Bluebell 5Here's how RW members rated this race (29 votes). | 1 to 10 of 29 ratings | Page: 1 2 3 |
| The big picture (29 votes) | | Overall score | | 84% | | How many would do it again? | | 95% | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 81% | | PB potential | | 58% | | Atmosphere | | 70% | | Organisation | | 76% | | Value | | 88% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 77% |
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2013 race reviewed by: Andrew Gwilliam
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: A lovely two-lap course through woodlands, with the odd field bunged in.
In full: I really enjoyed this race!
It seemed to be well-organised by friendly people; my only mild criticism is that they could've made it clearer where the runners were expected to assemble for the start, once we'd all made our way to the wildlife reserve. The start-line announcements were clear and concise. There were marshals everywhere they were needed.
The course winds through woodland for the most part, with the occasional stretches across fields. It was gently undulating, with the only real slope being that right before the finish! Most of the course was on bare earth through the woods, with grass of course when running across or around the fields; I think there were a couple of stretches on an artificial surface, too. There were about four short muddy sections, enough to get your feet a bit damp for a while, but no worse than that.
Although not a tough course, it winds through the trees, and the paths are often narrow, making passing tricky. That's not a criticism, it's part of the fun of this type of course. Obviously the potential for PBs is therefore reduced, but faster runners can still do well. One short section has runners coming at you from the opposite direction, but it's well-marshalled and isn't a problem.
Some of the marshals were a bit lifeless, but again that's just a mild criticism. I wasn't expecting a water station at the half-way point, and it was muchly appreciated! The water station was later re-sited so that it was a minute's walk behind the finishing line.
There's ample parking at the race HQ. No goody bag (which is refreshing!), but finishers get a voucher for a free cup of tea or coffee back at the race HQ. There was also a splendid selection of homemade cakes!
Overall, a great little local race that I'd highly recommend to both experienced and beginner runners.
Date of review: May 12, 2013
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2013 race reviewed by: Joanne Colby
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Lovely scenery, well marshalled, couple of inclines
In full: A nice little jaunt through twisty trails, some bluebells to be seen this year. Very boggy down at the lower field, people trying to avoid but you've just got to run through them. Lots of marshals keeping
You running the right way. A 2 loop course. Fantastic cakes at the end with a free cuppa for all runners.
Date of review: May 12, 2013
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2012 race reviewed by: Vanessa Vallely 3
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Love this race, do it every year.... more agility than running
Date of review: May 21, 2012
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2011 race reviewed by: Lucy Button
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Lovely nature reserve - makes a change if you are used to running on roads however surface is harder to run on than pavement! I have the blisters to prove it!
Date of review: May 9, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Max'd
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Nice scenic route, some inclines to make it challenging, good support from marshals.
Date of review: May 8, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: mark mayes
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: A great start to the day.
Date of review: May 8, 2011
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2011 race reviewed by: Richard Mangham
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great event, well organised, nice course
Date of review: May 8, 2011
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2010 race reviewed by: 1pagey
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great first time race to test those running legs ;-)
In full: Great run course was a little on the tough side as the course was reversed this year therefore a few more hills! Overall though great run and lovely atmosphere. Would recommend :-)
Date of review: May 12, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: Uberduber
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Well organised scenic route, beats pounding the pavements any day!
Date of review: May 11, 2010
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2010 race reviewed by: DEAN COLLINS 4
| | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
Date of review: May 11, 2010
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