My Event Ratings

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

In short: What goes up must come down, but goes up again at the end.
In full: I ran this race last year and found it a highlight of my year. So this year, having only recently run a marathon, I decided to do it again at short notice. Whilst that didn't help my time, it couldn't fault what is one of the finest marathons in the UK. Not massive numbers, but a suburb course (the lakes shone that day!), magnificent organisation with supportive marshals, a true family atmosphere and a lovely slate medal at the end. Truly great.
Date of review: May 21, 2012

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

In short: Pb course along the busy front, but dull second part
In full: Fast and flat course but low attendance, especially for the full marathon. Couldn't see why they had another half only a fortnight ago. Should of been one lap for full marathon which would be better and would do it again if it was.
Date of review: March 12, 2012

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

In short: potential to be great if they sorted out the niggles
In full: I may be looking at the race through rose tinted glasses as i loved the race - but it was my first time in Birmingham, my place of birth, for over a decade.
I was lucky enough to be near the start, but the fraustrated as people pilled into the elite area, including a giant chicken. The first mile was then spent dodging slower runners and probably cost a good minute or so in lost pace.

Once settled though, being near the front allowed for a great, sunny crisp autumns day passing places of my childhood.

I don't remember Brum being so hilly, and the one at 11-10m was a killed which blew any PB chances. Again the finish was OK for me, but by the sounds if it, will definitely need improving for next year.

Perhaps it should start and finish at Cannon Hill park?
Date of review: October 28, 2010

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

In short: unique race that is very memorable and for a good cause
In full: having run this the first two years, and then taken a break, I was very pleased to see the organisation had been greatly improved, with great marshalling and a superb reception from the crowd at the finish, which mad up for the quiet on the sands, bar the marshalls who all cheered me along quite nicely. Although dearer than most races, i totally appreciate the costs that must go into organising the event, and found the t-shirt a lot funkier than most (although i would take a medal any day of teh week). A great run overall.
Date of review: June 9, 2010

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