My Event Ratings

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

In short: Friendly, well-organised race and enthusiastic marshalls despite the awful weather.
In full: Was running rather than racing this as a pre-London long Sunday race, but was so enthused by the support of the marshalls and friendliness of fellow runners that I ended up running it a lot faster than planned. Part of that was also the desire to get out of the driving cold rain which really picked up in the second half.

Good facilities - first race I've ever been to where there was no queue for the ladies' - and the transition from the 10 to 20 mile race was handled well. I thought a two-loop course would be demoralising in the second half but it wasn't a problem at all. The course was nice and flat - a couple of minor inclines - without too many twists and turns so a definite PB course for those racing.

I too would have preferred a medal - the hats were a great idea but did not take account of the smallest amongst us: mine looks like a tea cosy and slips down over my eyes, so sadly I won't be able to wear it out running. Runners treasure their medals, even if they do end up at the back of a drawer, so a longer-lasting memento would have been a bonus.

All in all, an excellent race and I would definitely do it again.
Date of review: February 21, 2006

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

In short: A really dull course but a well-organised and friendly race.
In full: The 11am start in 30 degrees of heat didn't help, but there was still a good crowd of runners at the start. Unfortunately the two-loop route is dull, run mostly on roads through the more industrial part of the town, and although flat, there are lots of twists and turns which limit the PB potential.

There is also very little shade on the course, so big thanks to the friendly local who turned his garden hose on the suffering runners! As it was my first 10M race it was a PB, but the heat affected my performance and I know I could do a lot better in less adverse circumstances. Overall, I might do it again as it's near to home and easy to get to.
Date of review: November 30, 2005

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

In short: Great organisation and a potential PB course.
In full: The race starts and finishes from Standalone Farm, which made getting out at the end a little difficult. The course isn't traffic-free, which meant some single-file running in places, but it was well-marshalled with drivers mostly quite patient.

The race is mostly on country roads and apart from an uphill start and some undulations between 7K and 9K, was relatively flat. Overall runners were friendly and the farm has lots of 'petting' animals for children so it's good if you're accompanied by family.
Date of review: November 30, 2005

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

In short: Beautiful scenery and fast, mainly flat or downhill, course. A definite must-do.
Date of review: December 16, 2004

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Overall score		100%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		80%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		100%
Value		40%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Nothing can compare to the sheer atmosphere and crowd support of this race.
Date of review: December 16, 2004

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