My Event Ratings

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

In short: Cracking little race
In full: Second time around for me, and I was still as fat and slow as last year.

The race, however, thankfully was not.

Beautiful Winter's morning that saw us run along quiet country lanes, and over frozen fields, and back again.

And awaiting us was a free coffee (very welcome), and a very tasty flapjack or two (Can I have the recipe please ?).

Will be back next year.
Date of review: January 30, 2011

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

In short: Excellent once again.
In full: After doing this in 2008, my wife and I signed up again this year with much anticipation.

Beautiful countryside, friendly help & support from all helpers, marshals and organisers, excellent cake, and faultless directions meant the event was a dream.

My only (minor) criticism was that the sandwiches from 2008 were not present today. As they were superb they were sorely missed.

Thanks to all the organisers and helpers we hope to see you again soon.
Date of review: November 14, 2010

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

In short: Hard work, but good fun.
In full: Given that it was the first one the organisation was spotless, registration was quick, parking was easy, and relatively cheap.

Blinking cold though, had to buy a hat, and ended up wearing four layers by the finish !

Beautiful course around the reservoir, with some good company.

However, I felt terrible most of the first 10miles with breakfast wanting to make a reappearance

My back 'went' at about 12miles and this cause me problems with my hamstrings & sciatica until the finish.

I was reduced to hobbling the remainder of the way, but the marshals were fantastic throughout.

Shuffled home in a dispiriting 6hrs 25mins, but enjoyed it nonetheless.

Apart from me being crap, I'd recommend it.
Date of review: November 8, 2010

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

In short: Very Enjoyable Days Plodding
In full: My 14th Marathon of 2010 (5 as a runner and 9 as a walker) was this event.

Truth be told I was tired at the start and not looking forward to it, however, the views towards Snowdonia more than made up for it.

I struggled with some of the hills and my crap body, which kept breaking down.

Managed to slog it home to the end, thanks to the wonderful support of the Marshalls and Cadets.

My only gripe would be that the medal had no info on it (minor I know), and the busy road sections which could put some people off.

Other than that and excellent event.
Date of review: September 29, 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: Fantastic Event
In full: I've done a lot of the LDWA events over the past couple of years, and they are usually excellent.

Happily this was no exception.

Very cheap, well organised, well stocked with food and vert friendly.

Lots of canals, and some interesting heritage alongside the route.

Thoroughly enjoyed it as a walker, and got a new Walking Marathon PB.

Many Thanks.
Date of review: September 19, 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		100%
Beginner-friendliness		100%

In short: Lovely Local Race
In full: Only 4miles from home (Wellington), I entered this on a whim and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Lovely little scenice route, very friendly marshals, and lovely cheap cake afterwards.

Excellent.
Date of review: September 19, 2010

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

In short: Wet Wolves in the Summer
In full: Well organised, but it's still Wolves !

Had a shocker, and would probably do the half instead of the full.

The Marshalls, St Johns, and Cadets were fantastic in their support and encouragement, can't thank them enough.
Date of review: September 6, 2010

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Overall score		100%
Would you do it again?		Maybe
Details:
Scenery		100%
PB potential		20%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		100%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: Brutal
In full: Fantastic event, that was oh so tough.

Having done a fair amount of LDWA walks I knew what to expect in terms of terrain, so no complaints there.

However, an extra special thanks must go to everyone who waited for me to finish the full marathon, I came in last at 7hrs 30mins, having walked for most of the second half of the course.

All the marshals were so supportive and encouraging, I can' thank them or the organisers enough.
Date of review: June 28, 2010

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

In short: Thoroughly Enjoyed it
In full: A big well done to the organisers for the smooth running of this new event.

Had a good time plodding along with my friend.

Made all the more amusing by the complete tosser at the start who whined "Let me through I'm an elite runner"

I did chortle when I heard that.

Apart from that, fantastic.
Date of review: June 7, 2010

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

In short: Let down by organisation
In full: This had the potential to be a very good race.

However, it was let down by a few niggles, which if eliminated could make it extra special.

Obviously the starting times, based upon numbers, rather than times were not ideal.

Having no water at the end was extremely foolish and could have resulted in the death of a competitor given the heat.

The course could have included a loop in front of the house, so that we got some idea of where we were. I know it's difficult due to the layout by it might be something to consider.

And the car parking delaying start times is obviously something that need to be sorted out for future years.

On the whole though I enjoyed it, it's a lovely setting, has enough of a mix of slow runners and racing snakes to make it accesible to all.

If the niggles can be cured it will be something special.
Date of review: May 30, 2010

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