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

In short: Running meets sub-aqua
In full: Back to the scene of my first-ever half after four years. Same well-organised, friendly race with a great course and cheerful supporters. Funny how memory plays tricks on you, but I'm convinced that more of it was above water last time ;-)
Date of review: November 6, 2009

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

In short: Very tough
In full: Hard race, brilliant scenery, filthy weather, great marshals. Big thanks to the chaps at Waunfawr handing out pieces of Mars bar!
Date of review: October 30, 2008

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

In short: Not for the faint-hearted (although faint-hearted+dim is probably ok)
In full: Any complaints about this one are entirely directed at myself - perhaps a race too far after the New Forest mara. I run around these hills a lot so I should have known what to expect. Doh.

I thought this a well-organised, great value race in beautiful surroundings. It is, however, bl**dy hard. Felt worse after this one than after either of my maras.

Back next year for round 2!
Date of review: October 18, 2007

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

In short: A game of two halves...
In full: As other people have noted, the last 6-7 miles are quite tricky! I'm glad I did it, but also glad that it wasn't my first marathon.

Lovely scenery and well-marshalled. Could have done with some squash or sports drinks at some of the drinks stations. The lady with the Jelly Babies at 22 miles was a very welcome sight.

Lots of support from spectators all the way round, and particularly good at the finish.

Also could have done with some fruit/biscuits /something at the end - I didn't see any, though.



Date of review: September 19, 2007

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

In short: A muddy gem
In full: Luckily I didn't believe the announcement that the course was "95% firm" and wore my trail shoes.

Mud, hills, a lake, a brass band and free cake. What more could you possibly want?
Date of review: July 3, 2007

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

In short: Hard but fair
In full: My first off-road half, and I don't think I could have picked a better one. Hills a bit tricky for an average runner like myself. but a great atmosphere and fantastic organisation and marshalling. I can recommend *not* falling on your head at 8 miles on a hard, flinty track, but other than that a great run. I'll be back next year for definite.
Date of review: May 7, 2007

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

In short: Well-organised, fast race
In full: My local half - but the first time I've done it. Generally impressed by organisation with the exception of the toilet facilities. I'm sure the '800m to go' sign was at least 1.2k from the finish, though...
Date of review: February 18, 2007

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

In short: PB two years running...
In full: ...so very little to complain about! Teeny-tiny points: the start line could be a bit more obvious for those of us in the midpack wanting to start our watches - chip timing would be even better. The drinks station at the end could be *slightly* easier to find. But overall one of the fastest and best-organised 10Ks that I've run. Well done and many thanks to all involved!
Date of review: February 4, 2007

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

In short: Well marshalled on the day. Some organisational tweaks needed. Too hot!!!
In full: A mixed course - start and finish superb, a bit dull in the middle. Mile markers seemed to be poorly measured (according to my Garmin). Hillier than you would suspect from viewing the 'course profile' on the website. Well marshalled and no complainte about the water/sports drink stations.

The relay race doesn't mix well with the marathon - every few miles you get barged out of the way by geezers on a mission.

Goodie bag was a joke (what was with the plastic soldier with parachute???). Nice medal, though.

Still, special for me as my first marathon. Fantastic finish by Arthur's seat.
Date of review: June 12, 2006

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