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

In short: This race has everything, beach, grass, trails, and a little bit of pavement thrown in for good measure
In full: I've done this race several times and I swear that Sunderland Strollers must be praying to the weather gods, as it's always glorious sunshine for this race.

The start is very tough on the beach, especially if the tide is in, but the terrain eases off as you climb (the one and only) short hill onto the leas. Then it's grass & trails all the way through to Whitburn. Then it's on to the promenade and back down onto the beach for the finish.

Stunning scenery running along the seafront, and a great atmosphere from the competitors, as well as a pretty decent (if a little random) goody bag at the finish.
Date of review: September 5, 2009

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

In short: Hills, hills and more hills, with some fantastic scenery thrown in for good measure.
In full: A nice little bimble around Gibside estate, the trees in November all multicoloured which gives the feeling of running around a picture postcard.

It's a toughy, starting in the middle of the hill, working your way to the top of the ridge, back down to the stream at the bottom, then a long climb back to the top again before finishing on a wide grassy avenue back down in the middle of the hill.
Date of review: September 5, 2009

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

In short: This isnt just a half marathon, it is *the* half marathon
In full: Yes it's expensive, and yes there's a good chance you're going to have to dodge walkers (even if you start at the front), but the atmosphere in this race is awesome - from the party at the start, to the crowds along the route, to the Red Arrows, it's simpley fantastic. I am a bit biased living a stones throw from the course, but it really is that good. The people who line the route are there for everyone, not just the people they know and you cant go wrong with good old geordie hospitality. *big thumbs up*
Date of review: October 1, 2007

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

In short: Couple of evil hills to climb, but worth it for the scenery and the run back down on the last mile
Date of review: November 25, 2005

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