My Event Ratings

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

In short: Fast race with G4S marshalls!
In full: The start was a joke. They counted down 3-2-1 go, we all walked forward getting ready to run, then we all stopped?! Then we all had to go backwards. Then they played loud music, and everyone was looking around thinking wth is going on?! They must have realised that they didn't have the police all clear to run on the promenade, as they said "we're just waiting for police clearance"...ok....All a bit shambolic!
The course itself was as expected, flat, along the seafront, passing the pleasure beach, tower and out to cleveleys and back. I dont race to look at the course, so no gripes there and I actually found it entertaining as there was a lot of music, sounds, lights etc from the various attractions. I was planning what I would get up to if I came back for the weekend!
The marshalls were apparently contracted from G4S, and basically ignored all runners and were few and far between. There were times on the second lap (full marathon) that you thought you were just on a long run as it was quite sparse of runners, and of course the lack of marshalls didnt help. The crowd was good on the day as the weather was mild and a lot of people were out on the seafront. I didnt see any drunks and it was mainly families. We were lucky with the weather. I think I'd do it again, but you get what you pay more and its worth doing if you want a good time.
Date of review: April 9, 2013

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

In short: Not as fast as I thought, well organised for first marathon, needs improvements
In full: I feel very sorry for the organisers and marshalls on a truely attrocious day of weather. Very very wet, flooding so, very windy, and very cold.
However, a supply of space blankets is a must for future events, they cant be expensive, but my god I could have done with one after Sunday.
I was shivering for an hour and a half afterwards, despite heading for the KFC afterwards for some grub and a hot drink. I just couldnt get warm.

Positives: Great marshalling, very encouraging spectators, good parking near the stadium in the industrial estate, race reasonably flat. Quite a well organised event.

Improvements: "Inflatable finish arch" in stadium on finishing line.

Some people have been complaining about the sheltered area, but I thought it was a reasonably contingency for such bad weather. Normally people would gather outside the stadium in the huge car park.

Regarding the course, there were quite a few twists and turns, ups and downs it seemed and it was difficult to get into a rhythm. However, I'm sure everything seemed worse due to the weather.
Colour coded pens needed to be wayyyy bigger.
Start pistol would have been nice.

Well done MK.
Date of review: May 1, 2012

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

In short: Great race
In full: A very enjoyable course. A combination of killer uphills and super quick downhills make this a very interesting course. The scenery is magnificent, and its all in areas that normally only military folk are allowed in. The surface is all good, on roads, tracks and tank tracks. Though this year it was shortened a bit at last minute, which avoided a grassy off road bit. Will definitely do it again.
Date of review: December 28, 2011

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

In short: Great organisation, flat as a pancake.
In full: My second time in this race, and will do it again. The scenery isn't great, but I don't run races for the scenery! Its very nice though along the seafront. The marshalls and organisation are the best you will see in a race. Very friendly and doubled up on every post. Baggage hold like clockwork, and toilet queues improved from last year. Nice goody bag and medal. Well done Gosport Road Runners.
Date of review: November 20, 2011

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

In short: Will be doing it again next year
In full: This race is described as undulating, though its mainly flat. There are some nice gentle downhills, and some gentle inclines.
There is a steady incline around mile 8-9 but this is followed by a nice steady decline towards the finish which really helps you speed home.
The marshalling was the best I've ever seen in a race. All clapping with words of encouragement in many numbers.
Changing was available in the nearby leisure centre, with the start a short distance (5 min walk) away which allowed a little jog warm up/down.
The scenery was remarkably rural considering the location. When you think of Lordshill Southampton you dont picture a race being this scenic. There were some sections in an industrial estate, but overall a very good race.
Date of review: November 8, 2010

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

In short: Flat, well organised and friendly race.
Date of review: February 16, 2010

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

In short: Scenic country lanes with good organisation finishing on a track
Date of review: November 29, 2009

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