Latest Ratings
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2007 Hastings Lions Half-Marathon
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
In full: I love this run. I love it because of the big race atmosphere. You notice the big clear signs as you drive in. You notice the other runners all heading in the same direction. You notice the big Start gantry, and the crowds gathering to watch, and the marching band walking down the centre of the street, and the police towing away any awkwardly parked car. This is a big event. It's a popular event. And all of Hastings is aware of it.
I love it because of the long hill climbs at the start. Challenging - yes. Demanding -yes. But also very rewarding.
I love it because of the church choirs out singing. The crowds banging saucepan lids. The whistles, whoops and roars of support. And then the long silence of that huge, never-ending hill where every year somebody collapses: deceived, out-witted and exhausted.
I love it because of the wonderful weeeee! of the downhill section, and the playful torture of the uphill twists and turns.
I love the occasional beautiful view from the Ridge, the character of Hastings Old Town, the whiff of beer from all the splendid pubs, and the bemused look on the faces of the tourists on the seafront as you run past the crazy golf and the cafe.
I love it all.
Are there bits that can be improved? Absolutely. Better organisation at the start to get people into the right time zones. And much better organisation at the finish to keep spectators away from the finish zone. Runners are often disorientated at the finish - they've pushed hard for a sprint finish, and now they want their medal and a drink. The tea is great - but it is a struggle to find it. And there was no water, and no bananas. These things don't cost much. I like the horse brass, but I'd be happier with a cheaper medal on a ribbon, and the saved money spent on water bottles and bananas.
Small improvements that would mean so much.
I noticed there was more support this year than last - I guess that's down to the fine weather. I didn't do a PB, but I did run 6 minutes faster than last year, and did it in 2.20.48 - and that's with a cold, and having visited the beer festival in Brighton the day before!
I'll be back for 2008.
Date of review: March 15, 2007
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2007 10K Love Run
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: An enjoyable romp around a pleasant park.
In full: I quite liked the fact that it was three laps. Until this year I hadn't done any multiple lap runs because I thought they would be boring, but I've done two so far this year, and enjoyed both.
The flat terrain means this is a good run for a PB - though it has to be pointed out that some of the corners are very steep, and the course is rather narrow for the amount of runners, so overtaking is very tricky on the first lap. I didn't notice people being sorted into time bands, and slower runners did start too far forward and hold up people behind.
I felt the organisation was poor for such a well attended run. The t-shirt and baggage tent was too far from the start. The marshalls hadn't been briefed to give encouragement - and they seemed thin on the ground. The single water station was for a lot of the time, just a heap of plastic wrapped bottles. Runners had to stop and break through the plastic with their fingers to get at the bottles. And for a period a couple of park tramps blocked the water station and prevented runners getting at the water.
The man collecting the timing chips had a grump, bad tempered attitude and was wandering around so runners had no idea where to put their chips. On occasion he could be seen walking away from tired runners who wanted to put their chips in the box. Having two static boxes one either side of the finish would be better. At least then other runners could point to a known location.
The t-shirt is very nice.
I think this is a good race for beginners as it is so flat and is attended by a number of other beginners.
I enjoyed this, and I enjoyed the whole day. But I wouldn't do this again as it offers little for an experienced runner other than the flat terrain.
Date of review: February 10, 2007
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2007 The Winter 5 at Shorne
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Great start to the season
In full: A wonderfully playful and scenic run through mud splashes, steep climbs and log leaps. Great fun. Organisation needs tightening. The start was delayed by 15 minutes without explanation. Rather naughty for such a small event, especially on a cold day - people had to go back to their cars to keep warm. Also, even though the course was well marshaled and roped off at appropriate points, there were still points at which it was possible to wander off course if not paying close attention. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the day and will 100% be doing this next year. Strong recommendation.
Date of review: February 4, 2007
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2006 Beachy Head Marathon
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Awesome - The run of a lifetime!
In full: If you want to run a race, run a marathon. If you want to achieve something awesome and inspiring, complete the Beachy Head Marathon. The run is faultless - but very hard-core. No charity runners or gorilla suits in evidence. Very few onlookers - and those members of the public that you do pass look at you in astonishment: you're running on these hills?! The camaraderie of the other runners is uplifting. This is a mad, mad marathon - it's big and it's bad. But I felt exhilarated all the way round. There was always something new and amazing. A descent through an autumnal wood alive with colours. A heart-breaking climb up an endless flight of steps to reach the top and get a stunning view of the Cuckmere Meander. The check point at Litlington with tea, sticky bun, a nice sit down and a trad jazz band. The endless ups and downs of beachy head itself. And the reckless whizz of dashing downhill for the last mile to the finish. And - at the end of all that - to be treated to jacket potato and baked beans with rice pudding to finish.
A hard, challenging run - but one to feel proud to have completed. A brilliant day. And one I shall certainly do again. Excellent value for money. An event for real walkers and runners.
Date of review: October 29, 2006
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2006 Henley Half-Marathon
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Attractive Scenery. Poor Organisation
In full: I enjoyed that. I finally cracked sub-2.20, so I'm well chuffed - especially as I got a nasty stitch at the top of the hill which never left me and was quite draining.
I thought the route was very attractive and very enjoyable.
It was a mixed day though. We were approaching Henley just after nine o clock when we hit a traffic jam. Hardly any movement. A number of runners who had driving partners left their cars and ran to the start. My partner doesn't drive, so I had to endure the long crawl into town. I parked in the first car park I saw signposted, which ended up being a mile from the start. I then had to run to the start. I kept thinking they would delay the start because clearly there were a number of runners held up by the traffic. But no. So I had to run against the flow of runners to get to the start. I got to the tail end just as they were passing under the start.
The water stations were poor for a half-marathon. Cups are OK for runs up to 10k, but longer runs need bottles so people can take on a lot of fluid without having to stop to sip. The water stations were also quite slow - there didn't seem to be too many volunteers.
I think I prefer races organised by running clubs - or at least in conjunction with running clubs, so there are more experienced volunteers, and better facilities.
At the finish there was a lot of confusion because the water station couldn't be found. I don't know about anyone else, but I tend to be quite distracted at the end of a long run. I'm tired, thirsty and unable to think clearly. I need a clearly indicated water station. And water that is served quickly so people don't have to queue up to get one small cup.
Also, these days bananas are common after a long run.
It seemed with this race that the Rotary Club were so keen to raise the maximum amount for their charities that they didn't want to spend any more money than they had to.
Personally I would prefer to pay a quid or two more and be better looked after.
Anyway - rant over.
I met some great people on the run. And Chrissie and I enjoyed spending the rest of the day doing a mini pub crawl of Henley.
Overall a good day due to the attractive route and the pleasantness of the town. It's such a shame the organisation was so meagre.
Date of review: October 8, 2006
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2006 Kent Coastal Half-Marathon
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: A day at the seaside - but no picnic!
In full: Having had a full day's drinking on the Saturday, and getting to bed quite late, I wasn't in the best state to achieve my target of a sub 2.20 - and, sure enough, as I saw my time slipping, I relaxed into a recovery walk near the end with a sigh of relief. Despite my slow time of 2.28, I really enjoyed this run. The route is very pleasant - up and down a very undulating, but never too severe, path along the attractive Thanet coast. My favourite part was coming down past Bleak House into Ramsgate and running past holiday-makers enjoying cups of tea in the tea shop on the harbour front. The gel at half-way, and the flapjack and sports drink at the end were very nice touches.
Support was thin, though a family clapping, cheering and whooping from their balcony near Ramsgate did raise a smile.
The start was a bit vaque. There were no clear directions, and people milled about looking confused. The medal is nice, though it would be nice to have the date and race on the medal.
Date of review: September 4, 2006
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2006 Henfield Half Marathon
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Cow shit and styles
In full: Low key event, but very pleasant. Mostly flat with some naughty slopes and some strength sapping styles. That and the off road surface make this an unlikely PB race, though I managed to achieve one (2.20.19)! Think of this as a very long and more scenic version of those cross-country runs you had to do at school. Registering late wasn't a problem. Water stops were cups. There was no fruit or other goodies at the finish, but there was a meat BBQ. The medal is quite acceptable. The start and finish is a long circuit and a half of a large field. The countryside is pleasant, though not stunning. There is a lot of cow shit on the river side section of the course.
Date of review: August 20, 2006
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2006 Dartford Harriers Half Marathon
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Great run - poor medal
In full: I'd spent the Saturday at the Kent Beer Festival, so the combination of heat, hills and a hangover did not bode well for a PB. But I did this run last year as my first 1/2 and thoroughly enjoyed it - so I was in a positive frame of mind. I enjoy the scenery - attractive and peaceful. I enjoy the friendly crowd - there's usually sometime to talk to for a mile or two. And I enjoy the challenge of the undulations. I ran well for the first nine miles - but too well. I was going faster than I should. I tried to drop some speed, but at each mile check I was still too fast. Eventually the extra speed showed in my legs so when I got to The Hill, I had to walk. I thought I'd blown my chance of a PB - but pulled myself together and started to get faster and faster on the long, long downhill stretch. At 11 miles I checked my watch and knew the PB was out of reach. But, damn it, kicked in and ran even faster. At 12 miles I went for broke and ran faster than i have ever run in my life. Flying down the last hill, along the flat and into the stadium where my heart nearly gave up as I tore round round the track to slice 30 seconds off my previous best! Painful - but glorious! Shame about the measly medal/key ring after all that effort!
Date of review: July 24, 2006
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2006 Cliffe Woods 10K
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: A castle, but no woods
In full: Lovely run - mostly flat with some gentle inclines. Relaxed, friendly atmosphere like a school fete. Smooth and efficient organisation with the announcer keeping supporters informed of the progress of the run as they waited. Nice countryside: the route goes past the front of Jools Holland's castle (he didn't wave), some stables, lovely wheat fields edged with brilliant red poppies, but doesn't pass through any woods. A choice of water cups as well as bottles would be nice; it seems a waste to pick up a 500ml bottle just to take a sip. I ran 58.48 which thrilled me. As this is local I will make this an annual event. Nice one!
Date of review: July 10, 2006
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2006 Paddock Wood Half-Marathon
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Pretty run, but ugly finish
In full: The start/finish location in an industrial estate littered with broken pallets was appalling. The programmes cost a £1, but had no information or articles - just advertising and finishing times for last year. That was very poor. The local support was indifferent - some shop-keepers were not even aware a race was on, and few people came out to cheer on the runners. But once out into the country the route is very attractive; and, being flat, a good chance for a personal best. Marshalling was good, though communication between marshalls either end of roads open to cars could be better as there were times when cars were allowed to travel in opposite directions and then got stuck and had to merge with the runners - a potentially dangerous situation, especially when some drivers get impatient. Plenty of parking space, a friendly, informal atmosphere, plenty of fruit at the finish, and a large, comfortable changing area. So, overall, plenty of good points, but - for me - the lack of support on the run, and the ugly finish were off-putting.
Date of review: April 2, 2006
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