Latest Ratings
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2011 Salomon South Downs Marathon
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: What a lovely event!
In full: My 4th SDM, this time as a relayer not the whole hog. I love this route, it's so inspiring: even though the hills are properly tough, the views and sense of achievement upon reaching the top makes them worthwhile. Marshalls are lovely, water stops well placed (especially considering the logistical challenges), signage good BUT our first runner did take a wrong turn along with about a dozen others. He mentioned this to a couple of marshalls, but they didn't seem bothered at all!
Because of injuries, I ended up doing a double, with legs 3 & 4. I'm slow and to be honest started off pretty grumpy due to changeover problems, but this race is so lovely that by the time I got to Harting Down I was back on cheery, happy form and chatting to other competitors with a big smile on my face.
But I'm really, really glad this wasn't scheduled for the Sunday. It wouldn't have been quite so much fun in the torrential rain and tearing winds.
Date of review: June 15, 2011
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2009 Salomon South Downs Marathon
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: proper running in the countryside
In full: My second outing on this race and I really enjoyed it. Okay, so I walked up the big hills and I didn't really want to be in the 10am start with the elites (psychological damage) but the route is so beautiful with brilliant views rewarding all those tough hill climbs and the event so well organised, what's not to like? And I LOVE the t-shirt (less of the "are you sure you want small?" comments, please, cheeky!)
Date of review: June 15, 2009
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2009 Duchy Marathon
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: great apart from the damn wind!
In full: Even with two laps, this wasn't a dull route and the friendly encouraging marshalls helped us all to keep going, but couldn't quite lift my spirits after the battering from the wind. The pasty was a great boost afterwards, though. Although I still got a PB, it was way slower than I expected because I was almost going backwards along the coast road. Well done to the world record breakers who did a fanstastic job in pretty tough conditions!
Date of review: March 20, 2009
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2008 Saab Salomon Turbo X, Bordon
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: mudfest
In full: What a bunch of loonies we are! This was a great race - challenging, well-organised and exciting. First time for me lunging through the mud and I really enjoyed it. Okay, so I couldn't move my fingers enough to turn the key and get into my car, but who cares? I really felt like I'd DONE something. Brilliant motivational rock for the X-zone was a bonus too
Date of review: November 25, 2008
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2008 Surrey Slog Half-Marathon
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Brilliant organisation makes a tough course manageable
In full: You do get fair warning about how hard this race is, so I can't even complain about the hills. The marshalling, organisation, markings and signposting - the most detailed and specific I've ever seen - were absolutely spot on, with all the marshalls and drinks station staff very friendly and encouraging too. I really did need that encouragement for the mile long hill up to mile 12. The course was lovely, I wish I could have stopped for the stunning viewpoint at the summit - maybe I'll go back when I'm not running!
Date of review: July 21, 2008
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2008 Salomon South Downs Marathon
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: What a great day - helped by the weather!
In full: I hoped but didn't dare believe I'd say this, but I really enjoyed my first marathon! This was a well-organised race with a stunning route and although my time wasn't super-speedy the miles certainly didn't drag. Friendly marshalls and other organisers were a bonus too. There was just one small problem. PLEASE get some more toilets! I wanted to start at 9.30, but the 20 minute loo queue held me back. Well done for supplying enough paper for everyone, but it would have been nice to wash my hands with water and maybe even some soap?
Date of review: June 16, 2008
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2008 Three Forts Marathon
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Views make the hills worthwhile
In full: I only did the half marathon, but couldn't access the comments bit for it! This was a lovely race and very friendly. Fruit cake at the halfway (or 21 miles, for the hardy marathoners) was very welcome, but even better was the amazing cake selection at the end. Not just one cake, but a choice! The only problem with this race - and it is an important issue - was a lack of toilets for women. I was only able to find a total of 3 loos and queueing meant I lost warming up time just before the start. Frienly marshals, friendly runners, nice medal and a lovely day. I'll be there next year (but hoping for portaloos)
Date of review: May 6, 2008
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2007 The Votwo Pudding Catcher
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: would have been nice to see the organisers crack a smile once or twice
In full: With a whole load of rather boring zig-zags and 3 laps, this wasn't as exciting as i'd hoped. Multi-terrain was true, but mole holes don't make it more fun. I loved the puddings (the running one and the eating ones), but I almost choked on my custard when I saw that the "prizes" for this expensive race were 6 bottles of milkshake...and winners didn't even get to choose their preferred flavour! Alberto Frog would not have approved.
Date of review: December 19, 2007
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2005 Walsall 10K
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: new off-road section basically single-file - not good for overtaking!
In full: I think some of the km markers were missing and at least one was in the wrong place (I know I can't do 41/2 minute kms). Liked the off-road (woods and footpath) but it slows you down. Lovely goody bag too - a pleasant surprise.
Date of review: September 19, 2005
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