My Event Ratings

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

In short: Such potential, but soooooo disappointing!
In full: Pancake flat half marathon course - ideally timed as part of a spring marathon build up. Run on quiet rural roads with a PB practically guaranteed.

With all this, its a shame that the negatives overshadowed the 2012 race.

OK, someone switched the sign - but surely the junction should have been marshalled? Where marshals were seen they offered little to no encouragement / guidance. Signs around the course were useless (A5 sized) and therefore missed by many. The entry fee was far from steep, but what did I get for my money, a loaf and tap water in plastic cups??? Come on guys, this could and should be a great!!
Date of review: February 20, 2012

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

In short: My first time at this event....... but not my last. You can see why it's a classic!
In full: A great half marathon early on in the year. A great opportunity for you to see where you are in advance of the year ahead.

A well organised race which makes its way around some beautiful little villages and countryside. Although the course is a little 'lumpy' there's nothing too serious and the great downhill section for the last two miles make any climbing all the worthwhile.

Enough's already been said about the wind - nothing much the organisers could do about that ;-).

Overall, well organised and loads of friendly energetic marshalls. Well done Helsby, a cracking race. See you next year!!
Date of review: January 23, 2012

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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: And straight in at number one, it's the MBNA Chester marathon.
In full: Completing the MBNA Chester marathon will be my sixth marathon and after completing the UK big city marathons, Chester has gone straight in at number one as my all time favourite.

The organisation throughout the race and build up to the race has been impeccable, group training seminars, training runs, professional advice (need I go on). All this at no cost and provided by the race organisers in their own time

Then come race day this perfection just continued. Everything was perfect. A great well supported route passing through beautiful towns and villages and you couldn't have found more friendly and energetic marshals if you had tried.

Fantastic grandstand finish, medal, technical t and goodie bag all added to the truly unforgettable day.

Organised by runners for runners of all abilities. Chris and Andy, you have done yourselves proud and truly created a great.

As soon as entry for 2012 opens I'll be in.

Date of review: October 10, 2011

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

In short: Great day out.
In full: First 20 that I've done and it just fits in niceley to my FLM schedule. Very friendly atmosphere. Picture perfect scenery and perfect running weather. Did feel however that the race entry price was rather steep and for the price would have at least expected to see bottled drinks rather than plastic cups. On the whole, a great race!
Date of review: March 18, 2009

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

In short: Excellent race. Definate PB material.
In full: 1st time I have run this 1/2 and I can guarantee it won't be the last.

Nice route taking in both urban and rural settings, very friendly marshalls (thanks for all the support)!!!

One small negative, not overjoyed at how the final mile and a half was laid out? Seemed to take forever to complete. (to echo other comments) maybe this could hve been swallowed up elsewhere on the route????
However, don't let that put you off.

Nice medal at completion and managed to 'shatter' my PB!!!!
Date of review: October 23, 2007

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

In short: Brilliant!! I'll be back in 2008.
In full: This was my first half and unfortunately missed out on my target time, however I loved it throughout.

A very big thank-you to the organisers and supporters who turned out in droves and were Excellent and offered non-stop encouragement.

Water stations were ideally placed and course route was perfect passing through beautiful scenery and villages.

Will definitely be back next year!!!
Date of review: June 18, 2007

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

In short: Brilliant, I'm hooked!!!!
Date of review: March 12, 2007

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