My Event Ratings

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

In short: Good race for PBs. Bad race for your bank balance.
In full: Was really looking forward to this one. This was my second marathon - my first being Cardiff last October which had the spectacular finish in the Millennium Stadium itself. Was rather dissapointed with Edinburgh, though.
I arrived the day before - thought the Expo was good and everything seemed to be well organised. But at the start it was a bit like trying to squeeze more sardines into an already tightly packed can. I made my way to the start 20 mins before the race was due to begin but couldn't force my way to the right starting time area.
The race itself started well for the first few miles and running along a short stretch of Princes Street gave the feel of a real city marathon. But then we were routed along the back streets and pathways away from the city itself which took away the magic of this fine city. The coastal route seemed to take an age. The officials did a good job apart from one in particular - nothing personal but she seemed to appear and re-appear at various points and was about as annoying as one can get. By mile 17 I had had enough, she was lucky she was on her bike that's all I can say.
The support was good and the finishing stretch was a buzz.
Overall, a good route for personal bests and I would consider it for next year but make sure that you save your pennies for this one.
Date of review: June 14, 2005

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Excellent marathon - well organised, great camaraderie between runners and good support en route.
In full: With this being my very first marathon I was looking forward...nervously...to this race. And it didn't dissapoint. Was confused, like many as to where we were actually starting. That said, the event was very well organised. The marshalls were enthusiastic and encouraging despite being soaked-through to the skin. And the public support was great, too. My only criticism is the lack of energy drink stations - 1 or 2 more would have been welcomed. The route felt like a cultural tour of Cardiff's historic past - starting near the castle, down the docks which helped develope this city, coming back through the modernised bay and eventually finished in the spectacular Millennium Stadium - a great feeling!
Will be back next year...
Date of review: October 7, 2004

Report this rating to the moderator