My Event Ratings

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

In short: Great race and weather
In full: First time on this race - usually away for easter - but the timing for this was perfect. Goof varied course - even though I did the 40 - still enjoyed the 2nd loop (hills were a lot tougher 2nd time around)

Organisation was brilliant - that's to everyone involved - be back next year.
Date of review: April 7, 2013

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

In short: Bit wet underfoot
In full: 2nd year running this one, less windy than last year (and warmer too). Muddy in places and slippery underfoot - saw a few people go flying - definitely a race for shoes with plenty of grip.

Always impressive seeing the lead runners on the way back when you are still miles from the turnaround. Respect to the Gingerbread man too - bet that was tough going when the the wind got up.

Aid stations well placed and well stocked, enjoyed the mulled wine - I am blaming that for slowing down so much on the return leg.

Clif bar and socks were a nice find in the goody back - thanks to marshals and organisers.
Date of review: December 24, 2012

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

In short: Excellent Race
In full: not as hot as last year - so managed to bag a PB on this hilly course. Great support on the way round from the villagers (thanks Cliddesden). Water stations great (it is still such a waste though - 2 sips from a bottle before it gets chucked)

Great organisation - so nice to run on roads without traffic - local kids in Cliddesden, were out on their bikes before the race on the traffic free roads.

Be back again next year - thanks organisers.
Date of review: October 8, 2012

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

In full: Great organisation - marshals seemed to be every 50 metres (thanks marshals) lots of drink stations too. The scientific recovery food at the finish line (or cake as is was known) was excellent too!

Third time of doing this race and I think I have started to enjoy these hills rather than fight them. Terrain is mixed from gnarly roots to sand beaches - always need to concentrate on obstacles, especially when the legs are getting tired. Had a few trips - despite every root and
pothole being covered in orange paint.

See you again next year
Date of review: September 18, 2012

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

In short: Hot run in the forest
In full: Well organised family day out. Kids enjoy (well they ran) the 3K before and were very pleased with their efforts.
10K is route is easy to follow, hot day so water stops were at the right point.
Well organised race would do again
Date of review: September 10, 2012

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

In short: The things you do to have a break from Olympic coverage
In full: Things I learnt running the North Downs Way 50 this weekend:

When you are only a few miles from the end - check the directions yourself

I can't stand Coke but on the race - it's the drink of the gods

Chocolate covered espresso beans - why have I not had these before.

Usain Bolt runs his races in less than 10seconds, took me just less than 10 hours - wish I'd done the 100m instead.


On a hot day, technical shirts get really smelly.

Completing first proper Ultra - awesome - being able to walk the next day - priceless

Great race, great day for it, marshals were awesome - be back next year (maybe the 100?)
Date of review: August 12, 2012

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Overall score		100%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		100%
PB potential		20%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		100%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Less a race, more a psychological experiment...
In full: Bonkers race, hill, steps, hill, steps, repeat, then repeat that, and then start again.

Marshals deserve a medal of there own.

Not as wet as last year so ground was pretty good, didn't get the feet wet going over the stepping stones.

Date of review: June 25, 2012

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

In short: Third time and still love it
In full: Weather has been different every time I have done this race - wet and windy this time (at least there was no snow or hail)

Love the staggered start, breakfast, route marking, general organisation, friendliness of other runners, on route and at the breakfast table, the grunts and groans of fellow runners peeling off their wet kit.

Big thanks to the marshals - at least running about keeps you warm, standing still must have been freezing

My only negative is that the mist and rain obscured the fantastic views - not something the organisers can control.

Be back again next year
Date of review: March 5, 2012

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

In short: Listen to the marshalls!
In full: Had a good run, water stations well spaced - and you know were they are on each lap.

Joining Instructions could have been clearer: about the "no need" to sign in - and the fact that bands would be handed out on route - a change to last year.

Complaint to other runners:
Despite the clear instructions of marshalls and race ref - I still had please running 4 a-breast - and at least one muppet thought the "no peeing in the locals garden" rule didn't apply to him.

Finish was better placed compared to last year - goody bag was a little bare compared to last year too.
Date of review: February 2, 2012

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

In short: Brrr - if only the wind was there to push you along
In full: Yes it was cold (it is December) - made worst by the wind - especially the last 2 miles.

Flat race - east route to follow, some nice views of the harbour and the Isle of Wight.

Nice goodie bag - wasn't expecting a T-shirt - gels and bananas at most water stations - all well stocked.

Nice end to the year - be back again next year - hopefully quicker
Date of review: December 18, 2011

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