My Event Ratings

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

In short: Enjoyable Relaxed Environment
In full: It's well organised with great marshall and other volenteers - thanks to them all. The entry price is the lowest I remember paying for a half marathon and so is a bargain. The field is around a thousand so not much conjestion and easy parking near the start.
The course goes downhill for the firt 5 miles and then uphill from miles 6-9 or so. The total ascent is about 120m through the whole race. This means that pacing and energy mangement is important. The scenery is mostly urban but you'll be too focused on running to notice that.
It's quite a relaxed race with a big range of abilities. I enjoyed it



Date of review: May 16, 2011

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

In short: Very Enjoyable - excellent scenery and great relaxed atmosphere
In full: Scenery is fantastic as the majority of the run (I ran the 42K-marathon) is on the trails to the south of Salisbury. Particular high points are the run through the yew tree wood (follow the string) and to Clearbury hill fort. The course has a few climbs but they are quite reasonable. There were plenty of water points with some snacks too (jelly babies, mars bar, biscuits). The event is very well organised for this size of event, with fairly consistent mile markers except on the remote sections, clear signs, easy pick up of race number/chip, good start/finish with accurate timing.

This was my second marathon after the Brighton marathon and the atmosphere was so much more relaxed and people were there just because they really like their sport.

I really enjoyed the event as there was huge variety of scenery from ancient hill forts through to Salisbury cathedral, different types of trail, ample water points and also the relaxed atmosphere.

Well done and thank you to all the organisers and volunteers!
Date of review: August 17, 2010

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

In short: Nice friendly race on scenic course
In full: The course was scenic along the edge of the downs, on a mix of horse training gallops, footpaths and a few short sections of road. The course is 'undulating' and the uphill sections are at a modest enough incline. The first mile is over road and gallops wide enough for overtaking so you can find your position at your pace before the narrower footpath sections where overtaking would be problematic.
It was linked with a fete, making an overall great family day out for running and non-running family members. Because of that the finish was packed for the size of race and all finishers got a great reception.
Date of review: June 28, 2010

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

In short: A scenic course through the countryside
In full: Enjoyable scenic course firstly by the Thames, then up the hill to country lanes. Change of terrain from flat to hill is a good challenge. Nice atomsphere with good comaradery between competitors.
Only niggle is that a few more toilets were needed.
Date of review: March 24, 2010

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

In short: Big Race - Big Crowds - Stadium Finish - Excellent Organisation
Date of review: March 24, 2010

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