My Event Ratings

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

In short: An excellent race
In full: Having completed nearly 30 races this year, it is difficult not to have a favourite. This was the first running fo the Edwinstowe Christmas trail race, which promised to have everything. Situated in the heart of Sherwood Forest close to Nottinghamshire's Center Parks and the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, this race was an ideal venue for a challenging trail event. The facilities provided by the local cricket club were excellent. On a glorious winter's day, the clear sky and hard frost, seemed to sharpen up the scenery in what was an exhilerating event. The race started with a relatively steep uphill section, that led past the Major Oak, although there did not seem to be any merry men or merry women about! The race was well marshalled as it twisted and turned, though a variety of delightful forestry scenes and the hills, dips and turns made it challenging, but also very interesting. And then, finally as you move towards the Finish, you exit from the woods on a downhill stretch that encourages you to finish with a metaphorical running flourish. Although this is not an event for a personal best, 'yes', it was my favourite event this year. Without being too brazen in my support for it, this is worth travelling for. It has everything.
Date of review: December 8, 2008

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: This was a well organised race.
In full: Ciruiting an industrial estate was not a brilliant way to start a race. However, this was a well organised event, the second half of which was trail based and more interesting.
Date of review: November 17, 2008

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: A worthwhile experience that should be repeated.
In full: West Pinchbeck is a long and linear village outside Spalding, an area of Lincolnshire best known for food production, vegetables and flowers. The race was organised by Spalding Triathlon Club and, like many such events, the headquarters was based in the local primary school. Parking was cleared marked and most of the runners seemed to turn up to enter on the day. From the outset, it was clear that this was a popular club event. Bacon sandwiches as well as cups of tea, if you can cope with that before a run (!), and a whole range of cakes and sweets were available before the start of the race. This was a great course in which to get a personal best. It was flat, with many seemingly never-ending straights. It was also very competitive, with some interesting views across the fields of rural Lincolnshire. The glass paper-weight momento at the end of the race made a change from the obligatory medal and T-shirt, as did the free refreshments, provided by the school PTA. This was an excellent, friendly and well run event.
Date of review: September 29, 2008

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: A challenging race
In full: The hills, particularly between the 8th and 11th miles, made this a really challenging race. Running through a park at around the half way stage was a delight as was running through the town centre.
Date of review: July 7, 2008

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: This was a well organised race.
In full: Well done Sleaford Striders and, of course, the Sleaford Scouts. This was a well organised race on quiet roads and through attractive countryside.
Date of review: May 19, 2008

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: An excellent race
In full: If you want a really exciting race with lots of short steep inclines in a beautiful setting, with slaloms and the best goody bag this side of the Equator, then this is the race to enter. Set in Catton Park, not far from Lichfield, the race was introduced to complement a whole series of cycle races and other cycling events taking place at the same venue. The add-on probably satisifies those who both race and cycle or are tempted by triathlons. A lot of event participants camp and the facilities and organisation were excellent. The race itself is over a cycle route and includes some very difficult hilly running conditions, alongside some uneven long grass and muddy dips. One of the most exciting features was a whole series of slaloms in woods where you really had to keep your concentration. This was simply fun. It was an excellent race, that was superby well organised, and with some fabulous gifts in the good bag. Having said that, it is not a race for a PB.
Date of review: April 28, 2008

Report this rating to the moderator