My Event Ratings

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

In short: Fairly flat and quick - not enough loos at the start
In full: Entered this to have another bash at getting below 1.40 and then caught a cold in the lead up. Nothing the organisers could do about that, but it meant I struggled round. Seemed pretty well organised, although they definitely need more toilets at the start - I was there about 45 minutes before the start and the queue was already about 20 minutes. Also, a scale on the map showing the car parks would be welcome - I ended up in one 20 minutes walk away, which is OK when walking to the start, but not when walking back tired, cold and wet - and it's uphill. I left my kit in my car as I thought I was a lot closer and would be able to get changed when I got back to it! Well marshalled and I was impressed with the support especially given how hard it rained at some points.
Date of review: October 26, 2009

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

In short: Flat, fast and friendly
In full: I've done this several times now and it's definitey one of my favourite races. The course is flat (there are a couple of very, very slightly uphill bits, but nothing worthy of note) and has real PB potential. The atmosphere is good and the marshalls friendly all the way round. This year it was chip timed without and increase in price (maybe because it was a late decision?), so it was very good value! I'll keep going back!
Date of review: October 8, 2009

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

In short: Hilly, but not too bad - very good race
In full: Yes, it's hilly, but not as bad as I thought it might be. Very well organised and pretty friendly. Marshalls were excellent and cheerful. Lose a mark for value because the goody bag was disappointing.
Date of review: September 27, 2009

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

In short: Very well organised, flat and fast - what more could you want?
In full: Thought this was excellently organised. A clock at the end would have been nice, but I didn't mind. Might be good to ask people to line up roughly in order of expected pace as there was lots of dodging to do down narrow roads for the first km or so. But, the organisation was very smooth, the marshalls were friendly and the jaffa cakes/jelly babies at the end a really nice touch. And I got a PB. Excellent morning.
Date of review: November 23, 2008

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

In short: Race was fine ... pity about me ...
In full: I've done this several times, but this time round I failed to prepare properly (because of illnes, injury and holiday). But I gave it a go, anyway ... and promptly blew up at 7 miles! So, I didn't really enjoy the day that much, but I can't blame the organisers for that! From my perspective, it all seemed to go off smoothly. Thanks to all the marshalls who took time to stand in the rain and encourage us as well as directing us. And thanks to the organisers for putting on another efficient event.
Date of review: October 6, 2008

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

In short: Well organised, friendly, but that hill doesn't get any easier
In full: This is where I live, so I can roll out of bed late and jog up to the start line. It always has a friendly buzz about it and there are plenty of cheerful marshalls all around the course. First four miles are great, but I echo others' comments about the final climb that starts again just when you think you've cracked it. I run this section a lot in training, and it never seems to get any easier! All in all, I really like this race and I think I would travel a lot more than 0.5M to get to the start, if I had to.
Date of review: April 21, 2008

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

In short: Fast, friendly and fun
In full: Heavy snow overnight, but fantastic conditions come race time. Thanks to all the organisers and marshals - this is a very well run event and the marshals are really encouraging all the way round. I settled into a good pace and managed to keep it going all the way - finished with a new PB to take home with me! Really enjoyed myself - thanks to everyone who made it happen.
Date of review: April 6, 2008

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

In short: Great organisation - hills not as bad as they say
In full: Everything seemed to work like clockwork on this - it all seemed relaxed at the start even after the postal strike had delayed sending some numbers out. We set off exactly on time. Good marshalling and support from local people through the villages etc.. Some fantastic views. The hills make you work, but they are not as bad as some reviews say. I think the number of portaloos dotted round the course is excellent - it's ok for we men if we need a short stop, but these must be a boon for the girls!!! Thanks to everyone - I enjoyed my run and was 2 minutes quicker than last time I did it in 2005.
Date of review: October 14, 2007

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

In short: I keep coming back and always enjoy it
In full: Done this a few times before - agree with other reviewers that 10k and half-marathon starts are too close together - spent much of first two miles dodging round people - not fun for them or me and possibly cost me a PB. Having said that, excellent organisation, great encouragement from the stewards, fast course, plenty of drinks stations (felt sorry for the people who thought one of them was water and poured it all over their heads only to discover it was a sports drink) - all in all, an excellent morning out. I'll be back again, definitely.
Date of review: October 8, 2007

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

In short: Excellent organisation, flat course (mostly!) - great race
In full: Well done to White Horse Harriers - excellent race all round. Course is pretty quick, although the mile that climbs a bit and ends with the railway bridge at 12ish was a bit tricky for me. Great organisation and friendly marshalls - definitely makes you want to go back again next year.
Date of review: April 1, 2007

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