My Event Ratings

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

In short: Fast, friendly, free (easter egg!)
In full: This is probably the fastest 10k race in the Southwest, Well organised, and although very competitive at the sharp end, its caters well for all abilities. We haven't done it for years, but have marshalled instead, however this year we were on the lookout for a 10k PB, and this is the perfect choice.
The Easter Egg at the finish is a nice touch, and the marshalls are friendly and well-briefed. Thanks to YTRRC and RunBreeze .
Date of review: April 9, 2012

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

In short: If I could only do one race per year, this would be it.
In full: An extraordinary race, but its more than just a race, its an institution, a happening, a must-do experience. This year's course was hard, as usual, and there were some interesting new twists and turns. The bog was deep and glutionous, but a bit less of it than in some previous years, but new mind, there were hills and views enough, and the usual amazing atmosphere from cheerful marshals and fellow runners. The only damper on it for me was than my wife came down with a tummy bug the day before and had to miss it. She was gutted, in more than the usual sense, especially when I came home with a gorgeous blue technical T-shirt. I would do this race if the entry fee was many times the price, but the organisers are not greedy, its an event for runners, by runners, long may it continue.
Date of review: March 16, 2012

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Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		No
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		80%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		40%
Value		40%
Beginner-friendliness		100%

In short: A real shame that a couple of things spoiled what could be a great race.
In full: It wouldn't have taken much to make this a great race, it has a lot going for it. My comments to the organisers FWIW.
1, Thanks for putting on the race. I enjoyed it (apart from the disappointment of realising at mile 5 that somebody had screwed up and positioned the turnaround way too far to the east). Still, the crowds supporting, and friendly volunteers were great.

2. Please don't bother with "goody bags", they were just another disappointment. Spend the money on renting more portaloos.

3. Congestion at the start was not pleasant. requiring almost everybody to walk half a mile at a crawl. I'm sure you can come up with a better use of the space available.

4. Don't wait too much longer to issue an explanation and an apology for the distance mistake.

I know that sounds critical, but this race has the potential to be really special, I'll be back only if I get the feeling that lessons have really been learnt, and runner feedback taken on board.
Date of review: February 20, 2012

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Overall score		40%
Would you do it again?		No
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		20%
Atmosphere		40%
Organisation		20%
Value		20%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Why do the organisers insist on ruining a potentially decent marathon?
In full: Marathon runners suffer because the Half marathon is timed to cause maximum congestion, and the organisers don't seem to think there is anything wrong with making tired marathon runners weave in an out of slower half marathon runners for 13 miles. Ok if you are very fast, or very slow. Very frustrating otherwise. Pity, because if the organisers changed this one thing it would be a decent race.
Date of review: February 10, 2008

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Overall score		40%
Would you do it again?		No
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		20%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Good scenery, Marshall friendly, but overall organisation leave some room for improvement.
In full: Good if your are very slow or very fast you won't be held up by all the half marathon runners that the organisers insist on starting just in time to make sure that you'll be forced to overtake them on slippery, narrow paths, just as you are getting really tired.
Date of review: October 9, 2007

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