Larking Gowen Ipswich Half MarathonHere'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 | | 86% | | How many would do it again? | | 98% | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 66% | | PB potential | | 59% | | Atmosphere | | 75% | | Organisation | | 86% | | Value | | 79% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 75% |
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2012 race reviewed by: Notbuiltforspeed
 | | 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: Twisty turny, not flat, great crowds, growing race
In full: There were just over 1,000 runners this year, I think it was about 800 last year. My only gripe in what is a great race (admittedly only one mile from my front door) is the start. It isn't that close to the sports centre so a lot of people were walking to the start with a few minutes to spare. However the organisers did give plenty of warning in the sport centre.
There were start markers for pace, but I didn't see them as they were below head height on the left hand side of the start and you join the start from the right. I was too far back and passed a lot of people in the first mile! I should have been at the start earlier though.
It does twist and turn a bit for the first half of the race, especially near the town centre. I imagine that is to keep the road closures north of the town centre. The second half is in the countryside with more long straight sections.
Too some peoples surprise Ipswich isn't flat, but it's hardly the Lake District or the Pennines either.
The crowds were bigger and more enthusiastic this year. I don't know if that is a knock on from 2012 or just that the race is growing. The finish on the running track is great, even if the detour through the school grounds just before might come as a bit of a shock to anyone of think they are nearly there!
Date of review: September 28, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: waddington minge
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: dull start, but excellent finish!
In full: Very good setup with plenty of parking close by. Start of the race is very early at 0900 on a Sunday, and starts rather drably through town and a housing estate. Lovely after about 8 miles though when it gets out into the countryside and through to the finish. Excellent goody bag, really well organised and very very friendly
Date of review: September 24, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: twopointzerokids
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Enjoyable half marathon
In full: This is my 5th half, but first time at Ipswich. Course undulating (my knee struggling on downhills at mo) and little twisty. Encouraging support from spectators and marshalls en route. Start was long way back up Sidegate Lane: once I'd parked, walked all way to Sports Centre to pick up number and use toilet, had to run (!) back to start line. Think that needs to be highlighted in emails. You need to get there early! Plus couldn't see any "time pens" at start, nor work out when I'd passed start line. Was little stressed at beginning....hate to start in anxious state! But once settled into race, had good water stations (great to have bottles rather than cups) and nice atmosphere at finish. Loved meeting Olympic Torchbearers. My kids also did the fun run and loved that (esp getting a medal and t-shirt. Thanks)
Date of review: September 24, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: JF50
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Well organised and supported race
In full: Local to me so have run this all 4 years of its running. Again very well organised with lots of marshals and encouragement. Good support from local people all the way round. It is an undulating course so there's a few up hills, but a fair few down as well so overall a challenge but not tough. Goody bag+medal+t-shirt make it a good value race. Will run it again
Date of review: September 24, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: socrates123
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Excellent event
In full: Very enjoyable race. Organisation was great, absolutely no hassle throughout. Great support from the locals. I'll be back next year!
Date of review: September 24, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: hcukyellow
| | 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: Well organised, well supported and an interesting course
In full: Undulating through town, country and residential areas makes this an interesting and varied run. Excellent organisation, cheerful and encouraging marshals and good support along the route. All round a very good race.
Date of review: September 24, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: canary34
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Good race well run
In full: Organisers should be applauded and marshalls congratulated for all their encourgement and friendliness. Special mention to cadets who were extremely helpful and a credit to their officers and parents. Well supported throughout the local villagers really play there part. A great race and event. A challenge for everyone.
Date of review: September 23, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Matt Kennington
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Event in home town superbly organised and a great route
Date of review: September 23, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Ondrej Linek
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Friendly and relaxing
Date of review: September 23, 2012
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2011 race reviewed by: Proven Robbie W
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Not flat but generally accommodating over the full course. Cracking medal & finisher goodies.
Date of review: October 6, 2011
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