Latest Ratings
| 11 to 20 of 21 ratings | Page: 1 2 3 |
2011 Offas Orror 20K
 | | 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: Tough, tough and, erm, tough.
In full: The usual serving of tough hills, technically challenging descents and warm weather from the 'Orra. Excellent marshalling and a great race from Chepstow Harriers... keep it going guys, it's one not to miss as far as I am concerned.
Heat this year made the four or so miles along the Wye really tough... was glad to get back in the forestry for, er, another hill. While I'm on it, why does the final hill barely register on the profile, it always feels the worst of the lot :)
Lost a contact lens on the way down Lemmings Leap this year, lack of depth perception and confused vision made it a little dodgy from then on.
Still had a brilliant time though :)
Date of review: April 19, 2011
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2011 Dursley Dozen
| | 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: The 'Dozen doesn't disappoint... hard hills, muddy and very well marshalled
In full: Enjoyed this one so much in 2010 I had to come back this year... and will again next year fitness notwithstanding.
Harder conditions this year, far muddier than 2010 and the weather wasn't crisp and sunny but at least the rain abated for the race :)
Marshals did an excellent job, wish more people would give them an cheery hello on the way round; I tried to where my breath would let me.
Had a nice race with a young lady who pushed me all the way from about mile 6 onwards... she was quicker than me on the flat but I had the edge on the hills. Not much in it though. Friendly competitive spirit is quite often missing, but not here and maybe that's why I prefer cross country races.
Shame there was no T-Shirt this year, I think they can be worn with pride after such a tough race! Wouldn't have minded if the entry fee was upped to cover it, it's a bargain at a tenner!
Well done and keep up the good work in Dursley.
Date of review: February 18, 2011
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2010 Merthyr Mawr Christmas Pudding 10k Challenge
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Brilliant! Superbly enjoyable race as usual
In full: Shame it was postponed due to the unpredictable weather which made the Xmas fancy dress and the Pogues 'fairytale in new york' a bit surreal in January :)
Great race and one I wouldn't miss. Thanks Brackla keep up the good work!!!
Date of review: January 23, 2011
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2010 Cardiff Half Marathon
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Local race that is pure PB territory.
In full: Always look to enter as it's so local for me...
Route change this year - for the better IMO - the run through Penarth Marina and right across the barrage is much better than the previous out and back. Shame they couldn't get the minor distance problem sorted! What they definitely need to do though is be a bit more imaginative with the final mile or so to avoid the awful up and down the same street section that they also had last year. Aaaaargh! Soul destroying!!!
Cost is a bit pricey too. I'm not one for mementos per-se, but the promise of a commemorative towel was stretching the bounds of reality. Flannel, yes. Towel, er, no.
Despite the hiccups and cost though, I'll most definitely be back next year.
Date of review: October 19, 2010
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2010 Clarendon Way Marathon
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Off road extravaganza
In full: This was my first marathon; it seemed a sensible choice given how much I enjoyed the half marathon in 2009. And it didn't let me down. "Superb", "Excellent". Superlatives can't do it justice.
Weather was a bit different this year, very muddy, slippery and wet. I hope the trails recover from the sodden footfalls of the participants quickly!
Great marshalling, signage and organisation.
I'll be back next year whatever the weather :)
Date of review: October 6, 2010
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2010 Machen Mountain Run 10K
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Wonderful weather, challenging climb and hell for leather descent
In full: Brilliant fell race; this year the weather was warm and sunny. Despite recent rains the underfoot conditions were pretty much perfect, as was the organisation and excellent marshalling. One tough climb over the first 3.7 miles or so but a fantastic descent to the end!
Date of review: August 30, 2010
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2009 Machen Mountain Run 10K
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Awesome fell run using one of the steepest routes up Mynydd Machen.
In full: My local mountain - I live on the other side in the Sirhowy Valley - and one I run and ride on very frequently, but that doesn't stop me relishing this run. The climb up is steep but not treacherous with a couple of stiles... once you crest what you think is a hard climb wait for the last third of a mile :)
Once past the trig point it's all downhill through the pine forestry, affectionately known as the 'Shag Pile Run' due to the liberal coating of pine needles on the forest floor. Dodgy in the wet and difficult to put the brakes on without suitable off road shoes - I was all over the place in 2009 and lost loads of time and places on the descent :( Back in 2010 with some Inov 8 fell shoes so hoping for a better run down :)
A top run, well organised with a local friendly atmosphere and definitely - definitely - worth doing. You won't regret it.
Date of review: July 24, 2010
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2010 Offas Orror 20K
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Tough climbs and steep descents, an off road extravaganza
In full: My first 'Orra and I have to say that I enjoyed it thoroughly. Well organised, marshalled and waymarked. A nice atmosphere and overall definately a run I'd do again... maybe with some more hill training beforehand next time!
Date of review: April 11, 2010
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2010 Dursley Dozen
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Tough hills, lots of mud, lovely views but most of all... fun!
In full: Yesterday was my first attempt at the 'Dozen and to be honest I was a bit nervous before I'd arrived due to the tough sounding nature of the event. However, once I'd chatted to a few of the assembled runners, I was feeling more confident of my chances of getting around.
Organisation was good, parking well directed and race HQ welcoming and friendly. Prerace information also helped to make things run smoothly.
The run itself was brilliant. Lots of hills, picturesque woodland and rolling fields. Plenty of mud too, so I was glad to be wearing some Inov8 multiterrain trainers, especially when those around me were slipping about! I especially liked the touch of the burnt out Merc A class on the one downhill bridelway, just like being in South Wales :P Seriously though, if all cross country runs are like this then I can't wait to enter a few more :D
Now the Cowpat Canter sounds interesting... but first it's Offa's 'Orra in April. Can't wait.
Date of review: February 15, 2010
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2009 Merthyr Mawr Christmas Pudding 10k Challenge
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: One event not to miss, can't wait for next year!
In full: I've run this event the last two years [2008, 2009] and have to say it's the one event that I can't wait for.
The atmosphere is brilliant, very friendly and vibrant, especially with Christmas in the offing. The course is superb, a mix of sand, mud, water and a dash of country lane.
It isn't the easiest 10k you'll do, but it's one you won't regret!
Date of review: January 26, 2010
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