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

In short: Water everywhere but not enough to drink
In full: The scenery was exceptionally beautiful and running on traffic free country lanes was a pleasure that can't be taken for granted. I suspect that is what validates the cost in lieu of a generous goody bag or T shirt. One big gripe is very short water stations on only one side of the road (most in a boggy pool that runners were trying to avoid). They were hidden around blind corners and the notices had blown down so you had to double back once you realised you'd missed a water station. A small gripe is the harsh and accusatory tone of the pre-race booklet. Other races go just as smoothly even if the organisers have a friendlier way of laying down the rules. All things said and done I'll definitely consider it again but will risk entering on the day, weather dependant.
Date of review: November 3, 2009

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Good workout. Great value for money.
In full: I read previous reviews so was expecting the hill and trained accordingly. It was fairly challenging but since it's so early in the race where the field is still tightly packed you end up doing it at a slow and manageable pace behind all the people walking or crawling up. I actually found the steady incline at the end of the race more tough and I suspect the mile/km markings were a little misleading towards the end as the last three miles felt much longer (notwithstanding the incline on tired legs). Overall the race was very pleasant and well organised. The clouds were a blessing - had it been a sunny day we would have expired after only starting at 9:30am. If summer races started earlier we'd miss the heat, traffic enroute and tailbacks at peak time back to London! The goody bag was very generous. More loos at the start would have been a treat but with such good value for money I can't complain about anything.
Date of review: July 20, 2009

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Great Value & Exceptional Organisation
In full: I agree with all the other reviews about the very good organisation and support for a mere £12. A special mention must be made for the lovely start and finish area where you could buy a decent coffee or bacon sandwich and relax in a tranquil setting to calm pre-race jitters. The 9am start is a great idea to avoid the heat of the day, miss the worst of the traffic and still have most of Sunday to enjoy (or recover).
Date of review: May 11, 2009

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Perfect for first half marathon
In full: I entered this race based on the description (flat and scenic) as it was my first half. It was flat and scenic as promised but not as shaded as I pictured for a route along the river. Although the organisers would have had no control over the heat I'd suggest they start any race scheduled for mid summer a lot earlier to prevent runners slogging away at midday on the hottest day of the year (and, for some, a two hour drive back to London in standstill traffic). Surely many runners are awake early on race day and would rather get it over and done with in the cool morning and have the rest of the (hot) day to relax.

Thankfully there was still water at all the stations when I passed. The bottles were a clever touch and I actually left half bottles in easy to reach places (on benches) when I'd had my fill in case other runners were desperate.

I don't think I'd run in the opposite direction as then the first three mile traffic jam on the very narrow path would be at the end of the race when you're desperate to break free of the pack and finish at your own pace. Also the sun would be in your face the whole way! But perhaps in two years' time I'll do the same direction again and be grateful for the enforced slow start to keep my legs fresh for the remaining ten miles.

I was gagging for an ice cold drink at the end and perhaps a piece of fruit to leave a pleasant taste after all that sweat. Instead I hot stung by nettles on my walk to the baking car! I'll watch out for those next time.

The marshalls were lovely, the lady with the sprinkler was heaven sent and the route was very picturesque so all in all a great race.
Date of review: July 28, 2008

Report this rating to the moderator