My Event Ratings

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

In short: Not one for a PB, but friendly and fun
In full: I thought I knew Southampton well, so the thought of a city-centre 10 appealed. I was less familiar with Bevois Valley (and, I'm happy to say, the once-notorious Derby Rd!), but with the majority of the route on Southampton Common, I was willing to give it a try. Great that the race HQ was in a school, the whole of which was open for changing etc. It was lovely and warm inside, contrast to outside. In the main, the runners were from clubs and seemed experienced. I followed at a fairly slow pace up the first drag, which lasted for about 2.5k, up to the Common. I wish I'd known the Common better, because I had no idea where I was until I saw the Avenue again. I checked my watch at 5k and was appalled by my time, which was due to the long uphill from the start. Trying not to be discouraged, I soldiered on and obviously picked up time on the downhill run back. I'd love to do it again, and I particularly liked the T-shirts which, although they were not free to all finishers, were much better quality than usual. Thanks to the organisers for a well-run event, with results up very quickly.
Date of review: April 6, 2007

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

In short: Really enjoyable race and one to do again
In full: How can I make a trip to the Mother-in-law more bearable...? I know! There's a 10k race around Wakefield I could do. That was my reson for travelling over a hundred miles to do this one, but I'm very glad I did. By far the biggest field of any I've run, the atmosphere was tremendous. I know Wakefield pretty well, so I knew when the mildly challenging gradients were coming up. I was expecting to turn in to the park sooner, so I got a bit demoralised in the last mile (yes, why were there mile markers in a 10k race?). What I enjoyed most was the feeling of being with a lot of other runners, all the time. The surfaces were flat and forgiving and there were plenty of spectators giving encouragement. I will agree to visit the mother-in-law on the same weekend next year!
Date of review: March 26, 2007

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

In short: Thanks for another enjoyable race!
In full: It was superbly organised and the weather couldn't have been better, following the snow! I opted for the 10k and got round. Fewer fun-runners and beginners this year, I thought, which is a shame as it's an ideal event for those not pursuing fast times. Sloppy, slippery mud on the field sections caused a few problems. Who was the poor lady who lost a shoe about five seconds after the start and had to fight her way back through the mass of runners?! I could have done with three pairs of different shoes for the different sections. I will run again in March but not sure about increasing the distance to 15k!
Date of review: February 11, 2007

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

In short: I'll be back
In full: Yes, I did this series last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. Today I began with the 5k, which had surprisingly few runners compared to the 10. With everyone starting together, there was a really good feel to the race which, as last year, was a model of good organisation. The hill was only muddy for the first half, so I can't really explain why it took me longer than last year. I noticed they had moved the start, and that last year a number of runners had suggested the course was short... would that be the reason, perhaps? I'd be interested to hear from anyone else whose time has increased. Bad points were the parking charge (I forgot to bring any change)and the inadequate toilets for so many runners. I will try the 10 next time!
Date of review: January 21, 2007

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

In short: Hi Malcolm
In full: Just putting in another rating because I'd like to get in touch with the Malcolm Richards who posted the earlier review, dissatisfied with this race. Malcolm, if you'd like some advice in choosing beginner-friendly events in the MK area, I'd be glad to help. Go onto the forum thread for this event.
Date of review: December 31, 2006

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

In short: Friendly and fun
In full: This year's was the mildest weather I've seen, making it less of a challenge to get out of bed on Boxing day! The organisation was slick, with plenty of marshals for those who were making their first visit. It was my second run, slower than last year, I think, due to a lack of pre-event training! The course isn't great to look at, but it gives a variety of gradients, up and down, to keep the run interesting. I loved it, despite being passed by Santa and the Reindeer and, later, by the chicken-rider. Usually you hear somebody shaping up to pass you by their breathing, but today it was bells! Overall, it was fun; not super-fast but well worth the trip for anyone in the region. I will be back again in 2007
Date of review: December 26, 2006

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

In short: Up hill and down dale!
In full: Ok, I was a coward and ran the 5K! I'm glad I chose that one because I wouldn't have enjoyed two more laps. The park is very up-and-down, and the course had been designed to include as much of both as possible. The laps were 2.7K or so, each ending with a hill that it was a chore to walk up. The downhill wooded sections were lovely and I dont mind leaping the odd stream in the name of cross-country running. Trouble was that, even as you were running downhill in the first part of the lap, you were thinking 'its going to be a long way back up again!' Organisation was great and I was surprised by the small field. 'Better than Christmas shopping', said one runner as we plodded along, but it looked like most of MK had chosen the shopping instead. Thanks to the organisers and to the marshals. I will try to be there again in December.
Date of review: November 19, 2006

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Overall score		100%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		20%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		80%
Value		40%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Crazy and uniquely enjoyable race
In full: Entered and ran this one out of curiosity! It would be fair to describe it as half cross-country and half assault-course. The running was fine and the obstacles, which included ditches, drainage tunnels, piles of rocks and waist-deep ponds just added to the 'fun'! A completely unique event: very challenging just to get round but superb organisation kept spirits up all the way. Thanks to the most encouraging set of marshals ever and to whoever designed the course. I will definitely try this one again next year but I hope they have more hot food available. It was a bit disappointing to find it had run out by the time I finished, and there were plenty behind me!
Date of review: November 13, 2006

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

In short: The most enjoyable way to run 10k, surely?
In full: After a poor season on the road, I did this one out of curiosity, and really enjoyed myself. Not expecting a fast time, because it was mostly off road and because the organisers had warned of queues at the stiles, I ran steadily, taking in the beautiful riverside scenery. To my amazement, a season's best time awaited me at the finish. The soft, grassy tracks left no pains in the lower legs and I'd run it again tomorrow if I could. Thanks to the organisers!
Date of review: October 15, 2006

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

In short: Fast courseand a friendly event , with good food and drinks afterwards
In full: First time round, so I made the mistake of thinking that the hard bit must be just around the corner... and it never came! I didn't go for the 'once round the block' at the start, but once we were out on the lanes it felt good. The last kilo was also a bit fussy with lots of changes of direction and a finish that was hidden until you were in the funnel. I appreciated the T-shirt (sorry to hear they ran out at 27min!)and the barbecue/bar afterwards. It could easily have been made into a 2-lap 10. Bedford Harriers were out in huge numbers, making the whole race field look yellow! What better way to spend a warm summer evening...
Date of review: July 10, 2006

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