My Event Ratings

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

In short: A pleasant jog around Sefton on sunny day!
In full: The scenery and atmosphere around Sefton Park were quite good, and made all the more pleasant by a sunny day. I parked near the park and had no problems getting to the start, unlike other runners. The queues for the loos were too long, so I (a woman) went au naturel! We had a 15 min wait at the start which was chilly, so we all wanted to go to the loo again! I was really disappointed at the 9 mile marker that the water I had been counting on for the entire race, was gone. I picked up a USED bottle from the floor. A psychological and physical downer. Later, I saw 'red cross' people and local householders handing out water, which was kind. I couldn't see many of the mile markers. In my goody bag there was a medal, some vaseline, a bottle of water, and an oatmeal biscuit. Where was the t-shirt? I know some people waited a long time to get out of the Arena car park, but I had no problems near the Park. I really enjoyed the day, but these problems will need to be ironed out if they want to do a marathon in 2008. If they promise water at mile 9, it should not be just for the fastest runners - the ones at the back need it more!
Date of review: March 26, 2007

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

In short: Mulled wine and mince pie were great!
In full: My first race here. I was relieved that the runners were more mixed than I expected. The 3 laps around a muddy racecourse were quite hard, but the race around the walls relieved any potential tedium. That part was very scenic. Well-marshalled. Friendly race. Cold weather. Nice medal. Loved the mulled wine and mince pie- we needed that! Kids did Fun Run and enjoyed that too!
Date of review: December 28, 2006

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

In short: Thank goodness the Mexican Mice didn't lap me!
In full: The organisers obviously didn't anticipate someone as stupid as me running! The laps threw me completely! I got lost! The distance markers were also confusing for me!The wind took my cap off my head!I didn't like seeing faster and slower runners because I couldn't always work out who was behind and who was in front! I thought the 'Speedy Gonzalez' Mexican Mice had lapped me but they hadn't! Also, like many people, my goodie bag didn't have a towel because they had run out - but they promised to send one on to me. The make-up was exactly my shade 'though! Parking was also a bit of a problem and many runners will have got some kind of parking ticket if they parked on Rotten Row. I parked at Morrissons which had the advantage of a loo. Overall, probably just not my kind of race....
Date of review: October 22, 2006

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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: Best Ever Cancer Research Race - a Winner!
In full: The organisation was wonderful for this race! There was a map of the course, and other stalls including a burger bar! There was only a small queue for the loos and the loo rolls were replenished! Plenty of water available pre-race. Good warm-up and very friendly marshalls throughout. In short, the atmosphere was very clubby and friendly! The scenery was stunning with the castle and grounds looking their autumnal best. Pretty lakes, and red deer stags jumping fences ahead of me added to the country feel. The view over the Shropshire plain was breathtaking. Lots of family and friends to support the runners. An announcer welcolmed home each runner as they built up some speed down the final bank to cross the line in style! I think there were only about 190 runners which is disappointing given the enormous effort put in by the organisers and supporters of the race. Do give it a go in 2007!
Date of review: October 9, 2006

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Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		No
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		40%
Organisation		40%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Cross-country mudbath with thunder and lightening!
In full: The organisation could be improved - 2 loo rolls per toilet is not enough! The car park attendants could have directed traffic instead of talking in a group! Also a bit impersonal. However, some pretty scenery and the red deer stags were a bonus, along with the string quartet at the 4/5k mark!Too muddy and too much rough terrain for a PB and not a good one for beginners. However, quite entertaining in its way. Once is probably enough for me, 'though!
Date of review: September 24, 2006

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

In short: Rainy day did not wash the smile from our faces!
In full: Arley is a picturesque location and the race was on a mixture of road and forest track with grass for the last 500m. Heavy rain made the start a little hard. There was a good turnout of runners and a good atmosphere. It was my first ever race, so it was memorable for me from that point of view. An excellent first time race for women.
Date of review: September 23, 2006

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

In short: Monogrammed towel and flowers at the end of a pleasant flat run.
In full: I love Spectrum Striders races for their cheery and well-organised races.The marshalls are always very friendly and encouraging. Having a chip means you have a more accurate (and flattering)idea of your time.
Date of review: August 21, 2006

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

In short: A lovely race - friendly organisers, flowers at end and spot prizes! Loved it!
Date of review: July 7, 2006

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

In short: This was my second ever race, and I was impressed with the friendliness and helpfulness of the organisers. The participants were lovely too. Reassuring to see all kinds of people - not the cast of 'Baywatch'! Great for kids too! Will do it again!
Date of review: June 24, 2006

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