My Event Ratings

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

In short: It could be something special..
In full: .. If only they could sort some of their problems out.

This was my second time running the Half, the finish was much better organised than last year. You actually got ferried past people handing out water and no endless standing around for your medal, goody bag, and chip bins outside. However, the goody bag was relatively pointless, mainly adverts and not much else writing about.. what happened to the fresh fruit we had last year?

The start was messy, as others have said, no time pens. Means dodging those slower or walking.

The apparent lack of mile markers from 3 to 8, maybe I thought maybe I didn't see them, but it looks like I wasn't the only one. Consequently, using the mile timing bands available was a bit hit and miss. I was lucky having done the race last year, vaguely remembering where they were..

Due to both races starting at the same time and increasing race numbers, this lead to congestion down at the Barrage turning point, and the diggers and what-not being parked up and conned off, meant that at points we ground to a halt.

The drink points could be better signposted, eg. forewarning runners 200m before them? It seemed like a mad clamber at times to run over to the and stumble over other runners.

As has been noted, the lack of unenthusiastic marshals. I know they are volunteers, and some of them barely looked in their teens, but at least provide some kind of encouragement and point out the way to go..

I enjoy most of the course, even though the route down to the Barrage and back is a bit dull and grim. But so much more could me made out of changing the route, eg. instead of running through a residental estate and spending what seems like ages running through the park, perhaps the Museum or anything else that Cardiff has to offer?

Still, this year's race was better than last year, the medal had a ribbon! The added drink stations were lovely and the slightly better organisation at the end. But, it has the ability to be fantastic..

Still I managed to knock 4 mins off my PB, so that's all good, and I absolutely love running the lap of the Millennium Stadium. I'll definitely be back next year, but hope the Race Organisers take note of the comments being left.
Date of review: October 19, 2006

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

In short: Challenging but Fantasic!
In full: Gorgeous scenery, good organisation, no cars, it even makes the uphills more enjoyable!

Definitely one of the best half's I've done, especially good if you like a challenge.

Definintely coming back next year!
Date of review: March 20, 2006

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

In short: Woo! You get to bulid a sand castle with the contents of your shoe!
In full: After running it for the 1st time last year, I thought never again. 5mins after I finished it I thought 'Right, that's me here next year!'.

Magnificent race, fantastic scenery, wonderful organising, great support, excellent value for money (t-shirt, pud & soup). Well done Brackla Harriers!

Absolutely knackering, but a great challenge for anyone.

And yes I did have enough sand on my shoes to make a lovely little sandcastle when I got home..

Here's to the Xmas Pud 2006 - already in my diary!
Date of review: December 31, 2005

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

In short: Nice day - shame about my running!
In full: Friendly marhsals and plenty of water - very good.
Date of review: October 24, 2005

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

In short: Lovely Half-Marathon let down by the chaos at the end..
In full: My first half-marathon, and it was a lovely experience (apart from the badly organised end!). The spectators on the way were fantastic cheering everyone one. The course route was excellent.
However, it was let down by a number of factors:
At the finish we were herded up the nearest exit only to join the chaotic crowds waiting to get the medals. Only 3 people giving them out for the thousands that finished! No organisation, no queuing systems at all! Shambolic - 45 mins waiting!
When I reached the next stall that had the fruit, I enquired about whether we'd have some water, and was told that was given at the finish, it was only when going to get my bag that I saw the water stand at trhe bottom of the course, but was herded up the nearest exit by marshalls before we could get to it!
The so-called 'secure' baggage area - was just a seat in the stadium, with no security - anyone could have wandered in and taken bags etc.
Also, the atmosphere in the stadium was let down by the fact that there was no music playing, when it was clearly stated that Red Dragon Radio would be entertaining the crowds.
Even though, the end was a mess which desperately needs to be sorted out, I will definitely be back next year. And I'll now know what to expect!
Date of review: October 10, 2005

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

In short: Lovely race in a lovely place. Plus with a free pint to boot, you can't go wrong!
Date of review: May 12, 2005

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

In short: Good race - especially nice to run over the barrage.
In full: Race had a nice atmosphere outside the Millennium Centre. Marshalled well and was nice to have the chance to run over the barrage.

The finishing area was a little chaotic and unorganised - the medals could have been placed in the goodie bag.

Plus a few more toilets would have been appriecated what with the big crowds.
Date of review: May 2, 2005

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