My Event Ratings

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

In short: A very different half marathon - an organisational triumph
In full: The race route appealed to me because of family connections however I'm not so sure the urban streets would be that attractive for others. I did worry at times that I'd take a wrong turn / run down the wrong side of a street but in fairness there were a remarkable number of marshals and police on bikes to assist. There were several pockets of enthusiastic supporters, the race is more deserving of a higher turnout. Crossing sidestreets is an unavoidable danger but unless you are hellbent on having an uninterrupted run then I would recommend the route. The first half is mostly downhill and although there are no great hills it does get you towards the end. The mile markers were pretty hopeless however not really a problem if you have a Garmin.
Date of review: April 8, 2013

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

In short: Nice quiet undultating road route
In full: Well organised with chip timing. Surprised not a larger field. Quite a long drag from 3 to 4M plus a steep hill at 8k which makes a PB unlikely, however quiet roads, well marshalled and good location for race HQ. No doubt the problem just before the finish will be resolved for next year
Date of review: March 11, 2012

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

In short: A proper X country course
In full: Tough, challenging 2 lap course. Excellently marked out and marshalled. No concrete parts so can wear spikes. Great preparation for X country season although would hestitate to recommend it to a first timer.
Date of review: October 18, 2010

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

In short: A fast flat course. Can't believe someone described it as undulating. Really nice to have roads closed to traffic. Decent T shirt too.c
Date of review: March 29, 2010

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

In short: Hilly but can afford to go flat out at 12M as rest really is all downhill
In full: As long as you don't go mad on the long climb from miles 2 to 3 there is plenty of opportunity to make up time. I preferred the course to Watford
Date of review: March 1, 2009

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

In short: Terrible weather did not spoil race. We did the 5k which was 2 laps with a horrible hill at the end of the lap. Race deserves much more support for November and is definitely recommended
Date of review: October 1, 2006

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

In short: Mildly undulating but fast course. By-Pass is dreary but high turnout means you always have someone to race with.
Date of review: October 4, 2005

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

In short: Military like organisation. Terrain could be tricky on a wet day. No chance of a PB as few flat parts. Very enjoyable and traffic free.
Date of review: October 4, 2005

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