My Event Ratings

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: One year I will finish!
In full: This is my local race - it's starts less than a mile from my home! This is my third year of trying and the third time baled out somewhere on the course!

I run large chunks of the course fairly regularly and whilst the hill up through the park between 7 and 8 miles isn't really that tough, on a hot day it can catch out the unprepared.

For me I stopped at the 4 mile mark - I've run myself into heat exhaustion twice and the results aren't much fun.

I will be back next year, hoping that for one year the harlow 10 weekend will be cooler, much like it was in the run up to the race.

I feel better that I ran the course yesterday on my own in 1:17, which is a 10 mile PB for me.
Date of review: August 12, 2007

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

In short: My number one race
In full: The Halstead marathon is just a race apart. It's seems to attract an incredibly friendly group of runners, as borne out by the runners world forum each year.

The organisers try to run the race for the benefit of the runners rather than ease of organisation.

Unique features like names on race number, meeting place for runners world forumites, and unoffical pace groups. The marshalls, supporters and people manning the drink stations actually want to be there helping.

The course itself is without doubt a toughie that will push your fitness and determination. But, if you work hard a PB is possible.....I ran a PB in 2006, and then bettered is on Sunday.

It's the only race I've entered, at any distance, where the runners will actually help you along on those 'tough' moments.

The finish is very slick, collect your goody bag, get a massage and collect your luggage all without fuss. The medal this year is superb, and for me betters the classic design of the FLM medal.

I just wish the Halstead marathon ran more than once per year - it's just that good.
Date of review: May 15, 2007

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

In short: Why is the 2007 race so far away!
In full: Only my 2nd marathon and having run FLM 3 weeks earlier this was definately a better 'runners race'. The course is challenging, and those inclines seem to grow on the 2nd lap.

The organisation was superb from start to finish, the marshalls where worth their weight in gold for their encouragement.

This course doesn't guarantee you a PB, but dosn't rule it out either.

Worst bit for me was exiting the field onto the main road without 1/2 mile to go, that very short descent and sharp left turn onto the main road was really tough on dead legs!

Will definately be back in 2007.
Date of review: May 27, 2006

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

In short: I need more hill training!!!!
In full: The organisation was really first class, from parking, changing, toliets and the start. First 3 miles or so is a little 'busy' for my liking - but that is personal to me rather than a relfection on the race.

The hills are a challenge - but then I went hard at every single one. My legs called time just short of 12 miles forcing me to walk for a minute, but managed to remainder okay. The run through the park is deceiving, because the finish seems close at hand and it's not!

this was a PB for me by 8 1/2 minutes, so I'm well pleased. Definately run this in 2007 it's a good fitness test.

Personally I would prefer a medal to a t-shirt, but that is me.

Would I recommend Watford - absolutely enter NOW.
Date of review: February 6, 2006

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

In short: A run in the snowy countryside, what could be better
In full: Like most I managed to miss the start, but that isn't the otganisers fault! I left the hall when the masses did....too late it seems. I loved the course, love going up hills, hate going down (I'm hopeless!). Will be back next year.
Date of review: December 28, 2005

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

In short: My first race ever....despite the wind and rain....it was excellent
In full: Standing cold and wet on the start line is never good, espicially when it's your first race. Soon as we go moving it all got better, and the wind and rain didn't seem to matter. To say I'm chuffed with 1:55 is an understatement.

Would I run it again - absolutely, and by next year I may be better at running down slopes as well!!

Organisation was good, changing facilities and little small for near 1000 people, but the Ridlins track isn't really designed for that number - espicially all wanting the same things at the same time. Well worth the money.
Date of review: November 6, 2005

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