My Event Ratings

Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		No
Details:
Scenery		100%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		40%
Value		40%
Beginner-friendliness		40%

In short: Race set in stunning scenery but let down by poor organisation
In full: This race has the potential to be something special. It takes place in the world famous Cheddar Gorge and provides a demanding course - but it was let down by poor organisation.
The registration is difficult to find due obscure sign posting and the reg itself is perched on the side of a steep hill, accessible only by rough tracks. The start is another 10 minute climb up a rocky path - spectators with pushchairs and wheelchair users forget it.
The start of the half marathon was almost 15 minutes late, with runners in other distances waiting longer for their starts. The sign posting out on the course was confusing. I ran an extra two and a half miles up a valley - followed by four others - because the half marathon sign was flapping around in the wind. At other points the race route signs for outward and return parts of the course weren't distinguishable. I encountered other runners who were equally baffled. The problem was compounded by a lack of marshals. At the finish runners had to help themselves to goody bags. For £25 (on the day) I expected a lot more. The organisers have a lot to learn before next year. I hope they take the criticism onboard.
Date of review: September 10, 2012

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: A run you'll want to do again and again
Date of review: February 12, 2012

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Brilliant first running of this LDWA event
In full: Can't wait to run this next year.
Date of review: May 16, 2011

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Straight forward out and back, with some hills (not big) and a river crossing to clean your shoes
In full: A pleasant way to spend a chilly November morning. Organisation was fine, course was varied and interesting - not many hills tho for a race that has them in its title. Also no showers or changing facilities, as advertised. And was I the only person to doubt the distance? 12K really? Apart from that, worth doing again.
Date of review: November 7, 2010

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Small race with a big heart
In full: Only 50 or so runners took part in the 3rd Hope Valley Run but the field was competitive and the terrain was challenging. The marshalling could have been better - some marshalls had to be asked the direction; the signposting in places was ambiguous. But the quality of the prizes was unexpected for such a modest entry.
Date of review: October 4, 2010

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: What trail running is all about
Date of review: September 20, 2010

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Perfect
In full: To the organisers - please resist the temptation to change anything. It was perfect. I'll certainly be back next year.
Date of review: August 31, 2010

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: One of the best rural half marathons I can think of.
In full: Superb organisation, great course - makes your week.
Date of review: March 14, 2010

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: A magnificent mud-fest on what turned out to be the finest day so far this year
In full: Loads of mud, as advertised, with some cheeky hills thrown in. Well organised, with yummy cakes at the end. Cheers Thornbury.
Date of review: January 17, 2010

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Not a trail race despite what I was led to believe.
In full: In essence this is almost a half marathon on tarmac with a mile or so on compacted mud and rubble tank tracks. The route is undulating the whole way, with a testing hill at the end. The cold wind made the going tougher, not helped by the phantom drink station at about 8 miles (gerry cans of water but no cups and no one to hand them out). This meant I had half a cup of water the whole way round.
The organisation wasn't bad. Registering was easy enough but the photocopied map on the wall of the race HQ wasn't particularly clear. I suggest making one available online so runners can study it in advance. One of the loos was blocked in the gents so some of us used the ladies - sorry girls!
That said, this race has the potential to be a lot better. The route is testing and different (how often do you get to run on firing ranges past rusting tanks?). Better luck for next year.
Date of review: December 27, 2009

Report this rating to the moderator