My Event Ratings

Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Maybe
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		80%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: First run on new certified 10km route
In full: Another decent, smoothly organised Reading Road Runners race with enthusiastic marshalling and a even a few locals braving the cold & wind to lend a cheer.
Route is on a new, accurately measured 10km course and as such times will be well down on the previous (shorter) route. However I was disappointed to be over 20s outside a recent half marathon 10km split. The wind and running alone was a big factor, but the 9th, offroad km was a real struggle. The course certainly isn't quick.
Date of review: May 3, 2010

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Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		40%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		80%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Well organised, and would be fun on a better day.
In full: With 1 10km lap to warm up, 1 lap race, 1 lap warm down I got to know the course quite well - and it was pretty bleak!

The course isn't the quickest, especially with the wind against from about 6.5 - 9km, but could be reasonably fast on a nicer day.

Organisation pretty smooth but seemed to be a lack of men's toilets - getting there at 8:30 as suggested avoids the queues though.

Thanks to the marshalls who braved the weather to make the run possible.

Also the selection of prizes was excellent, making it well worth the trip for my long run.
Date of review: October 5, 2008

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		80%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		60%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Good course, even better weather
In full: One of those days where it felt like the whole race was downhill with the wind behind, recording a sub 71 on what was meant to be a tempo run. Others found it undulating rather than hilly though and we were very lucky with the weather.
Date of review: February 15, 2008

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		80%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		80%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Quickish race with strong field
In full: First half of the race is lightening fast. It's pretty flat but somehow feels downhill. Second half includes some off-roady sections and less even surfaces, although it's still possible to run quicly over them. Cash prizes and cabbages for top 10 - also the start line photo was a nice touch. Useful long sleeved t-shirt more than justifies the cost of entry.
Date of review: October 20, 2007

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		100%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: Worth a trip
In full: A tough course, but out of nowhere I pb'd by almost a minute, finishing in second place after a last kilometer burn-up.

Nice paper-weight / medal at the finish - looks better than the trophy for 2nd ;o)

Marshalled by large numbers in an efficient and friendly manner. Well done to the Striders for the excellent organisation.
Date of review: November 8, 2006

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		80%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		80%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Recommended for speed and quality at the front
In full: Great race, well organised and loads of encouraging marshalls who did a great job.

There are people to run with whatever your standard, which made a big difference to my race.

First 7 miles are lightening fast, after that a few 'features' such as a lose gravel path and steep ramp to climb over a bridge make it a little tougher, but it was good to suprise myself with a nice pb, running 55:53ish when I expected a ~56:30.

Nice long sleeved t-shirt at the end makes it well worth the entry fee.

Will do this again next year.
Date of review: October 17, 2006

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		100%
PB potential		80%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		80%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		100%

In short: Brilliant organisation, good course and wild beasties
In full: Maybe not the quickest course out there, but there is potential for fast times here.

Bonus of deer stampead and various other beasties not native to the Milton Keynes area wondering about.
Date of review: October 8, 2006

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		80%
Value		100%
Beginner-friendliness		100%

In short: Friendly and Free
In full: Great course, scenery & friendly people. Course is mostly on grass and gravel paths, which didn't suit me at all - in fact I thought I had a good race but didn't even manage 10km pace.
Date of review: September 16, 2006

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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, friendly and fairly quick
In full: Nice traffic free, flat route, but pb potential is limited by several very tight corners.

Top organisation & a bargain £3 for affiliated runners. May well return next year to try and improve on 5th place.
Date of review: August 31, 2006

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		80%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		80%
Value		100%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: Last chance of the year for a 10km pb!
In full: Sceneic and enjoyable with a very fast field.

Following organiser's instructions meant that I got stuck towards the back of the pack so the first downhill mile was a struggle to hit at target pace, but numbers thined out from there.
Well recommended for anybody chasing 35mins or below 10km times.
Course profile is downhill first mile, then 2 and 3 uphill, 4 and 5 back down, 6 undulating with a climb for the last 300m.
Date of review: January 5, 2006

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