My Event Ratings

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

In short: I keep coming back despite that hill
In full: Make no mistake this is not an easy race. The two mile long hill, although not steep seems to take its toll on the old legs.
At least, unlike most years, the wind was not blowing so that was a crumb of comfort.
As it's one of my more local races I always try to do it but that hill doesn't get any easier.

A very well organised event of which Accrington RR can be proud.
Date of review: November 3, 2010

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

In short: Forgotten how tough it is.
In full: I last ran this race back in 2006 and enjoyed it so I thought I would go back for a second crack.
I'd forgotten what a tough course it is, with a gruelling uphill start and another tough hill two miles from the finish.
Having said that, it is a really good event with good marshalling and scenic views if you have time to admire them.
The last 3/4 mile is pretty much downhill if you have anything left by then.
A £5 entry fee is a bargain these dayswith everyone receiving a mug at the end.
I was over a minute quicker than three years ago (I was getting back from injury) but being three years older and now a vet 50 I'm quite pleased with my run on a tough course.
One for the diary for next year.
Date of review: July 11, 2009

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

In short: Tougher than it looks
In full: The organisers have taken on board previous comments and provided chip timimg, hiwever, this did not stop many slower runners lining up far to near the front of the field. This is very annoying for faster runners. The organisers can't be blsmed for this, they have done all they can.
With closed roads the course is very runner friendly but the second half is quite tough with one or two stiff undualtions.
Drinks stations are plentiful, but they really should do away with the plastic cups and provide water in bottles.
The cost was quite steep,however it does provide reasonable value for money and I will definitely do it again.
Date of review: April 6, 2009

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

In short: Flat but not easy
In full: The course is probably as flat as you could get anywhere and is run along an almost entirely traffic free course. There were adequate marshalls at strategic points and numerous drinks stations. My only complaint relates to drinks and is a general gripe. The water was served in plastic cups, which as all runners know are virtually impossible to drink from whilst running. I would gladly pay an extra couple of quid for bottled water.
That aside, this was a good race with friendly organisers and is a good pre London warm up and one I would certainly look to do again when planning a marathon.
Date of review: March 17, 2009

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

In short: Good course with a couple of mildly challenging climbs.
In full: This was a my first time at this event and one I would definitely run again. It is very well organised with what must have been hundreds of volunteers around the course.
The marathon is two laps of a mainly flat course but with a couple of climbs, one of which comes at around 18 miles. This one is quite long and if you are feeling the distance could cause problems.
The last four miles or so are along a shale cycle path and, although it is pancake flat is mentally challenging as much as anything. If, like me, you are struggling at this point it is a long, long way.
If I have one criticism it was slight disappointment in not getting a T shirt at the end, although these are available to buy.
The race is a big charity fund raiser so I will not be too critical of what really is a minor point. Apart from that a big well done to the organisers.
Date of review: April 28, 2008

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

In short: Definitely a race and not a jog but still room for most
In full: Whilst on the expensive side in my opinion this race provides value for money with roads completely closed, well marshalled and with crowd support as good as most. The starting area had plenty of toilets and drinks available along with massages (payable). There was a decent goody bag at the end with T shirt and memento. All in all a good event on a fast course and well worth getting up for an hour early after the clocks went forward.
Date of review: March 30, 2008

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

In short: Really tough hill early on but reasonably fast after that.
In full: A well organised event with plenty of friendly marshalls. Suitable for runners of all abilities, although the early climb might put some off. All in all well worth putting the effort in on a chilly February Sunday morning.
Date of review: February 11, 2007

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

In short: Good atmosphere with the carnival taking place.
In full: A fairly challenging course in the main well organised and well marshalled. The only criticisms I have are that the one drinks station was just on man with a bottle of water which he only seemed to serve up when requested. Having said that even on a hot day drinks on a five miler are perhaps unnecessary. Another gripe is my official time was 14 seconds slower than the time I recorded so I am sure something went wrong on the timekeepers' part on that score. All in all, though, a good event and an excellent day out.
Date of review: July 17, 2006

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