My Event Ratings

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

In short: There to be enjoyed
In full: This was my first London marathon after two attempts at Edinburgh.

I started in pen 9 and have no idea why anyone would want to jump further forward as it meant I got a great run out for the first few miles and, you know that chip thing on your trainers? That means your time goes from when you cross the start line so pushing forward doesn't do a great deal other than annoy others.

I loved this run and managed to run 99% of it (my legs needed some coaxing at 22 miles!) although I agree the lines of walkers and people getting so concerned they had lost their mates and stood waiting for them were frustrating, even to a plodder like me (5h finish)

The only other negatives were; no gels at the second station (which I had practiced in training and would have provided my own if i'd known) and the end was a nightmare to get around once you joined the spectators. Finally, was the trip to Excel really necessary? Not everyone lives in the vicinity and we travelled from Cheshire. By the time we got to London, to the hotel then to Excel it was nearly 4pm on the Saturday. Goody bags you say?? Not so much for the out of towners!

Anyway, not to whinge too much these were only niggles in an otherwise fantastically well organised and wonderful experience of a race. I would do it again along with everyone else here but as it took me 5 attempts to get in this time and I only did that because i queried not getting in this time after 5 unsuccesful attempts, I doubt I will. They are now stopping this practice so I'm even less likely to get in again. Not to worry, I've done it once, enjoyed it, got the medal to prove it!!
Date of review: May 1, 2010

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

In short: Good run - well organised
In full: Well organised, great atmosphere. Weather was against the race for the day but the going was fine once you were doing it. The twice round laps made it a bit repetitive and once you got to the 5k bit it was slightly demotivating to know that the Fun Runners had had their fun and were heading off in one direction whilst you went around and did it again!"! But - no other way around it - bets use of the course there. Excellent run after the Winter break and will def do it again next year - escpecially as it's just over the road!!
Date of review: March 30, 2006

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Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		No
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		20%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		60%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		20%

In short: Not for beginners or the faint hearted!!!!
In full: Not helped by a very muddy course this extremely hilly (mainly uphill it has to be said) course was very wet and very dirty - great if you like that kind of thing (it is called the Wild Races!!) - but not for non seasoned runners really. Bit running 'clubby' - not many unaffiliated people but well organised, friendly enough marshals and even the last few runners were applauded. Recommended for those who like to get a bit 'clarty'!!
Date of review: March 26, 2006

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

In short: Great - although I agree with the lack of loos!!
In full: Prettier than I expected save for the trip around the shopping centre and industrial estate near the end - and the run through people's front gardens! I know the guy with the hose meant well but we'd all just been soaked at least twice!!
Bit dissapointed with the expo but not really got anything to compare it to. Enjoyed the first 3 miles in terms of running around 'touristy' Edinburgh - Princes St etc. and hearing the bagpipes - maybe something like that would have helped at mile 22 onwards??
All in all, considering I didn't even know Edinburgh had a marathon until I didn't get accepted to London, I would def do it again but maybe a bit more for the money would be good - I don't think I'm alone in that one either!!
Date of review: June 13, 2005

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