My Event Ratings

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

In short: Cracking little event - please do a women's event again next year!
In full: Used this as a recce for some 5k races in the year, but thoroughly enjoyed the event.

Only hiccup was with the sending of race entry packs - think incorrect postage was paid. However, this was fine and runners were notified of the issue in good time. Everything was absolutely fine on the day and organisation was excellent.

Race was very small and friendly. All runners were supported and encouraged, with the front runners receiving the same praise as those at the back of the pack.

Course was great. Bit breezy in some places, but definitely fast with fab PB potential. Marshals encouraging and friendly - thanks for the support!

Would strongly encourage new runners to give this a go. It'd be a great event for first timers owing to the friendly, inclusive nature of the run. The race is for a great cause too!

Didn't expect a technical top for such a low-priced event - thanks! Nice little goody bag too and thanks for the prize bling!

Awesome to have a women only event in addition to the Chilly Willy men's event. I'll be back to defend first place next year if this is on again!

Thanks for a top event! :)
Date of review: April 22, 2012

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

In short: Great race! Let's hope it becomes a yearly event.
In full: Named in honour of Derek Hurden, a Riverside Runner, who sadly passed away in 2008 this was (I think) the first Nicetri Hurden 9.

The entirely road course is conducive to a pleasing negative split, leading runners up the steep Great Paxton hill in mile three and gently sweeping downhill in the final two miles to the finish.

The course was well signed and marshalled, water was provided at the half-way point.

Perhaps given that 9 miles is an unusual distance or maybe because it was the inaugural event, turnout was fairly low with around 115 finishers. Many runners were unattached, but it was good to see a strong Riverside contingent. The race was welcoming to the experienced runner and newcomer alike.

The chip timing system was excellent and results were online very quickly.

I guess some runners may have wanted a medal or t-shirt for their money, but I was quite happy with the generous goody bag!

Thanks to the organisers for putting on such a great event - atmosphere was wonderful. I do hope the race returns next year, because there aren't many opportunities to get a 9 mile PB!
Date of review: March 22, 2011

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

In short: Great stuff! Only wish I'd discovered these races sooner.
In full: Okay, so I love cross country and may be biased towards anything off-road, but this was superb!

Ryston Runners AC put on a low-key, but very friendly and inclusive event which catered for the seasoned runner and the newbie alike. Today's 9k two lap course took in woodland trails, grassy paths and sandy heathland. The hills were playful - my Cambridgeshire legs found them hard work, but others may describe the course as gently undulating.

Would say that the 9k measurement is out by some distance, but, hey, that's cross country! My Garmin made it 5.14 miles, but probably not a reliable estimate given the tree cover and nature of Garmins.

Entering on the day didn't look to be a problem and everything seemed to be running very smoothly. I'd used the handy pre-registration facility on the Ryston Runners site, so my number was ready and waiting. All I had to do was pay the £3.50 entry fee - absolute bargain!

Coffee and flapjack at the end of the race was very welcome. Ooh, and thanks for the coaster which I got for being third lady!

Results were online a few hours after the race.

Thanks to the organisers for this series of races. I'll definitely be coming back for more of these and to see how I fare over the 5k and 6.5k events.

Date of review: February 20, 2011

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

In short: Superb! Can't wait to do it again!
In full: It may be a humble 5k, but this little race is a real gem! The course is fun taking in playing fields, narrow off-road tracks and tarmac paths. There's twists and turns, but the friendly and plentiful marshals guided runners throughout. Owing to the off-road nature of the course, it's not the fastest 5k around but it's great fun. It's almost entirely flat with a slight incline in the last kilometre.

The atmosphere was superb and there was a good mix of abilities among the runners. It appeared to be extremely beginner friendly. The bananas and beer for all runners at the finish were very welcome! Ooh, and the fish and chip van was an inspired decision.

All in all, a real feel-good event and a thoroughly pleasant evening. Thanks to the organisers, Muddy Mucky Monkeys! I'll definitely be back next year!
Date of review: July 22, 2010

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

In short: Bushfield Joggers did themselves proud!
In full: Warm, slightly windy weather put paid to my PB attempt early doors, but a good race.

Bushfield Joggers organised this very well and had clearly taken the weather in to consideration, putting out additional water stations and handing out water to runners when they finished. Plenty of very cheery marshals out on the course, lots of signage.

The course itself isn't the most exciting - takes you round an industrial estate and through housing estates. Nice, cool wooded bit was a welcome break from the heat!

Nice atmosphere and a great range of abilities taking part.

Looking forward to trying to get a PB next year! Thanks to Bushfield for putting on another great race.
Date of review: July 12, 2010

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

In short: Superb atmosphere and great fun!
In full: Wonderful! Can't fault the atmosphere, the organisation and the super marshals. Has to be one of the friendliest races I've ever taken part in. Scores top marks for beginner friendliness, but there's something for everyone.

The course is challenging, being off road and undulating. Found the windy final mile very hard work. I managed a PB, but only because my previous 10k time was very soft. Still, it's a pretty course with ample signage and the friendly marshals were great. Loved coming into the finish and my orange shoes getting a special mention by the PA lady.

Well done to the organisers - you've created something very special!
Date of review: April 11, 2010

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

In short: Was nice to see Elvis back on form.
In full: This really could not have gone better if Jesus organised it. I thought the free drink, drugs and sex, plus guest appearance by The Hoff was a nice touch.

Oh, hang on! No, it was cancelled wasn't it? Where the hell did I end up?!
Date of review: January 15, 2007

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

In short: Nice first 10k
In full: Great organisation and a good atmosphere, combined with a runners of different abilities made this a good introduction to 10k races. Enjoyed the route and the frequent and friendly marshalls helped chivvy me along.

See you next year!
Date of review: July 12, 2006

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

In short: Phew, that really was hot!
In full: This was my first Race for Life and I was most impressed by how well organised it was in spite of 3,000 participants and a relatively small location. This wasn't a 'runner's race', it was hard to get past those who wanted to walk, but who runs R4L hoping for a PB anyway? Wonderful atmosphere.

Only suggestion I would make: please could we have bottles of water at the end rather than a carton of cranberry juice. Water's so much more thirst quenching - especially in 30c, like today!
Date of review: July 2, 2006

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

In short: Definitely up for this one again!
In full: Was it just me, or were all the hills of the uphill variety? Seriously though, very much enjoyed this gorgeous 5 miler. Organisation was a bit lacking, but I think more runners turned up than they had anticipated, so that can be forgiven. Besides, the friendly and encouraging marshalls cheerfully added to the fun factor. Thank you to them all, especially the lady at the top of the most challenging hill to whom I swore that the run was worse than childbirth - I take that back, I feel fine now ;-)

The course was stunning and the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. Well worth taking the family to.

See you next year!
Date of review: May 21, 2006

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