My Event Ratings

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

In short: A fast flat 10k course - perfect for a beginner or for that PB you've been trying for
In full: I did this race in 2005 as my friend had entered it as her first race. It's great for first timers as the course is flat and also for those aiming for a PB.
Date of review: May 8, 2007

Report this rating to the moderator

Overall score		100%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		100%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		80%
Value		100%
Beginner-friendliness		20%

In short: Fantastic race - hard work but worth it when you've finish!
In full: It's got a killer hill, the rest of the race is what I would call undulating - certainly not flat. Some of the terrain is quite tricky underfoot and some sections force the runners to run single file for a while. However, the hill certainly gives you a sense of achievement when you get to the top and is one of the highlights of the race. The uneven ground makes it more interesting and the excuse to hang behind someone for two minutes cos there is no room to overtake is a blessing when you reach 8 miles! Overall it was a lovely run, the scenery was great, especially the last 2 miles through the bluebell woods! I also liked the absurdity of running through a river, 100 yards from the finish line!
Was I tired at the end? YES; Did I get a PB? Certainly not; Did I smell like a bog after crossing the river? ER... YEAH!; Would I do this race again? YES I WOULD! Friendly marshalls (despite one of them promising me there were jelly babies on route which never materialised), nice scenery, a feeling that this race was unique and good souveneirs (sweat towel and a shot glass). Thanks Stainland Lions! :)
Date of review: May 8, 2007

Report this rating to the moderator

Overall score		20%
Would you do it again?		No
Details:
Scenery		20%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		20%
Organisation		20%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		40%

In short: The worst race I have ever done - and I've done a few
In full: It probably didn't help that it was miserable and raining and that I had an injury, but this race was dire. The first few miles are up a very busy road (and the cars do not keep wide or slow down to pass) so you are constantly in very real fear of being run down. When you get up and away from Oldham centre, there is an enjoyable stretch up a very long (but runnable) hill and some beautiful scenery when you reach the top (and a well deserved drink station). Then you run down a hill and through some very pleasant scenery until about 9/10 miles when you come out on another very busy road and run for about 3 miles, inhaling diesel and such like until you get to a stretch which I considered to be very dangerous (especially if you are on your own at the back) as the weather is dark and you are running through parks (not scenic ones) and underpasses passed disaffected youths shouting threats at you. There are no marshalls for miles, only yellow markers (you are unlikely to get lost but it doesn't feel safe). When I finished there weren't enough medals and mine was going to be posted to me - I'm still waiting :(
Date of review: November 30, 2006

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Hard, but not impossible
In full: There are some big hills (one killer on the last mile) and the ground is obviously harder to run as it is a trail race so no real opportunities for a PB. However, it was enjoyable and challenging and I will definitely be looking out for it next year.
Date of review: November 5, 2006

Report this rating to the moderator

Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		No
Details:
PB potential		20%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		60%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		20%

In short: beautiful scenery but the surface was practically un runnable!
Date of review: April 24, 2006

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Fantastic race - difficult, but you'll be smiling all the way round!
Date of review: March 19, 2006

Report this rating to the moderator