My Event Ratings

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

In short: It's a unique event
In full: The London marathon is a unique event. And yes, you wouldn't necessarily pick it for the quality of the tee-shirt and yes it's so packed you can never really get into your running stride unless you are at the front and yes, people do seem incapable of getting themselves into the correct pen. But that's kind of not the point of this event.

The expo, the atmosphere, the amazing feeling when you pop out of the tunnel and get a massive view of the London eye and Big Ben. The screaming crowds that keep going even for the back markers, the support from the masses of marshals and helpers. The amazing people who are there participating to raise money for so many good causes. The clockwork organisation that ensures there are plenty of toilets and water and energy drink and first aid assistance en route and you get your number on time and en route entertainment and lots to eat in the goodie bags and a really nice medal you can wear with pride, all for about £28 which I think is a bargain.
If you want a fast marathon for proper runners, go and do Abingdon. If you want a festival and to experience one of the best days of your life then London is the one for you.
Date of review: April 26, 2010

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

In short: A huge well done to all concerned!
In full: It was a great event. It was evident that much thought and hard work had gone into it.

The only downside for me was the long out and backs which personally I hate. BUT there really is no alternative unless you run for the hills which lots of people moan about. So the organisers made the best of limited route choices and did it extremely well.

There is no doubt that this will be a well supported and successful marathon and from what I saw yesterday it deserves to be.
Date of review: April 19, 2010

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

In short: An amazing experience
In full: My first ultra and it was so much fun. Although not technically a race, this event has everything you could ever ask for. Amazing scenery, great organisation, really friendly atmosphere and an absolute bargain at £2.50.
This is a must do. Put it on your calendar now.
Date of review: January 25, 2010

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

In short: Souper Dooper this year
In full: Love it, love it, love it.

It's all been said before but the reason I love this race so much is basically, on the second up(Juniper Hill), with it's bloody false crest, ((darn it Rob, can't you PLEASE do something about that?)) I stopped to look at the view. Beneath me running up the hill was a plethora of people dressed in the most ridiculous outfits:

Several Super heroes, horses with riders, fairies, angels, nightclub goers, the entire cast of baywatch and the Monty Python Knights of Ni and a nearly naked bloke dressed as a tree (sorry for oggling Nick - I didn't realise it was you ;o)and so many more.

Now, where else can you experience that on New Years Day, with a hangover, in one of the most beautiful areas in the country?

No further questions y'honour.
Date of review: January 3, 2010

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

In short: This one was a bit blowey at the top...
In full: Thank goodness I had enough mud on my shoes to keep my anchored!

This race should be on every runners to do list. It's fabulous in every way.

A huge thanks to the Race Director, the marshals and everyone concerned with this race. You did a marvelous job in the most horrendous conditions. It was very much appreciated :O)
Date of review: October 26, 2009

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

In short: Lovely low key run for all the family
In full: First timer at this race. Lovely run, nicely put together, with supportive friendly marshals. Would definitely do it again and recommend to others.
Date of review: May 4, 2009

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

In short: Great course for a PB
In full: Flat, fast, also measured it slightly long. Not particularly scenic but a good race for those targeting a PB. Marshals very cheery and encouraging. A pleasant morning out.
Date of review: May 3, 2009

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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: Nothing new to say that hasen't already been said
In full: Cheery marshals were great... a special thanks go to the ladies at the last water station who let us nick one of their shortcake biscuits (yum - thank you).

Toilets weren't a problem, (the queue at the car park wasn't too bad) everything else was fine.

A really nice event, perfectly placed for marathon training. The only criticism was the lack of energy stations already discussed in previous reviews.
Date of review: February 16, 2009

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

In short: Fab, fab, fab
In full: We had a ball. Super race, super organisation, super views this race had everything you could ever want. Drinking tea at checkpoint three was possibly the best experience of my life (apologies to hubby)

It's got to be on your list of things to do.
Date of review: January 16, 2009

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

In short: The bluebells were lovely this year
In full: Really nice race in a lovely scenic venue. Hills were challenging at times but not impossible. Two water stations en route were welcome and although not always a fan of the (still going) out while (others are) coming back route on this occasion it was really nice to see people at the front of the race.

Yup - there we're no momentos but things happen and the organisers have promised to post them. The parking will need work on next year unless it's really dry but all in all a good race and will definitely be back.
Date of review: April 27, 2008

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