My Event Ratings

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

In short: Hats off to Dr Rob and the Wonderful Marshals!
In full: 4th time and another course record (from 2:53, 2:40, 2:16 down to 2:11) - 2 hours can't be that far away now...

This is a premier league race for all the reasons already noted. Dr Rob and co always know how to keep you going on those long, tough ascents (and descents) and you definitely feel like you have earned the sandwiches and cake at the end.

Deep respect to the Picnic marathon runners - boy that course twice would be tough as nails, and then some...

You simply have to try this. It's the stuff of legends and as much of a mental test as a physical one. Still hurting the next day though.
Date of review: June 19, 2011

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

In short: Hard as Nails but as friendly as they come
In full: This and the Knacker Cracker on New Years Day are my season favourites. Organisation is great, fellow runners are friendly and the course makes you feel like you have really been tested. The Picnic marathon starts two hours earlier, which is great because you get to run with and marvel at the sheer balls of those doing the full 26.2. Hats off to those that were doing this as their first half marathon - nutters!
Date of review: June 20, 2009

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

In short: Mad as you like - ideal New Year's resolution
In full: This is s great way to start the year - hills, more hills, some mud and more hills. You won't get a pb but you will get a huge sense of achievement, lots of friendly support, sore legs, the feeling that you might have walked a little less up the hills and a mug of hot soup. As usual this Trionium race is organised expertly by friendly and supportive marshals. A genuine highlight in the race calendar.
Date of review: January 1, 2009

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

In short: Usual brilliant and friendly marshalling and great course
In full: West 4 harriers always make this a great event - friendly and encouraging marshals, good atmosphere etc. The course is fast, sharing towpath and pavement, much of which is next to the Thames.

Even the snow didn't seem to dampen the enthusiasm this year. Great to have another TTT glass for the cabinet.
Date of review: April 6, 2008

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Overall score		40%
Would you do it again?		No
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		40%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Potential for a good race but organisation could be a lot better
In full: I dropped out of this race due to injury and spectated for my wife, who was in training for her first marathon.

This could and should be a good race but a number of things let it down:
1 - where were the medals for the later finishers? We were aware of at least 108 people (those who deserved it most) not getting a medal. The organisers were clear about numbers in advance.
2 - One choccy bar does not a goody bag make!
3 - What happened to the miles markers? The rather erratic positioning (especially 1 and 2) really doesn't help for those trying to pace their race.
4 - What about a course profile in the race instructions? It looks flat until you try and run it. Runners will usually still run a challenging course, but beter to be up-front about it.
5 - Why did the marshal just before the 8 mile markers tell runners they were near the finish. Yes, technically they were about half a mile or so away as the crow flies, but over 5 miles from finishing.

Don't get me wrong, there was a lot f good organisation in this race and I take my hat off to anyone who takes time out in the Winter weather to marshal a race, especially a long one. The thing is marshals should have a better idea of where they are on the course, where the next water station is etc.

Maybe this is a feature of a race not organised by runners, but with such excellent competition these days, these details can really make the difference between coming back again and again and never repeating or recommending the experience.
Date of review: February 19, 2008

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

In short: Killer cure for the New Year hangover
In full: Deepest respect for Dr Robert and crew, who made this a race to remember. A real "hard as you like" introduction to the year and a kick start to serious 2008 training. This race has hills, humour, fancy dress and a carrot for each finisher! Borat deserves a special mention - boy that suit must have chafed...
Date of review: January 3, 2008

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

In short: As usual, an exceptionally well run and fast course
In full: This is a great race, especially when the towpath is dry underfoot. Marshals were excellent and in abundance and generally the organisation was excellent. My only gripe is the start and finish on a rather uneven field. If there was only a way of adding the extra distance on to road, track or path. I managed an average 7:15 mpm pace, but 8:55 for the first mile, albeit starting from near the back. With a faster start and finish this race could rival the local Cabbage Patch 10 for PB potential. Still, an excellent event and well woth teh trip.
Date of review: April 13, 2006

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

In short: Great race, fantastic marshals, but includes 1500ft of climb over 12k! Don't do anything stupid the day before like stay up late, drink too much or party.
Date of review: January 4, 2005

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

In short: Not for the faint-hearted, with hills from mile 19 onwards that really test tired legs. Organisation is excellent and fantastic scenery.
Date of review: September 20, 2004

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

In short: Challenging pre-marathon tester - I can't believe anyone runs this just for fun?
In full: Fantastic race, well organised, friendly etc, but don't attempt unless you are feeling on top form. It's great build up for a marathon, but watch the chalky/stony parts of the course, as opportunity to turn an ankle. Runners and marshals were friendly. I would definitely run again.
Date of review: September 1, 2004

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