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

Report this rating to the moderator

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

Report this rating to the moderator

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

Report this rating to the moderator

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

Report this rating to the moderator

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

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: This marathon was plain sailing for the majority of the runners, but not for me.
In full: This marathon could make your day and possibly even your year. If you train correctly, it could also guarantee you a personal best Marathon time.
What I liked about this marathon, was the spectacular organisation, it was simply flawless. At the start of the race there was plenty of parking and toilets. Every Marshal, helper and Cadet (hundreds of them) were all first class.
The Abingdon locals were the most vocal spectators I have ever encountered. What I also liked about the race was that there were plenty of water station s, energy drinks and jelly babies.
The downside of this race was the scenery which was dull and boring for the first five miles and in other areas. There were times when I was just looking at Industrial areas and tall dry grass. Three things that caught my eye were the Turkey Farm, St. Helen’s Church (with its chiming bells) and the field which looked like field filled of Calliloo - West Indian Spinach. This was a chip timing race, which meant the race results should have been up within 24 hours after the race. I just checked the web-site this Wednesday morning 3 days after the race, and there is still no result!
My legs did not feel right from Thursday’s training and on Friday my legs were feeling heavy and aching, especially my left leg. I did some crazy stretches to revive my legs but the damage was done. I realised I had over trained. ‘It should not have happened to a Vet runner’, I should have known better!
The day of the race, my legs felt a bit better but were still heavy and tight. When I started the run I knew I would be in trouble. The race was not completely flat; it had a few inclines, the last mile almost broke the camel’s back. It was the hardest, toughest and longest mile of the race.
I was hoping it would not be a track finish (because the race started on the track). But there and behold waiting for me at the finish was one lap of the track. I was not pleased so I gritted my teeth and made a mad dash to the finish line. I was in absolute agony. I did not get my sub 4 hours, but over five hundreds smiling runners did, out of 706 runners (that’s impressive) I suppose it’s better than me coming last - which I am very good at.
When it comes to organisation Abingdon Amblers know a thing or two, they were able to perform and delivered the goods with a smile.
I’m glad I did this race it has taken me 3 years to participate. It was cancelled in 2007, oversubscribed in 2008 and here I am in 2009 kicking myself.
Once again well done Abingdon Amblers, in 2008 you were ranked 25th as Runners World Readers Top Favourite Race and you have done it again in 2009. Just one more thing Suzanne Dando, former British Gymnast
Champion and I used to attend the same Secondary School. Susan fired the gun at the start the race.
I think this would have made my great and late Head teacher Mrs Fisher really happy and proud; two of her former pupils participating in such a big and important race. I would like to dedicate this race to you Mrs Fisher and thank you for enriching our lives and being such a perfect role model, such an inspiration, and feeding us with your words of wisdom. God Bless. I shall continue to do my best to make you proud.



Date of review: October 21, 2009

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: if you are looking for a race with a difference and bit of va va voom (speed) look no further. v
In full: I’m not that keen on running on the track or doing track races. But I must confess I’ve got a soft spot for Thurrock Harriers track races. I agree running the laps are boring and not mentally stimulating, but on the other hand the running experts say it will help you to run faster:=).
On the night of the Thurrock Harriers races there is a choice of three races or two races, which are 800 meters (two laps) one mile (4 laps) or 3 miles (12 ½ laps). The night of the race it was only the 1 mile and 3 mile race (due to a small turnout of runners).
The one mile race started first, followed shortly by the 3 mile race. The field was small and had a good mix of runners but is was mostly male dominated. Personally, I preferred the small field but Dave Staines the head Coach and Race organiser said he was very disappointed with the poor turnout of runners. He made a remark on the perfect weather condition but I was thinking ‘shiver my timbers it’s absolutely freezing’. After running the two races, I was sweating like a pig and turned my car into a hot and steamy sauna. I guessed the Coach was right it was an ideal racing condition. I think I got a PB in the mile race but messed upon my third lap because I thought it was my fourth lap! The next two races billed for this year are at 7.30pm and are on the 11th November and 9th December 2009. There are more details on the Runners World web site. I shall try my best not to get lost and be there. This race is suitable for all types of runners or joggers, whether you are with a club, no club or with a few clubs! This race will guarantee to make you S.W.E.A.T and that’s straight from the horse’s mouth!
Thurrock Harriers thumbs up to your new club house. For all you Runners who have got races coming up ‘Break a leg’.


Date of review: October 16, 2009

Report this rating to the moderator

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: What a race! I was able to distress and re-charge my batteries all at the same time. Hats off to you Paul and your fantastic team of merry helpers.
In full: It’s no secret that I would have preferred to run the The Great Clarendon Marathon. However, in 2007 I made it to start line too late. Hence the reason why I decided to only run the half marathon because of the later start.
The Clarendon half marathon is a very tough course, very hilly, more ups than down. Last year’s course was tougher; it was very muddy and slippery.
The bird’s eye views were breathtaking, and the panoramic views were out of this world. I liked the fact that the countdown was backwards from 13 miles to 1 mile. I just can’t fault this race, everything was just spot on. The organisation was just perfect.
As we came to the finish line, some people were just movers; others were just shakers, as for me I was huffing and puffing and rocking n rolling right to the finishing line. Well done to everyone involved. This race has made it once again in Runners World Readers Top Favourite. Oh yes, I got a PB thanks to my old man’s Grenadian fruit cake (please can I have some more).
R.W- I would like to let you into a little secret my parents are also from Clarendon -in Jamaica.
Thanks Paul for giving me a good run for my money :)

Date of review: October 8, 2009

Report this rating to the moderator

Overall score		100%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		80%
Value		100%
Beginner-friendliness		20%

In short: This was no picinic or walk in the park, intead this was NEG-New Eltham Joggers hard core trail of 27 miles.
In full:
It was no picnic or walk in the park, instead this was New Eltham Joggers hard core trail, 27 miles Green Chain Walk (GCW).
The race started around 08.30 but prior to the race the runners were given Dir-Directions and a map of the GCW-Green Chain Walk. Following the route was difficult because there was not enough SP-Signpost or RM-Route Markers. Occasionally I found myself and my running partners did not know whether to TL-Turn Left or TR-Turn or even BR-Bear Right, or BR-Bear Left. It made me feel X-Cross and frustrated at times for being lost. At the 8 mile stage I met a kind gentleman who had ran the race the last year, and I immed- immediately Flw-follow him for the next 8 miles.
We stopped at two CP-checkpoint together and ran Ah-Ahead towards the Fld-Field, FP-Footpath or FP-Footbridge. Sometimes but not often it was hard to know when to go L-Left or R-Right due to no signs. Then I met up with two other male runners who were in a similar predicament and we decided to ran as group for the next eleven miles. At about the 22.5 miles our band was joined by another male at CP-Checkpoint 6. However by this stage we had covered more miles than that. The group cont-Continue past CP-Checkpoint 7 - X-Cross the road R-right Thru-Through to the finish.
Along the route all the Marshall, including my friend Joe, were friendly and helpful, however more sign post would have been helpful. I really enjoyed running with the young gentleman who also ran Margate Marathon, the guy in Bobby More Vest and a Vet male Runner from 100 Marathon Club ( the one who is always full of beans). Also the lady with the rainbow colour socks. Thanks for your support and navigating skills, without your help I think I would have been stranded in the Woods somewhere. I would also like to thank the good Samaritans who offered their help and for pointing me to the right directions.
Just one observation I noticed everyone had dogs, some were odd looking canine on four legs, was there a local open air 2009 Crofts Dog Show???
On completing the race I thought never again. However on reflection I felt really privileged running with some of the best runners in the county. I felt that NEJ- New Eltham Joggers, had bend over backwards to make this race a success. Well done to the Race Directors and NEJ-New Eltham Joggers. Next year can you provide more RM-Route Markers.
I really enjoyed running with a group of runners I met during the race. I suppose I’m just not a good map reader. I like the medal and emerald green baseball cap. I like the T-shirt but made a bit of a boo boo- I choose the wrong size.
In closing well done to Eddie Izzard for completing 43 marathons in 51 days – That’s absolutely incredible how did you that??? There’s me struggling to do one; I take my hat off to you.


Date of review: September 23, 2009

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: If I had to rant and rave about a race this is definitely be one of them.
In full: Kent Coastal Marathon is sometimes called the Thanet Marathon, but I like to call it the Margate Marathon. Margate Marathon is ranked as my top favourite race. This is because it is held in Margate which brings back fond childhood memories travelling with my Dad and Sister to Margate 'Dreamland' in his sky blue Morris Minor Traveller (my poor
Mum had to work). Also, what I like about this race is that it is extremely well organised, everything seems to work like clock work.
The course is challenging, there were roller-
coasters hills at the first half and second half had twists and turns with one killer hill at the finish about a mile long.
In this race you were provided with energy gels and water.
(I had slight accident with one of the gels and smudged it all my face and photographer
had taken a picture of the evidence).
There was plenty of water in bottles - just what I like!

Just a couple of things I like to mention, why did you change the shape of the medal? Also, why did you choose the clolour white for the T-shirt?

To the Race Director, Thank you for making this race a firm favourite me.
I really hope to get the time off to run this race next year. I love Margate.

"Ooh I do like to run beside the sea-side".

Date of review: September 9, 2009

Report this rating to the moderator