My Event Ratings

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

In short: Fast and flat and very well organized
In full: This was the second running of this race and as last year it was a fine day out. The course is flat and probably slightly downhill overall and although the towpath is narrow in places the field isn't so large that it gets congested and prevents overtaking. The organization was excellent - everything happened as promised, the buses were prompt and comfortable, plenty of water and marshals en route, baggage handling was quick and efficient, mile markers present and correct, etc. The lack of portaloos didn't bother me because being a chap I found a friendly bush. For the ladies it might be an issue, though. Nice medal at the end.
This my third outing in a Purple Patch event, and every time they've done an excellent job.
Date of review: November 9, 2008

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

In short: Glorious autumn colours
In full: A great setting and a great course amid the autumn colours of the Burnham Beeches - up and down, twisty and turny and muddy enough to be interesting but not OTT. This was the second year and was better organized and better value than last. Well worth turning up for.
Date of review: October 25, 2008

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

In short: It's getting a bit crowded
In full: This was my 9th consecutive Henley Half and that hill doesn't get any easier. As always, a good day out. But this race, combining a half and a 10K, is becoming the victim of its own popularity. The 10K started after the half this year, so the faster runners were hampered by the tailenders of the half marathon and much of the first part of the course is on narrow lanes with little scope for overtaking. This needs to be addressed. Otherwise no complaints. Plenty of space on the field for a pre-race pee (could have done without the cowpats at the start though). Unlike many I do like the medal but shame the ribbon doesn't say what year. Plenty of townsfolk around to cheer us on, and there's a bar next to the finish! I'll be back next year.
Date of review: October 13, 2008

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

In short: A nice village green race
In full: Always a good one, this. Starts on the village green, where there's a little fete and other events. Organization is always efficient, and the course is up and down but without killer hills. All in all a very pleasant day out, especially on a day like today when the weathr is glorious. I'll be back next year.
Date of review: September 28, 2008

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

In short: A race of two halves
In full: First half(ish) is flat and gentle across fields and along the river. The second is distinctly lumpy. Not a pb course but one for bimbling along happily admiring the picture-postcard scenery. About 60 participants, very friendly and very small event - the bike park and bag stowage were the race director's front garden! Great fun, will definitely do it again.
Date of review: September 21, 2008

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

In short: One of the best events around
In full: Very smoothly organized. Excellent supervised baggage hall. Refreshments, chip timing, spacious and pleasant start venue. Good course, no traffic, lots of shade. There's a reason why I come back every year to do this one.
Date of review: August 17, 2008

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

In short: A great race
In full: Well organized, nice course with a good chunk of it on soft-underfoot trail. Excellent medal. Pretty much flat but with a bit of a climb in the 12th mile so still testing. Well worth turning out for.
Date of review: August 3, 2008

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

In short: Fast and flat 5-miler
In full: A very nice and friendly little race with a village fete atmosphere despite being in a bland estate in the shadow of the power station and huge high-voltage pylons. Well organized, small field, no fancy trimmings, just turn up and run. And right next door to the railway station so good for public transport too. Recommended.
Date of review: July 13, 2008

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

In short: A nice morning out
In full: Good course with plenty of variety, mildly disconcerting to run by MoD land to the sound of gunfire :-) Excellent medal. Lakeside itself not especially welcoming but I suppose runners are a bit different from its usual clientele. Organization was smooth and the odd distance guaranteed a pb!
Date of review: January 27, 2008

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

In short: A nice local village race
In full: Distinctly hilly course but great scenery and a friendly village atmosphere. AND free tea and biscuits for the runners.
Date of review: January 6, 2008

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