My Event Ratings

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

In short: Disapponting
In full: I won the 20km race this morning but, along with the 2nd man and the 1st lady (amongst others I assume) I was disqualified after it came to light that we had started at the 10km start line rather than the 20km line! The fact that there was a big banner with 'START' emblazoned on it gave me the impression I was in the right place. None of us who were DQ'd picked anything up from the pre-race talk from the organiser about the 20km start being further back and nobody around us mentioned anything despite us having different style numbers on. I assumed, incorrectly, that there were different numbers for advanced entries and on the day entries.

It was only when it came to the time for the presentation that we were asked 'Where did you start?'. After a confusing chat we (me and the 1st lady) said we would prefer to have our results chalked off as, despite winning comfortably, we felt that we didn't really deserve or wish to have a prize.

Possible action for the future - Make it clear to everyone that there are two start lines. As a farly experienced club runner I am aware it is not easy to organise runners or races, which is why the most important information has to be so obvious as to be unmissable. At no point during registration, on my way to the 10km start (which apparently you had to walk through to get to the 20km start) or on the start line did I or the 1st lady get told anything about a split start.

I enjoyed the run but not the slightly farcical result.
Date of review: December 10, 2011

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

In short: Looking forward to next year's race already
In full: There were a few direction issues (at the front at least) which made this into an even more interesting race than I had anticipated. It's never great to have the race leader going the wrong way and having to double back on himself up a hill....unless the you are in 2nd place when it happens! As with any race being organised for the first time a few extra marshals or maybe marshals in different positions would have helped but overall the organisation was brilliant and very enthusiastic.

The course was varied in terrain and difficulty which combined with the glorious weather to make it a really enjoyable way to spend the morning. The cake and ice cream were both very welcome after a hard race!

Thanks to all those involved in putting the event on. I expect there will be a much bigger turnout next year, when all of today's entrants have recommended the race to their friends and clubmates.
Date of review: June 11, 2011

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

In short: It was a pleasure to take part
In full: Friendly marshals and officials, tasty cakes, a kind course (apart from the last 150 metres), a great location and a well organised event.

Would definitely run in this race again.
Date of review: April 26, 2011

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

In short: Very enjoyable race, finish line was a bit of a shock!
In full: I ran a decent time which was thanks to the flat nature of the course and the good conditions. The organisation was fine, however there was the usual interminable wait for the presentations!

A sign saying '200 yards to go' or something similar might be useful as i let a guy pass me thinking I could outsprint him once the finish was in sight. Unfortunately the finish was literally round the corner 10 yards away. Whoops! I asked a number of other runners who said that like me they stopped their watch halway down the finish funnel as they didn't see the finish line coming. Surely this can't be right!

Good fun race overall and I will be back to do it again.
Date of review: October 24, 2010

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

In short: Flawed but enjoyable
In full: Only saw one distance marker (9km). I'm sure others were present but somehow I missed them. Not a massive fan of the finish. I used to like the longer home straight. As usual, a medal and a plastic cup of water didn't really blow me away at the end.

Didn't think much of the man and woman doing the stuff on the PA system. Local DJs?

The usual gripes about iPod runners.

Nice to have quite a few loos and the marquees for changing were very handy.

Had the atmosphere of a smaller race, felt quite low key, no doubt party due to the weather.

Enjoyed the run despite the crazy rain!

Date of review: May 17, 2009

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

In short: Enjoyable race. Flat, fun and friendly. A medal would have been nice!
In full: I enjoyed this race and would definitely do it again. The Parks are a great place to finish and the course is quite forgiving.

However, a few minor points (i'm such a grump!):

I only saw one 2 markers - 1km and 8km. 8km marker seemed to be much further than 2km from the finish!

Was disappointed not to be given anything other than an empty water bottle at the finish. A certificate or medal (or anything really!) would have been nice.

I felt that the course was a bit repetitive.

Support was ok, lots of people watching but not much encouragement was forthcoming.

First drinks point was a bit out of the blue and was so small as to make it almost pointless.

T-shirts were on sale but didn't have 2007 written on them, just Oxford Town & Gown. Why?


Date of review: May 22, 2007

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

In short: Could have been better
In full: I enjoyed the race overall. Not sure of my time yet as was so pleased to finish I forgot to stop my watch!

I thought the start was rubbish to be honest! Firstly from where I was it wasn't obvious when to start my watch. It was only later that my wife who was spectating told me there was a hooter.

I was starting from next to the 45min marker and had to wait 90 seconds before I could break into a proper jog. The gate was too narrow and some people were cutting the corner off by going through a different gate. I hope they enjoyed their 9.95km run!

I was running past lots of much slower runners for the first 3km despite the fact I started at the right marker and ran roughly the predicted time. I wish people would start in a realistic position.

The run itself was ok if not very scenic. The housing estate was rather dull!

Managed to still be able to pass people at the finish so am quite happy overall (even if i don't sound it!)
Date of review: June 12, 2006

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

In short: Reasonable atmosphere but long parts without spectators. Stood at start for too long. Fun race overall.
Date of review: May 7, 2006

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