Enjoyed it more as i knew where the boring bits were. It doesn't pretend to be interesting and it kind of isn't but it gives you the opportunity to get your head down and just go for a decent time. I will Date of review: October 30, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: wheezyboy
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Brilliantly organised In full: My second marathon and my second Abingdon marathon, so I don't have any big city races to compare this with, but I chose to run this again precisely because you have so much space without ever feeling isolated and because it is so fast. The marshals were excellent from beginning to end, as was the overall organisation. Thanks especially to the marshal and fellow runners who checked I was alright after I slipped and fell at the 14 mile mark. Battered, bloody and bruised I still managed a PB, which is testament to how fast this course is. Only quiblle: more food needed at the end, perhaps, but that was the best Mars bar I've ever had. Date of review: October 23, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Mark Clay
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Another belter. Thanks so much to all who make it so good. In full: I just don't think you can beat this event. The biggest little marathon in the world! (I even forgive you for the cold showers!) Date of review: October 23, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Wibles
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Very easy marathon to run, you just turn up and everything is pretty much organised for you In full: My third marathon, after doing the London Marathon twice in 2006 and 2009. I can say that this race is much easier to run and easier to get in and out of the event than anything I experienced in London - to such an extent that I doubt I will do London again.
The organisation was superb, the runners were helpful, friendless and, where required, motivating.
Yes, as many have said before, the scenery is dull, but I challenge you to find anyone with 23-24 miles in their legs to look up and say "what a wonderful scenic panorama and look, my leg pain has disappeared and I don't feel tired anymore"... perhaps not.
I didn't train as hard for this as I did for my last marathon, and yet I got a PB by a significant margin!
No downsides at all really. I didn't jump up many pavements or have any trouble passing anyone or get stuck in a bog, or mind the refreshing dip in the cool puddle in the stadium path or find the narrowing of pathways too insurmountable an object to have any effedt on my time.
Thumbs up Abingdon - I'll be back. Date of review: October 22, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: sibbo
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Third time I've done this race, third PB. Shame about the cold showers Date of review: October 22, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: TheWhiteWiltord
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Well organised/marshalled and great for PBs... In full: This was my first time running this race and I wasn't disappointed; the marshals were fantastic and the organisation was excellent! A big thank you to all concerned.
My only (minor) gripes were the few awkward twists and turns, the narrow footpath bits, and the pavement sections (bearable early on, but no fun after 20 or so miles in your legs!), although oddly enough the infamous underpass section didn't bother me at all! Plus I quite liked the industrial estate, as it was smooth under foot, wide open, and traffic free.
All-in-all I thought it was a very good event and I will be back to grab another PB in 2013! Date of review: October 22, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Stephen Thackeray
 | | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Flat but underwhelimng............ In full: Definately would side with the more negative comments on here, it was definately flat but unspectacular ( dull ) also I agree, I thought there was a lot of jumping up & down kerbs & along rough paths, a lot of people seemed to run PB's though, so I doubt they are complaining. Marshalls & Spectators were great like they always are, these type of events seem to bring the best out in the human spirit. To be honest, I dont see myself doing this one again. Date of review: October 22, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Gastroplodder
 | | 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: Well organised race over a flat course with lots of variety. Date of review: October 22, 2012
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