My Event Ratings

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

In short: First LDWA event - excellent experience
In full: Hills, wind, hail, sun, wind, cake, beer. Fab day out on first LDWA outing for me. Loved the cheerful completely non-competitive atmosphere (well I wasn't at the front, so no idea about that to be fair). Sun came out enough to allow glimpses of glorious views. Self confidence in your own navigation essential - following others, even those that seem experienced, is never recommended!
Date of review: May 12, 2013

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

In short: Perfect conditions, great crowd - measured long
In full: I usually ignore comments on over-distance racing as garmins aren't to be trusted versus course measurements, but I took manual splits at the designated mile markers and they were all pretty much spot on 1 mile APART from mile 4 (0.88) and mile 5 (1.46), which I remember runners around me commenting on as we waited and waited for the mile 5 marker. So yes, U turn cones presumably placed wrongly.

Other than that - a beautiful day brought out much better crowds than normal - so a great atmosphere and I do like the course.
Didn't mind lack of goodies at all, but yes, the plastic bag itself was completely unnecessary.
Appreciated the few stalls that have started springing up now, and the new cafe at the volleyball park near the finish line is a great extra this year (though nothing to do with the organisers!).
Date of review: February 20, 2012

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

In full: Second time of running, and as others have said, superbly organised - the delayed start allowed the frost/ice to melt and me to get a cup of tea, but still fail to tie my shoelaces correctly!
Yes the airfield is ... an airfield, but it's a good chance to see fellow runners, often ridiculously far ahead. Great race.
Date of review: December 12, 2010

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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: Tip top organisation, good crowd support
In full: Much better starting positioning than last year - friendly marshalls, supportive crowd and the rain held off. The clapping balloon things are a huge hit with the kids. KM signs really easy to spot. Yes, lots of corners to negotiate but all adds to the fun.
Date of review: May 16, 2010

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

In short: Great support followed by lonely stretches - it's hard work, it's a marathon!
In full: Beautifully organised and cheerfully supported, potentially very scenic but much depends on the weather. On a cool day the Greenway would be quiet solace, but on a hotter day like Sunday, it's been described as a Napoleonic Retreat on the last lap, and that's not far off! Be prepared. Brilliant fellow-suffering camaraderie and cheery crowds nearer Stratford took me to the finish. Top event, but a tough one without a doubt.

Date of review: April 27, 2010

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

In short: Just not quite up to previous years' high standards
In full: Usual problems with big popular races - bottlenecks at the start, and apparently at the finish this time. Great marshall support though, slick results service, can't blame 'em for the awful weather!
Date of review: February 21, 2010

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

In short: Superb conditions, great crowd support, fast course - liked it!
In full: Fairly big field but not too bunched up and some great crowd support really helped. First Half Mara for months, but I'll do this one again and again - coming back through town half way is a great plus.
Date of review: October 12, 2008

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

In short: perfect spot to lose my ultra virginity
In full: Superb marshalls who also managed to organise superb weather for us. Some stunning views, and lovely friendly runners. Oh and then you get to run 40 miles!
Date of review: September 24, 2008

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

In short: Hard but beautiful - like me :-)
In full: Always loved the neighbourhood and even in the downpour it was glorious. Managed to hold it together until I could refuel at the Mars chunks at mile 13 or so. Careful with that hill at the 5 miles or you'll blow up later. Then the organisers let the Welsh win the rugby, not bad!
Date of review: March 17, 2008

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

In short: If you want to 15 miles, do it here!
In full: Great organisation, atmosphere, and a pretty route on a good-weather day. I was another doing a pre-marathon warm up race, and it was definitely a good challenge. The gaps between runners inspired a few short bursts of speed followed by thankfully hiding from the wind behind little groups. Very quiet in places, but where supporters could gather, they were very vocal. Great chocolate muffins in the sports hall after!
Date of review: March 10, 2008

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