My Event Ratings

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

In short: Tough, but wonderful run
In full: The most enthusiastic Marshalls on the planet gave great support (I needed it towards the end!). So many goodies to be tempted by on the way round, next time I'll run with a doggy bag.

Organisation, right from the arrival of the helpful pre-race booklet cannot be faulted. Normally I can think of several things that could be improved about a race, but I honestly can't on this occasion.

Very enjoyable race indeed.
Date of review: March 21, 2010

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

In short: Improving
In full: I preferred the new start location as there was less bunching at the beginning of the race than last year. However, it seems such a simple thing to add signs with approximate finishing times at the start to help stop slower runners from starting too far near the front.

Being able to park so near the start meant that I had no need to use the baggage area. There were absolutely no hold-ups for me getting to and from the parking.

The course was mostly flat, with some scenic and some boring parts. The hilly part at the end was mentioned in the race pack, so it came as no surprise.

A couple of the water stations could have done with more help. One of them had only two guys on it, and they were struggling to keep up. The water stations were better positioned this year (last year I nearly got knocked flying by people who ran back to a station they had missed).

The marshalling and support was an improvement on last year. There was never any doubt which way to go around the paths.

I live quite close to MK, otherwise I would not be happy at the lack of shower facilities.

Overall, it was a great day to be running and I enjoyed this event. I will certainly return.
Date of review: March 7, 2010

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

In short: Well Organised
In full: This was my first full marathon and I enjoyed it very much. The course was very scenic, but challenging on the second lap.
The water stations were very frequent and well managed, which was appreciated on such a warm day. The wet sponges were also welcomed in the latter stages.

It was nice to have so many shouts of encouragement from the locals who certainly joined in the spirit of the day.

I can't fault the event or the organisation. Thanks to all concerned.
Date of review: April 28, 2009

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

In short: Challenging, but great fun
In full: This was my first race at this distance, and I'm glad I picked this one. The Marshalls were well organised and friendly, and the competitors were out for a fun day too. I never felt out on my own, and found good company to inspire me and keep me going.
The weather was fantastic, so there were a fair few supporters scattered around the course shouting some welcome encouragement. It was nice to be able to appreciate the scenery too, as it was a very nice course. Baggage handling was excellent - I can appreciate that after Milton Keynes. I feel better prepared for my forthcoming marathon - though I hope it isn't so hilly, err... I mean "undulating".
Well done again Bedford Harriers for the great organisation.
Date of review: April 5, 2009

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

In short: I'd like to rate this higher - maybe next year?
In full: I didn't suffer huge problems like some competitors, but can see how elements of the organisation need to be improved.

Timed sections at the start would help to save guessing where best to stand before the race - particularly since it is very congested for several miles of the race with little chance of moving up the field.

Better signage in general. A lot of time was wasted simply trying to get bearings around the HQ.

More warning about the position of the water on the course. A "water ahead" sign would suffice.

A manned baggage area seems obvious.

I enjoyed the race itself. The Marshalls were friendly and did a fairly good job. The flat course has good PB potential.

I feel a bit sorry that I can't award higher marks, but I believe that this could be a great event with some improvements to the organization. I will enter again, with the hope that improvements are made.
Date of review: March 9, 2009

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

In short: Undulating?
In full: My first half-marathon and it was enjoyable and challenging. I think I must have taken a wrong turning, because the course I ran had no downhills! The pre-race information was useful and the organisation was very good. The marshalls were very encouraging.
I even managed to get out of the quagmire carpark without incident.
Date of review: December 14, 2008

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

In short: Enjoyable race, very well marshalled.
In full: Only my second race, and my first ten-miler. I thought that the Marshalls did a great job in keeping us safe on the roads and with encouraging the runners.

The race HQ could be improved with more toilet facilities.

Overall, I enjoyed this event and will likely return.
Date of review: September 21, 2008

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

In short: Very enjoyable
In full: My first ever race and first time running outdoors. Definately beginner friendly, I hope to be back to improve my "personal best" next year :) Thank you to all the organisers for making it an enjoyable experience for a newbie.
Date of review: June 1, 2008

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