My Event Ratings

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

In short: Ay Caramba! Here's a great ice breaker, The Dartford 10 miles.
In full: If you are looking for a race to test drive your legs look no further: THIS IS THE ONE.


The Dartford 10 miles, also referred to as
Les Witton Memorial 10 miles, is situated in the garden of Ken – I mean the garden of Kent! The good news was that this race had the good old English CHIP TIMING.


The long and short is that Dartford is a tough 10 mile race and has a few nasty hills from
2½ up to the 5th/ 6th mile and one ghastly hill at the finish. This race will help face those demons, and to keep you on your toes. Muhammad Ali’s famous words sums it up well when he said you “float like a butterfly and sting like a bee”. That’s right Champ, on the flat you were floating gracefully but for those Kilimanjaro hills, especially the last hill, the pain was so much it put a sting in your tail, err your legs.



Runners World ‘I am truly blessed’ to run such wonderful races. Oooh ‘If you don’t know me by now’, I’m that female runner with the dodgy groins who runs marathons in 6 hours, and thinks she knows the best races in the Country!


Thanks to the lady for finding my car keys – I was putting on my chip timing and it just disappeared. I loved the last 4 Marshals near the finish. The young Girl and 2 Males and
Mr Chatty at the finish. You’re all hired!


Just one minor gripe, I am disappointed with the colour white for a one strap ruck sack, when there’s so many colours in the world!!
Here is a suggestion could the chip timing be posted to the runners with their numbers???



I’m a bit surprised that Dartford 10 did not make it to the top 50 UK Best Races for 2009, you got 74 ratings and that’s impressive. It deserves a place up there somewhere...over the rainbow.


I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Petts Wood Runners for being voted at number 30 UK Best 10k Race of 2009, rated by Runners World. I ran this race a couple of years ago with the Marshals. It is a great route, tough in places and has a lovely medal. Well done to all.



Well here are two more great races for your 2010 Runners World Diary: Sidcup 10 miles, 14th February, and Bromley Veterans 5 miles Famous Cross County – 13 March. Check out the pictures of myself and Connie on the BVAC entry form – I’m just kidding, but there’s a great likeness don’t you think. I will you keep posted about Orpington 10k soon. Please don’t forget to log on to Runners World Web site and rate these fabulous races.



‘This one’s for you’. Teddy Pendergrass, Singer and Songwriter.
26 March 1950 - 13 January 2010.

Date of review: January 17, 2010

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: If you are a Running Junkie this race is definitely for you.
In full: If you are a Running Junkie this race is definitely for you.
If you are brave hearted and looking for an adventure look no further, Trionium races is what you are looking for but please do not try this at home!

Braving the cold at temp –1 degrees on the first day of the year to run a 10k race is not going to appeal to many runners, but mention the word Trionium Races or Knacker Cracker 10k, and everyone is interested. These races have the qualities you have been looking for and will test your mind, body and soul. It will also push you to extreme limits. Take heed you will get steps, hills, mud, and other rough and tough surfaces to run on.


The Runners, Marshalls, and locals egged me on which made the race enjoyable and friendly. The handicap start made it very interesting and different; I was not lonely in places. For me, the cherry on the cake was the fancy dress which was blooming marvellous. The mascot beat me- well done young lady for that impressive run in that large outfit. I have seen some outrageous fancy dress in my life time but seeing is believing, I nearly fell down laughing, I have never been so amused!


My only disappointment was not wearing my trail shoes that was the biggest mistake of the year. The conditions were very muddy and slippery in places. I fell twice because of the icy and muddy conditions. If I had been wearing my trail shoes I could have avoided falling down the steps and also slipping in the muddy area.
Yes, you could say I started the year 2010 with a bang.

I was bitterly disappointed with my T-shirt presented to me; it was far too small in size. Unfortunately, that’s all they had left. I have been there and done it but can’t wear the T-shirt!!!


I ranked Trionium New Year Knacker Cracker 10k the second most terrifying race in my entire life. First is Rough n’ Tumble 10. The only time I fell last year were a few times in Trionium Leith hill half marathon.


Knacker cracker 10k will guarantee to make you feel cream crackered and will never disappoint. Trionium races are the bee knees.
Well done Dr Rob you pulled it out the bag.












If you are a Running Junkie this race is definitely for you.
If you are brave hearted and looking for an adventure look no further, Trionium races is what you are looking for but please do not try this at home!
Braving the cold at temp –1 degrees on the first day of the year to run a 10k race is not going to appeal to many runners, but mention the word Trionium Races or Knacker Cracker 10k, and everyone is interested. These races have the qualities you have been looking for and will test your mind, body and soul. It will also push you to extreme limits. Take heed you will get steps, hills, mud, and other rough and tough surfaces to run on.
The Runners, Marshalls, and locals egged me on which made the race enjoyable and friendly. The handicap start made it very interesting and different; I was not lonely in places. For me, the cherry on the cake was the fancy dress which was blooming marvellous. The mascot beat me- well done young lady for that impressive run in that big outfit. I have seen some outrageous fancy dress in my life time but seeing is believing, I nearly fell down laughing, I have never been so amused!
My only disappointment was not wearing my trail shoes that was the biggest mistake of the year. The conditions were very muddy and slippery in places. I fell twice because of the icy and muddy conditions. If I had been wearing my trail shoes I could have avoided falling down the steps and also slipping in the muddy area.
Yes, you could say I started the year 2010 with a bang.

I was bitterly disappointed with my T-shirt presented to me; it was far too small in size. Unfortunately, that’s all they had left. I have been there and done it but can’t wear the T-shirt!!!
I ranked Trionium New Year Knacker Cracker 10k the second most terrifying race in my entire life. First is Rough n’ Tumble 10. The only time I fell last year were a few times in Trionium Leith hill half marathon.
Knacker cracker 10k will guarantee to make you feel cream crackered and will never disappoint. Trionium races are the bee knees.
Well done Dr Rob you pulled it out the bag.









If you are a Running Junkie this race is definitely for you.
If you are brave hearted and looking for an adventure look no further, Trionium races is what you are looking for but please do not try this at home!
Braving the cold at temp –1 degrees on the first day of the year to run a 10k race is not going to appeal to many runners, but mention the word Trionium Races or Knacker Cracker 10k, and everyone is interested. These races have the qualities you have been looking for and will test your mind, body and soul. It will also push you to extreme limits. Take heed you will get steps, hills, mud, and other rough and tough surfaces to run on.
The Runners, Marshalls, and locals egged me on which made the race enjoyable and friendly. The handicap start made it very interesting and different; I was not lonely in places. For me, the cherry on the cake was the fancy dress which was blooming marvellous. The mascot beat me- well done young lady for that impressive run in that big outfit. I have seen some outrageous fancy dress in my life time but seeing is believing, I nearly fell down laughing, I have never been so amused!
My only disappointment was not wearing my trail shoes that was the biggest mistake of the year. The conditions were very muddy and slippery in places. I fell twice because of the icy and muddy conditions. If I had been wearing my trail shoes I could have avoided falling down the steps and also slipping in the muddy area.
Yes, you could say I started the year 2010 with a bang.

I was bitterly disappointed with my T-shirt presented to me; it was far too small in size. Unfortunately, that’s all they had left. I have been there and done it but can’t wear the T-shirt!!!
I ranked Trionium New Year Knacker Cracker 10k the second most terrifying race in my entire life. First is Rough n’ Tumble 10. The only time I fell last year were a few times in Trionium Leith hill half marathon.
Knacker cracker 10k will guarantee to make you feel cream crackered and will never disappoint. Trionium races are the bee knees.
Well done Dr Rob you pulled it out the bag.











If you are a Running Junkie this race is definitely for you.
If you are brave hearted and looking for an adventure look no further, Trionium races is what you are looking for but please do not try this at home!
Braving the cold at temp –1 degrees on the first day of the year to run a 10k race is not going to appeal to many runners, but mention the word Trionium Races or Knacker Cracker 10k, and everyone is interested. These races have the qualities you have been looking for and will test your mind, body and soul. It will also push you to extreme limits. Take heed you will get steps, hills, mud, and other rough and tough surfaces to run on.
The Runners, Marshalls, and locals egged me on which made the race enjoyable and friendly. The handicap start made it very interesting and different; I was not lonely in places. For me, the cherry on the cake was the fancy dress which was blooming marvellous. The mascot beat me- well done young lady for that impressive run in that big outfit. I have seen some outrageous fancy dress in my life time but seeing is believing, I nearly fell down laughing, I have never been so amused!
My only disappointment was not wearing my trail shoes that was the biggest mistake of the year. The conditions were very muddy and slippery in places. I fell twice because of the icy and muddy conditions. If I had been wearing my trail shoes I could have avoided falling down the steps and also slipping in the muddy area.
Yes, you could say I started the year 2010 with a bang.

I was bitterly disappointed with my T-shirt presented to me; it was far too small in size. Unfortunately, that’s all they had left. I have been there and done it but can’t wear the T-shirt!!!
I ranked Trionium New Year Knacker Cracker 10k the second most terrifying race in my entire life. First is Rough n’ Tumble 10. The only time I fell last year were a few times in Trionium Leith hill half marathon.
Knacker cracker 10k will guarantee to make you feel cream crackered and will never disappoint. Trionium races are the bee knees.
Well done Dr Rob you pulled it out the bag.







If you are brave hearted and looking for an adventure look no further, Trionium races is what you are looking for but please do not try this at home!
Braving the cold at temp –1 degrees on the first day of the year to run a 10k race is not going to appeal to many runners, but mention the word Trionium Races or Knacker Cracker 10k, and everyone is interested. These races have the qualities you have been looking for and will test your mind, body and soul. It will also push you to extreme limits. Take heed you will get steps, hills, mud, and other rough and tough surfaces to run on.
The Runners, Marshalls, and locals egged me on which made the race enjoyable and friendly. The handicap start made it very interesting and different; I was not lonely in places. For me, the cherry on the cake was the fancy dress which was blooming marvellous. The mascot beat me- well done young lady for that impressive run in that large outfit. I have seen some outrageous fancy dress in my life time but seeing is believing, I nearly fell down laughing, I have never been so amused!
My only disappointment was not wearing my trail shoes that was the biggest mistake of the year. The conditions were very muddy and slippery in places. I fell twice because of the icy and muddy conditions. If I had been wearing my trail shoes I could have avoided falling down the steps and also slipping in the muddy area.
Yes, you could say I started the year 2010 with a bang.

I was bitterly disappointed with my T-shirt presented to me; it was far too small in size. Unfortunately, that’s all they had left. I have been there and done it but can’t wear the T-shirt!!!
I ranked Trionium New Year Knacker Cracker 10k the second most terrifying race in my entire life. First is Rough n’ Tumble 10. The only time I fell last year were a few times in Trionium Leith hill half marathon.
Knacker cracker 10k will guarantee to make you feel cream crackered and will never disappoint. Trionium races are the bee knees.
Well done Dr Rob you pulled it out the bag.














Date of review: January 2, 2010

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Trent Park Running Club I have two words for you 'Cool beans'.
In full: The most memorable race for me in the year 2009 was Trent Park Triffic Trail 10k.
I did this race in June and wanted to rate it earlier on Runners World but I had great problems logging onto their website because it was around about the time when the singer and entertainer Michael Jackson had suddenly passed away.


The park is absolutely massive and has beautiful green grass at the start of the race. There was plenty of free parking in the park. Plenty of toilets (take note Worthing 20 and Finchley 20)! The Marshalls were also ‘happy go lucky’. The runners were the happiest bunch of runners I have ever come across. The Lucozade Company was also there. The boys in blue were showing off with their buxton horses. The weather was very hot but it made the scenery seem somewhat beautiful and glorious. It was like a party in the park. The goodie bag had plenty of goodies; the pen and ruler were my favourite items. The nice quality T-shirt was so good I thought it was made by M & S. I could just go on...
I could be harsh and complain it was not a chip timing race but on the plus side the results were out on the same day.


This 10k race is a trail race and there are a few long evil hills which could make you or break you. The last mile seemed the longest and toughest. There is also horrid hill near the end, after that it is a straight home run. The race leaves you with a good feeling or maybe it’s just the good old lactic acid.


Well done Trent Park Running Club, your race has been rated One of My All Time Favourites for 2009.


Dedicated to Michael Jackson the King of Pop (29 August 1958 – 25 June 2009).


Date of review: December 31, 2009

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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		40%

In short: Reigate Holly Run 5k is not to be sneezed at.
In full: I really love this race because it is a tough 5k ladies race. The day of the race I checked Reigate Priory Athletic Club Web-site to see if the race was cancelled due to the snow, to my surprise the race was scheduled to run on Sunday 20th December at 1.10 pm (on time). So I drove to Reigate. Traffic via Croydon took longer than usual. I got there with 15 minutes spare. After parking and paying for my race entrance fee I had 6 minutes to spare. I could not Adam and Eve it to see how much snow there was, and I had to run on it! The fact of the matter is, I can’t even walk in snow because I am always slipping or falling. I must confess even though I 100% hate snow it was a beautiful sight for sore eyes.

At the start of the race I could not run properly or get my pace or balance right, to be honest I wanted to turn back. I knew lots of runners were watching so I carried on running slowly feeling rather silly and foolish.

I continued onward and upwards. I was pleased I wore my trail running shoes; I thought I would be running on mud not snow! The air was so cold and dense it gave me breathing problems. The snow was so thick on the ground I found it an uphill struggle. Downhill was so steep that I had to grab a tree for my dear life to stop myself sliding. At this stage I lost precious time but was overtaken by many runners of whom I never caught up with. Near the end of the hill I said to myself
“Ger-on-i-mo” and went for it right until the bitter end. I was the eighth lady, yes eighth from last. I was also the 40th woman and there were only 48 women!

To be honest I never thought I could run in the snow, so for me it was quite an achievement and a challenge. Nevertheless, I hope I never have to race in the snow again.


In a nut shell this race is usually a 5k distance, it is cross country and very hilly in places. It is a two lap course with a very steep hill near the finish and approximately a flat 400 metres to the finish.

The Senior male 10k race was after the ladies race and the kids race was before the ladies race and everyone got a medal. The new designed medal is very nice.


Before and after the race I was able to meet up with some remarkable talented female veterans runners and was able to rub shoulders with some of them which was a wonderful experience.
Reigate Priory AC do other races such as Summer Evening 10k which is a midweek race in July and also a Relay race in November.


As for myself I’m going to let my hair down so I hope to see some of you ‘Runners World’ Runners next year.


To the Runners World Editors I hope you don’t get too snowed under with work – after all it’s CHRISTMAS. Well done for being the Number One Best-Selling Runners Magazine and keep up with the Jones’ I mean the good work.


Merry Christmas everyone and Happy New Year.


Date of review: December 25, 2009

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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: Luton Marathon Christmas Runners World, Special Event Rating: (You're in for a treat).
In full: It’s official that “Luton Marathon is License to Thrill”. For me though, my painful groins were Licensed to Kill :=(
My name is Samuel, Karen Samuel, double three eight. My mission was to complete Luton marathon without being injured, but I failed my mission miserably.
Stropsley and Striders must be excited, ecstatic and laughing ‘Ho, Ho, Ho’, with the record turnout of runners this year that participated in the London Marathon – I mean The Luton Marathon. For me it was ‘Argh, ‘ Argh, ARRRGGHHH’- 26 miles of excruciating pain. The pain hit me like a thunder ball and it frightened the living daylights out of me.
In Luton Marathon there is always someone you know, I met up with quite a few fellow runners. I was able to observe some first class runners with natural raw talent.
The first thing you notice when you walk in to the head quarters is the smell and adrenalin in the air, apparently it was Deep Heat according by my other half.
This marathon is a 3 lap course, a good marathon for virgin marathoners (cut off time is 5 not 6 hours!) I wouldn’t say the scenery was a view to kill but it is a nice flat course with few inclines and only a couple of hills. If you play your card right you should get a pb time. In fact I did not play my cards right and it went horribly wrong from 3 miles. I felt something go in my left groin my stride and speed suffered and I could not run properly, it was more of a jog and a limp. I thought all injuries were behind me, I just recovered from the flu 2 weeks ago, but I was so wrong! Last Friday I visited my GP who confirmed that I strained my left groin.
I just have one or two more 5k races for this year; please note speed will not be the essence (I had to cut it down due to injury) that’s my lot for 2009. Who said no pain no gain! ENOUGH SAID about my groins (adductors).


Luton Marathon is a great December Marathon to keep you in tip, top condition for the New Year. A quick word of warning, this race fills up quickly, early in the year, so book well in advance to avoid any disappointment!!!
The Medal is nice and thick something to get your teeth (or dentures) into it.
I hate to moan and groan, but what happened to the nice Luton t-shirt? I see we got the cotton bag instead. I not crazy about the bag and please no more Mars bars, instead could we have a nice chunky wholesome flapjack instead (yummy). It would be nice to have a few bottles of drinking bottles at water stations instead of all plastic cups. I love SPORT SYSTEM chips - brilliant. I also loved my number 338 because it was the same as my last race Bexhill half marathon - which was also chip timing. My embarrassing time results are for your eyes only – Runners World.
(Clap, Clap, Clap). ‘Bravo, Stropsley Striders, you did yourself proud’, I hope you will get your 50 plus votes from Runners World Raters for Luton Marathon.


I would just like to mention that all year in 2009, Bromley Veterans Athletic Club have been celebrating their 20 years anniversary. So please feel free and have a browse through the BVAC web-site and look at our slide show – look for the heading announcements and notices. There is work being done on Bromley vets website so bear with us.


As for races in 2009, I had the best time of my life and I am truly sorry if I could not rate every single race on Runners World Web-site. Let’s hope 2010 will be a wee bit kinder to me, one can always hope and PRAY.
I hope to be back on track next year.
I would also just like to mention that I like the new updated Runners World Web-Site. Keep up the good work.


Merry Christmas to all of you Runners World Readers. I hope you all have a good one, and keep on running. As for me I am hoping Santa will get me a place for Virgin London Marathon 2011 and new adductors!



Date of review: December 17, 2009

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

In short: I knew it was going to be an Excellent race
In full: I could feel it in my bones that Bexhill half marathon was going to be a brilliant race, and I was right!
Lets make no bones about it Bexhill half marathon is a fantastic race. The organisation, the Marshals, The Medal,
T-shirt, the food and not to mention the chip timing makes this race (yes you guessed it) one of my all time favourites. But I must admit I am Bexhill Runners biggest fan. Lee well done on your announcement skills, you make it look so easy (you can talk for England). I think you deserve a medal for your efforts.
The four laps were nice, but to be honest my left leg problems came back to bite me, which has knocked my confidence, this was probably my third most painful run.
This race deserved to be rated much higher by Runners World raters.
Why? Because it was a bargain, it had star quality, chip timing, attracted big Running Clubs, had tasty cakes, a first class chunky medal and a beautiful red t-shirt. Last but not least the fantastic Marshals who encouraged you all the w-a-y.
What really made this race interesting were the runners. Some of the athletes were so driven that when you looked at them you could see the hunger in their eyes and fire in their belly.


Once again there were a handful of Orpington Road Runner supporters amongst the crowd. Thanks for your support it was music to my ears.


Mark my words Bexhill half marathon 2010 will be much bigger and popular – I can just feel it in my water.



Date of review: November 17, 2009

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

In short: 'For crying out loud ', Where's the race start???
In full: I was so happy to find the start of the race that I had to laugh out loud and was singing and dancing in the rain.
This short cross country race had a couple of steep hills which left you exhausted and breathless and sent shockwaves all over your body. Sevenoaks Charity 5k fun run was more challenging than usual because of the wind, torrential rain and muddy grounds.
I was running well until the young gentleman in front of me fell down heavily. This made me ease down on my brakes as I thought I was next to slip and fall, spinning downhill like a tightly coiled deranged hedgehog. Luckily I did not because it would not have been a pretty sight.
The course was tough and yet it was also enjoyable, which made it a fun great family race. There was mix bag of runners which had some serious club and non-club runners taking part.
It was good to see that some of the big boys and big girls participated in this race and it was also good to see some old Deers .
I am so pleased that I ran this race even though it was a last minute decision, due to the bad cold I caught from my Dearest Hubby.


Now the bad news was that many of the runners and myself had problems finding the entrance of Knowles park. More signs would be helpful, pointing to the park and big sign stating ‘Knowles park’ or ‘Race Start’. It took me and one fellow runner about 30 minutes to the find the race start, others were lost and confused. Runners were asking ‘moi’ where the start was! It was a just pity we were all got drenched before the start of the race, but the rain did not dampen our spirits.
This was a great enjoyable race and I highly recommend this race to all Runners World Readers. However, do not under estimate this unique and cruel 5k cross country race, as it can be one hell of a shocker!
As for myself, I paid a high price for singing and dancing in the rain I developed a chest infection and other problems. Weeks later I am still struggling to shake it off. I am in big trouble because I have got a Marathon round the corner - Oops I’m going to be last again.




Date of review: November 17, 2009

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

In short: "Ohh la la", , I just love this London race.
In full: Mr.French, Je voudrais que vous sachiez que j'aime la course 5k serpentine.

The Serpentine 5k race or also known as Brooks last Friday of the month, is a populaire rapide pace race held in Londre Hyde parc.
The homme et backbone of these races is Mr. Malcolm French, who wears many chapeaux such as Race Directeur, time keeper et data collector amongst other things. Also there’s Beth the kind madame who hands out the running nombres.
This année Brooks Running has teamed up with Malcolm, Brooks known best when it comes to bon team work. This 5k race attracts many club et non-club runners et also runners who can complete marathons over six heures!!! Also runners from the famous Runners World team.
Brooks last Vendredi of the mois, is run every mois throughout the année; attracting over 200 runners every race. The race spaces can fill up deux weeks prior to the race date. The race is split into teams; Team A is for the rapide runners who can run under 22 minutes they start the race at 12.30, then team B, the slower runners follow 2 minutes later. The route takes runners around Londre Hyde parc. The runners run on the tarmac paths; the route is mainly flat with a couple of petit inclines. The Marshals, who are runners themselves, are friendly and encouraging. The race also attracts many spectators however they do not cheer on the runners, they just stand and stare like Hawks and utter not a word of encouragement! The race results are posted quickly on Serpentine Running Club website. The results can be categorised, by gender, time and age. You can also view your running times throughout the year

The bon news is there is sufficient amount of toilettes within the parc, also a Cafe and a couple of shops.
This race venue is easy to commute to, outside the parc there is a voiture parc nearby is which a bit cher. Alternatively there is Hyde Parc Corner tube station which is nearby.
The mal news is there are no médailles, t-shirts, drinking eau at the finition (take your own eau or energy drink. There is no showers (take Maman or Linx). Nevertheless this is a top class and populaire race and the entry fee cost only arachides.

Très bon Malcolm French you deserve to pat yourself on your back for producing such a magnifique and high quality enjoyable race.
Malcolm is also linked to other popular races such as Serpentine New Year’s 10k and Middlesex open 10k. I just love this Londré Parc race. Maybe it’s because I am Londoner.
Runners you can run but you can’t Hyde.
Mond de Coureurs please forgive my francais.

Date of review: November 6, 2009

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Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		20%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		100%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		20%

In short: 26 miles and over 6 hours of blood, sweat, tears and all that jazz.
In full: At the start of the race, Doc got us to sing Jerusalem. I think this was to warm up our lungs and exercise our diaphragms. I think it must have worked because I had no problems with my Asthma.
The race started up a hill; it was hills, hills and more muddy hills. It was slippery (loads of wet autumn leaves were on the ground). Doc threw a spanner in the works because the cut off time for the first six miles was one hour and twenty minutes, which was quite tough.
My biggest fear was that I would trip and fall down, which I managed to do in the Leith half marathon earlier this year. So this time I was tip-toeing like a ballet dancer in places and at other times I was jumping and leaping like a Natterjack toad. I am pleased to say I never fell down but had some near misses.
The Marshals were great and supportive, but towards the end they were few in numbers. Throughout the race, I was running by myself but it did get a little bit spooky at times. I felt comfortable and reassured to see red and white tapes which were tied around branches and yellow arrow sprays on the ground. I found that five miles towards the end there were a lack of ties and no yellow spray markings. I started to panic because I thought I was lost. There was no one to turn to, but after some time the wonderful locals saved me and pointed me in the right direction. The local Cyclists were all very friendly and supportive and had a great sense of humour. The leading cyclist said to the other cyclists to give some space to the walker (me). I corrected him and informed that I was in fact a runner- we had a good laugh about it.
Doctor Robert McCaffrey, please could we have a more varied choice of biscuits like digestive, short cake and malted biscuits. Also could we have one more extra feed station with energy drinks. To avoid the confusion of being lost it would also be helpful if there were more red and white tapes and yellow arrow sprays pointing in the right direction, all the way to the finish. This is especially crucial at the halfway point, where many runners found it particularly difficult to find the check out point.
Coming to the finish I could hear music. Don’t quote me on this but I think it was called ‘The ride of the Valkyries’. It pricked up my ears and gave my flagging legs a rude awakening; I was able to sprint to the finish line in style.

Throughout the race I was eating jelly babies and I ate one too many and suffered terrific stomach pains during the last half of the race. It was so bad that I was nearly sick over the young lady who put the medal over my head. My finish time was over 6 hours. I was the last female to cross the line- my worst marathon time ever!

Some runners thought the race was expensive, but one does get a big florescent rack sack, a lovely white technical t-shirt and a beautiful thick medal. We were also provided with a big hearty breakfast, fit for a King or Queen. They also catered for vegetarians which was good.

Eee by gum my legs were shattered but mentally I was strong and fit. I need to go back to the drawing board and analyse what went wrong. I better shape up! Thanks Doc, you certainly made me sing for my supper. This was a memorable race for all the right reasons. Would I do it again? Yes, Yes, Yes!


Why do I do these marathons??? Because I find it comforting. I have been rejected from the London marathon ballot in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and now 2010 (SIX TIMES).

I am glad that I did this race it has never left me disappointed.


Date of review: October 27, 2009

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

In short: This race was like running up hills in a Sahara desert, the only thing that was missing was the mosuitoes.
In full: Burnham beeches half marathon is a tough half marathon. Although this is only a half marathon I have ran it three times and still struggle to run it under 2 hours.
It is a chip timing race organised by famous the ‘Jand Results’.
The major factors this year for me under performing were:- racing on the Tuesday at Petts Wood, also the soaring heat at 29 degrees, which affected my asthma, which was exacerbated whilst running through Burnham joggers Woodlands.
This race had many hills, it caused many runners to walk rather than run up hill. Even the strong fit Gladiator in his full gear was feeling so fatigued during first half of the race, I was concerned he was going to fall on his sword!
400 metres near the finish, a naughty female marshal shouted at me and said ‘Try and beat those 2 men in front of you’. I was hot and tired and thought she must be absolutely bonkers, but somehow I managed to out run 3 male runners to the finish line. I was absolutely knackered.
The medal I received was beautiful, which bears similarities to my Yately 10k medal. I must say the company who makes these medals are pretty damn good!
Burnham beeches half marathon is always a favourite of mine.

Burnham Joggers also organise Clivendon Cross County , an awesome 10k race, in December (this race fills up very quickly). Two popular races for Runners World Top one hundred races.




Date of review: October 27, 2009

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