My Event Ratings

Overall score		100%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		100%
PB potential		20%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		80%
Value		100%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Only 6 days after London, and only 80 miles down the M4 from London, but a million miles from London in running terms
In full: If anyone had ever told me that I would take nearly 6 hours to complete a marathon I never would have believed them. But this event is not your ordinary marathon. Having to find your own way round, though not difficult with the comprehensive route desription, passing through a total of 44 gates and crossing 68 stiles in incessant rain over slippery terrain all added up to an extra-ordinary but highly enjoyable 6 hours of running. The course description also claims over 3,200 feet of ascent, but the only really hard hill comes towards the end with a seemingly endless set of steep stone steps to climb. The friendly marshals at the check-points with their welcoming smiles and home-made cakes & biscuits lifted the spirits. If I have one gripe it's that the finish was so low key and was therefore a bit of an anti-climax, but then it's the taking part that mattered most.
Date of review: April 21, 2008

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

In short: Great event offering a choice of 3 classic distances
In full: The new course made it more challenging than before, but as well as offering great views from the top, the steep hill out of Chudleigh made for a long gradual descent back towards the finish - unless you had to go around again of course!
Date of review: October 22, 2007

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

In short: Really friendly low-key multi-terrain 8 mile run that offers something for all the family - a fun run, a 3K junior race, a 5 mile MT race and the main 8 mile event.
Date of review: September 9, 2007

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

In short: A friendly low key 7K multi-terrain race that's fast enough at the front end but also very welcoming for slower runners.
Date of review: July 17, 2007

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

In short: If you don't mind running up and down the same stretch of road 4 times, and this particular stretch of road is one of the most scenic around, then this race is for you.
Date of review: June 25, 2007

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

In short: Very well organised point-to-point race which alternates in direction each year. This year was from Hatherleigh to Holsworthy, which seemed the tougher option, or maybe it was just the heat?
Date of review: June 11, 2007

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

In short: This race just gets better & better. I've already printed off an entry form for next year!
In full: If you like your races on the short side over a flat fast course through urban streets with ranks of cheering supporters, this is not for you. But if you are looking for wonderful scenery offering a real challenge where it's just you against yourself and the course, look no further. That's not to say that you are completely on your own. The field of 160 was at least equalled by the number of marshals, officials and helpers who all contributed to a fantastically smoothly run race. Not to mention the runners' families & friends dotted around the course who cheered & encouraged everyone, and that special camaraderie between fellow competitors who know only too well what each one is going through.

This was my third consecutive DD, and I intend to be back next year to make it number 4.
Date of review: June 4, 2007

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

In short: A bit pricey, but well organised and takes you places that perhaps you would never see otherwise. It's hard enough to give even the experienced marathoner a real sense of achievement.
In full: If you collect marathons, or are looking for one to do as preparation for a harder/longer event to come, this could be the one. Don't expect a pb, unless you've under-achieved elsewhere, or thrive on a challenge. That said, this one is well organised, being primarily a long distance walking event for charity. There's no danger of getting lost either, what with all the walkers for company from start to finish. I've done it twice now, and may well be back in some future year.
Date of review: May 8, 2007

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

In short: Glorious weather & glorious scenery with good organisation add up to a great race. Just don't expect a pb!
Date of review: November 6, 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		60%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Moving the race to October enables the course to realise it's PB potential.
In full: Enjoyed overtaking the slower half-marathoners throughout the first lap, but also enjoyed the mental toughness required to run a very lonely second lap. I particularly enjoyed stopping the watch for a sub 3:30 to record my fastest marathon for nearly 10 years, which demonstrates that the course will reward endeavour with fast times.
Date of review: October 15, 2006

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