Stevenage Half-MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (323 votes). | The big picture (323 votes) | | Overall score | | 74% | | How many would do it again? | | 89% | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 59% | | PB potential | | 69% | | Atmosphere | | 64% | | Organisation | | 74% | | Value | | 74% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 68% |
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2012 race reviewed by: Stargirl76
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Brilliantly organised race despite the hideous weather
In full: The Stevenage HM was my first ever half-marathon and foray into long distance running. I was understandably nervous given I had only got into running a few months beforehand. I had contacted the Race Director prior to the race to express my reservations about meeting the time cut off point in which course support would be withdrawn, but was quickly put at ease and felt reassured that all would be fine on the day. I was not disappointed - despite the horrendous and diabolical weather, the undeterred and friendly marshals were fantastic with their support to the runners given the non-existent crowd support. The race officials and organisers ensured that the race went ahead like clock work. The course itself is slightly undulating and perhaps a little challenging for a first timer, but generally speaking was pretty fast for those wanting to improve on their PB's. Overall excellent race and I would consider doing it again.
Date of review: March 29, 2013
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2009 race reviewed by: Steve Hughes 11
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Hard work but satisfactory
In full: It's hard to rate this because the weather was the overwhelming factor. The wind tunnel and driving rain created a real challenge but it was great to overcome it. Felt like an iron man at the end!
Date of review: November 19, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: VicnVin
| | Overall score | | 60% | | 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, very good marshals
In full: Horrible weather, but the marshals still managed a cheer and a smile for everyone, good job guys and thanks. Course is undulating with the endless and not exactly scenic underpasses, but Fairlands valley park was really nice with all the leaves turning orange. An enjoyable race.
Date of review: November 10, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: David Shipley 3
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great value, great marshalls, with PB potential.
In full: Despite the poor weather, the whole event was well organised. I understood that a lot of people mugged it off due to the rain which was a shame, but overall it was a good day. Loads of credit goes to the marshalls, who were friendly, smiley, ever helpful and encouraging. One was even singing! Not what I would call a flat course but negotiating the underpasses is much better than being on the road! Nice little medal too - will be back next year!
Date of review: November 6, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Paul Cachelin-Stephens
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Despite the weather a new PB
In full: Good half marathon race with pb potential. Well marshalled despite the weather which helped a lot.
Date of review: November 6, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: daniel sorescu
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: cold and wet
Date of review: November 5, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Megamegan
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: PB Potential but no intersting land marks
In full: Pluses: Fab, encouarging marshalls (who must have been freezing)Good changing facilities, , quick number retrieval, nice bling at the end, announcer calling out runner's names at the end, tea & cakes, swift baggage drop off and collection.
Negatives - My main gripe was the parking arrangements & transfer. We arrived at the car park at 8:55. The 1st bus turned up at 9:25 (publicised for 9:00)This was half full when it arrived and we didn't manage to get on. We finally got on the 4th bus at 9:55, soaked through and cold as each bus was half full from a prior pick up.
Personally, I wouldn't do this race again as the course is not very interesting. I like a bit of scenery.
Date of review: November 5, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: BusterG
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Was pleasantly surprised with the route around Stevenage as I had only ever visited the trading estates before. The underpasses weren't too arduous and I took minutes off my PB. Excellently organised and marshaled will be back next year.
Date of review: November 5, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Trevor Brown 9
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: A fixture in my racing calender in spite of the weather! Great marshals
Date of review: November 5, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Joel Martin 3
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: An excellently organised half marathon which minimised the problems with the awful weather
In full: The organisation at the start of the race was absolutely fantastic, the weather was truly awful but there were no problems staying dry and warm at the stadium before the race. The race director's did a fantastic job keeping everyone undercover until the race was ready to start then got everyone into position promptly and off to a smooth start.
The course itself was flat and so great for PB's, I managed to take 40 seconds off my previous best.
Special mention to the marshalls as well who were plentiful and very encouraging.
Will definitely do this again next year.
Date of review: November 5, 2012
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