My Event Ratings

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

In short: A race for the far-sighted runner (not only in terms of having to apply early). Long straight stretches mean you can get into & maintain a decent rhythm. Obviously a popular run well worth attending for the sense of occasion & assessing progress.
Date of review: May 16, 2006

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

In short: Very scenic route around grounds of Arlington Court. Dry & not as muddy as expected (didn't have to wear off-road shoes!).
In full: Would have benefited from km markers, 800m to go marker, etc. just to help orientate the runner. Also, directions to the venue would have been helpful. Otherwise, this is definitely a race to look forward to on the race calender.
Date of review: April 28, 2006

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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		60%

In short: This aptly named, well organised, small, friendly race has a special quality! The returning estuary section is particularly scenic, with several grassy hill climbs a real test of stamina. Definitely one to consider if you like off road running.
Date of review: April 21, 2006

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

In short: Well organised and attended. Great as a measure of fitness & progress..
In full: Two suggestions to the organisers: Firstly, I'd prefer a classier, more original T-shirt & to drop the medal. Secondly, timing chips seem to be strongly indicated given it took almost a minute to cross the start line. Can this be considered for next year? I'm sure it would be a popular decision.(races such as Bideford, Plymouth & Exeter manage it - it seems a shame that Taunton don't). Otherwise, a special race recommended to others.
Date of review: April 3, 2006

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

In short: Yet again a pleasure participating in this race. It is certainly a special one with excellent facilities and dedicated website is interesting & helpful. Contents of goody bag made entry fee very reasonable.
In full: A couple of slight niggles, namely, the higher turn out & narrow road meant it took a little while to cross the start line & also dodging to overtake slower runners further along, so time was a bit down on what it should have been this year. Also grassy area adjoining finish area very boggy (still it is dartmoor!).
Date of review: November 24, 2005

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

In short: Distinctive road race with mainly long stretches and a few testing hill climbs. Well organised with decent prizes, goody bag, though would prefer T shirt to medal. Definitely a test of fitness.
Date of review: November 4, 2005

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

In short: A small but well organised event, definitely one to try. Some hilly sections but generally copeable with a varied, picturesque & mainly woodland course (with at one point a stunning seaview of Paignton). Well marshalled with pre-race info helpful.
Date of review: August 15, 2005

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

In short: A distinct event in wooded location. Would suggesthaving a more visible finish banner, with mile (km) signs and distance markers towards the finish. Excellent result service.
Date of review: August 15, 2005

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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: Very well organised race with terrific marshalling/support throughout. A 'no stone left unturned' approach.
In full: Closing half the road between Paignton and Torquay for several hours was quite an achievement. In spite of hot weather and several longish stops to take on water I actually managed a pb. However, slight discrepancy over finish time but this is being scrutinised (many runners finishing en bloc a confounding factor apparently). A run this size might consider timing chips. Seeing fellow club & elite runners along seafront at close quarters was a definite novelty, giving added interest & encouragement. Great dedicated website & pre-run booklet. PA deserves special mention with good pre-race instructions and jolly repartee at the finish. Elvis on the hill was a nice touch and the group's 'running' songs were a hoot. It was definitley more than undulating and a couple of the hills were tough going second time round. At least we didn't have to do a circuit at the end. All-in-all a resounding success.
Date of review: June 29, 2005

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

In short: Did the half-marathon. Hottest day of the year by far. Total respect to those completing the full marathon.
In full: So hot on the day I decided after a few miles to just treat this one as a Sunday morning endurance training run. Truth of the matter was that I couldn't keep it going and threw in the towel in terms of a decent time. With a course offering little shade my survival strategy included plenty of walk breaks and lingering longer at the many water/sponge stations. It was a very well organised/marshalled/signposted/friendly event, though support was predictably slim for long stretches. Enjoyed the grandstand finish, but regret not bringing my shades and a hat for protection. Look forward to doing this one again next year when hopefully conditions are more conducive to running. Definitely has pb potential. Hope the Rotarians raised pots of money for a worthwhile charity.
Date of review: June 20, 2005

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