My Event Ratings

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

In short: never had to queue to go over the finish line
In full: I thought the actual course was better than the previous three years but the organisers needed to rethink how you section of the roads, particular in section where one side of the road has runners going both ways. Congestion at first water station (mile 3-4) as road was not wide enough for the volume of runners at that stage of the race - runners had not streamed out enough. Equally the start was much better last when when the pens were actually managed much better and had staggered starting times.
This year the race started late, then you ran over the start line only to have to stop and walk as the road narrowed straight away. More consideration of how the building work of the new library impacts on the race, needed to have taken place.
The goodie bag and the medal are excellent. Having said there would be water at the start area, we could not find any, however plenty of water on he course, but water stations need to be more organised when it comes to where runners can dispose of the bottles... the big dumpsters were too close to the water stations, they need to be about 200 - 300 meters after the water stations and there should be bog signs etc.... I could go on,... I am disappointed because Birmingham the city in which I live and I love Birmingham..... I am sure everyone can learn from this and put it right for next year. Having to queue for over 2 minutes just to cross eh finish line and then basically stand for about 10 - 15 minutes going nowhere was really not good at all.
Date of review: October 24, 2010

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: 2nd lap first please
In full: I wasn't sure what I was doing sheltering, with no success, from the rain in the stands before the race... but that runner spirit stuff gets you going despite the conditions. Another trip down my girlhood memory lane - returning to my home town to run - so each twist and turn of the course held a memory and kept me going. The marshals were fantastic - the poor lady at mile 9 drew the very unlucky straw in my opinion. Thank you to the jelly baby lady at mile 11 and the singing lady on the other side of the underpass going into the valley (mile 5?) AND all the others too. Glad the rain stopped just before I finished as it made the end more bearable! Will be back. Thank you
Date of review: November 3, 2009

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: love having a race I can walk to ... great atmosphere in the square for the women and mens race.
In full: Before the race I was a bit worried about the course, in regard to the scenery - but the people and the bands really livened up the course - loved the church bells in Bournville - what an uplifting moment, as well as the little girl with Jelly Babies after I had lost my gel - what an angle.
My only little bit of moaning is where were the water stations between mile 6 and 10 - nothing? For me at very point in the race where I needed it most - especially having lost my gel. That hill into Holliday Street ahhh! and a bit into Granville Street, but atmosphere towards finish electric. Great medal, key ring very nice touch, great extra small t- shirts again - plenty of fluids at the end.
The end was much improved in organisation after last year - I was very proud of my city hostign such an event and seeing so many people doing something so positive with all the supporters that were there too.
Big thanks to all the volunteers who ewre great.

Date of review: October 11, 2009

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: t-shirts that fit smaller peopel great medals and great atmosphere
In full: 2nd time I have done this and this year improved on 2007. The only thing that was a bit muddled was the start with a car driving through the middle JUST before we were due to start and the starter had to stop. Why was the car sooooooo late? T-shirt, medals, chocolate shortbread biscuit atmosphere, people, marshals all excellent
Date of review: September 6, 2009

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Fab atmosphere, lots of different events to encourage participation
In full: This was the first time I have done the Wolverhampton half marathon, and it was great that my husband could come along and do the 15k bike race ( which he rates very highly too).
What struck me was how the event managed to cater for some many people of differing abilities and motivations. You could be part of the event whether running in the full marathon, the half, or the team relay...and the cycle featured a really good mix of abilities. This I feel created a fantastic atmosphere in the start and finish area.
As for the folk of Wolverhampton, they were great, offering extra water and oranges along the way...also the JENNY fan club was great ( hoe you had a good race Jenny) to observe. The groups for the relay change over provided really good focal points along the way. AND the marshalls were really really excellent - despite being given a bit of a hard time by impatient drivers. We both had huge smiles on our faces for the rest of the day. Thank you.
Date of review: September 10, 2007

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Clear that the Runnign Club had tried to involve the commuity and school and children and this created a great atmosphere on the green.
In full: The start was a bit disorganised, would have been better to get everyone into target/ability time zones on the green, then walked to start in that order. The men who spent time putting up the boards to guide people, may as well not have bothered.

My husband is a triathlete so was really hoping for a medal - as triathlon events seem keen on giving brightly colour t-shirts which only get worn for gardening!

Lovely course, well marshalled, good finish area, but nothing but a bottle of water and some leaflets in the goodie bag, was a bit disappointing.


Date of review: June 11, 2007

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: A little tough as I did the Berlin Marathon last week, but its on my doorstep and last year was a good expereince
In full: Yes I probably should not have done this having done a very hot Berlin Marathon last week, but as it is on my doorstep and my husband was running I couldn't resist. Can't get over how intolerant the car drivers are, all they need to do is wait a few minutes. Policeman telling white van man off for trying to turn in front of runners into a road with a no entry sign was a nice touch, as for the woman who opened her car door and stood having a conversation with other football mum, cutting off the route for runners who then had to run side ways past cars...well I hope her team lost! sorry a bit unforgiving but she knew the problems she was causing!
Marshalls great and there was a man with a stick in the same place as last year - the same man I assume and this made me smile. Great atmosphere with events for all family members.

Date of review: October 1, 2006

Report this rating to the moderator

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: too ill to do it last year, glad I came this year, my best 10k yet.
In full: The snow began to swirl as the beginning of the race loomed, a biting wind saw runners gather by the side of farm buildings glad of the wind break...gloves and hats coupled with bare legs and arms where accompanied by SMILES everywhere.
I haven't done many races yet, but I never fail to be warmed by the numbers of people who show up to do their running, for whatever reason, and whatever the weather.
I really enoyed this morning...helped by achieving a PB and despite the last kilometre being straight into a nasty wind that made ny face feel blue.
Date of review: March 12, 2006

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: The upward section after 5k was the challenge for me!
In full: Great to be able to park so close to the start (particularly with the rain!.) Great warm up guy who kept rhythm (and I have done some warm ups that leave much to be desired)he kept people warm on a bitter morning. Sutton Runner tent great (needed gloves before start and able to get them!)
Missed the opening "Charriots of Fire" this year - apparently it was played but maybe they started it a bit late this year and I had run off before it got going!
The uphill section just after 5k is a challenge but the psychology of not having a 6 K sign and then seeing the 7K sign works for me!
Yes the 'car' was a bit of an item and the housing estate scenery is not the best, but loved the family of litle girls clapping us by!
All in all I enjoyed this race again, the location sets up a really friendly atmosphere and it is very well organised.
Thanks
Date of review: February 19, 2006

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: good family atmosphere with 10, 6 & 3 together.
In full: Excellent goodie bag...could have done without the banal commentary...nice marshalls especially the guy with the stick! Lack of toilets.
Date of review: October 3, 2005

Report this rating to the moderator