My Event Ratings

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

In short: Great day - despite the weather...
In full: I managed a 4 minute PB in what can only be described as biblical weather.

I'm a local and biased because I love Milton Keynes but I was really glad they decided to have a crack at a big event here. It's a shame that the inaugural one had such a severe test of the nitty-gritty side of event management. I didn't use baggage, or medical so have no idea what (if any) gripes people may have.

My only small criticism was that the finish line was a bit underwhelming. It needs to be big, and have the word Finish on it :-)

I loved the event, and the atmosphere around the course was brilliant despite the circumstances.

I'll be back next year for round 2, and a nice cool/sunny day. (and another PB)

In reference to other comments, Garmins aren't 100% accurate, the course was measured and certified. I looked at a LOT of photos from the event today and people were not on the racing line, on a course that had lots of turns in, if you don't run the right line, you'll run long, (especially dodging puddles).
Goody bags were re-usable ones, and the medal is a very nice one. I don't go to events for a goody bag, I go for the experience...!!
Date of review: May 1, 2012

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

In short: Lovely little x-country, my favourite local event by far...
In full: The weather was a lot better in the preceeding week this year than last year, and it made a big difference to the course and the conditions.
2011 was waist deep streams and sticky wet mud, 2012 was only knee deep and more sure underfoot.
That (plus some additional fitness) meant i bagged an 11 minute improval over lat years time, and once again I really enjoyed the whole event.
It's quite a small affair but is now a race that I will return to year after year.
Great effort from the Bearbrook Runners...
Date of review: February 21, 2012

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Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		No
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		60%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		40%

In short: Lovely start and finish, not sure about the other 25 miles!!
In full: I had a really hard day out. So i'm probably a bit jaded.
Overall the event was great, if i have any issues with it, they are as follows...
Too many open roads for my liking. But mainly I found running the 2nd loop extremely mentally hard, having seen the halfers peel off, going out again was hard, and as i was pretty slow it was very lonely at the back... For about half of the run it didn't feel like an event at all. My fault for being slow i guess!
Marshalls were good, and you can't fault the location.
I will be back, but i will only be doing the half....
Date of review: May 12, 2011

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

In short: Really good event, lovely day!!
In full: Best organized of the 3 halfs i've done so far. Bedford Harriers and all the marshalls etc deserve a big thanks for making it a great day.

I struggled quite a bit to get round but that's my fault, i'll definitely do it again next year!

Rugby shirt instead of medal was a nice touch.

Guilt free beers over Xmas now on the back of that event :)
Date of review: December 13, 2010

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

In short: Great event, with really good atmosphere...
In full: Weather helped, and i think the route changed made the finish to the race much better.

Awesome idea, loved seeing the Brothers and Sisters with their MO's. My time was average but the support etc for other runners and the atmosphere was really friendly! Willen and Campbell park are nice places to run around. Some hills but nice last 2k downhill....
Will def return next year if it's on again.
For those that care, the pack/medal at the end seemed good value...
Date of review: November 14, 2010

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

In short: Scenic but challenging...
In full: 2 laps of a 5K course that went around Woburn Abbey through the deer park and ornamental gardens. Was a lovely location and very scenic, and obviously for a good cause (BHF).

Downsides for me was that it was quite hilly, exposed and windy, also running on grass and gravel, which all made it a tougher run than i was expecting. Water station at 1/2 way would be nice.

Now i know what to expect though i'll be back next year.
Date of review: September 20, 2010

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

In short: Nice event in Milton Keynes
In full: Only second ever half marathon and only have the other MK Half (Nike in March) to compare it to. Personally i was disappointed with my time but very pleased with the organization of the race and the route was really nicely done. Taking in lakes and canal in MK and avoiding estates as much as possible.
The warm up and jazz band through the day were a nice touch and it was a fun event. Registration and baggage areas were clockwork too.

Downsides for me were the cost (£25) which for what you got i thought quite pricey, and the water stations were plastic cups, i lost time at each one slowing down/walking to ensure i drank it and didn't wear it.

Date of review: July 19, 2010

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