My Event Ratings

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

In short: Well organised, flat race
In full: A well organised race, with great facilities (parkings, loos, drinks etc) at the Rockingham Speedway Circuit. The view on the four laps was not especially inspiring, although I did spend a few moments imagining the stadium seating packed to capacity and the crowds cheering as I ran past (OK, I know the crowds don't go mad for the people towards the back of the pack, but a girl can dream...OK?!!!)
Plenty of encouragement from Corby Radio as you passed the lap marker.
Much appreciated medal and goody bag at the finish - fruit, snacks, water, orange juice.
The only downside was the joining instructions, which when I contacted the organisers it seemed there had been a mishap and the wrong info had been sent out - but this was quickly rectified when they emailed me the correct info.
Would definitely do this one again - and would recommend it to anyone who likes a flat course. It may be a little disconcerting being lapped on your second lap if its your first race, but personally I'm quite used to that! :)
Date of review: February 7, 2010

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

In short: Great scenery, but poor value for money
In full: Being a local race, this appealed to me. Stanwick Lakes is a beautiful location that I had not run before. Its an easy to find location, with some good facilities that could keep all the family entertained as you go off for a run.

However, the race wasn't worth the hefty £15 entry fee (PLUS £2 parking charge on exit - by far the most expensive run I have entered this year), when it is quite possible to turn up and do the very same run, with the same facilities for the cost of the parking fee.

The marshalling was poor and I was very surprised to see that the marshalls on the first two posts had packed up and left by the time I was on the second of the two laps (I'm not fast by any means, but completed in less than an hour, so don’t think it is unreasonable to expect to see the marshalls still in place). The signage on the route was barely adequate and the risk of going off the route was high - especially on the last lap as the field spread out a bit, a lack of marshalls and not always someone in sight to follow!

The finish was poorly marked with a small flag. With a lot of people milling around at that point, which was also right next to the cups of water, it was hard to know exactly where the finish 'line' was.

Timing was DIY, not even a clock at the finish line (although I see there are times published on the website).

I'm not one to enter races for the goody bag, however I do think the entry fee deserved a little more than the mediocre medal, collected from the water table.

The route itself was pleasant, with some great autumnal scenery. Using the pathways around Stanwick Lakes it wasn’t too muddy, despite the recent weather. As the paths were still open to walkers and visitors there were a few occasions of ‘dodge the children’. I also noticed a couple of runners without numbers, whom I assume were out for a Saturday afternoon run.

Overall, I felt this represented poor value for money. As another reviewer also observed, you can turn up, park and do this same run for the cost of parking. With the absence of any ‘extras’ for running the route in a paid race (goody bag, refreshments, timer, good atmosphere) there seems little incentive to pay a £15 entry fee. At that price, I would rather pay the same entry fee to a charitable fun run.

Date of review: November 1, 2009

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

In short: Promised a lot delivered a little
In full: The organisation up until the day was faultless. The organisation on the day was a real let down.
The event was staged with good intentions, but I was disappointed with what was delivered.

Frustrating delay at the start, was just glad it wasn't raining. The facilities were basic (shortage of loo rolls and hand washing facilities in the portaloos), PA was inaudible, didn't hear the start gun for the 10k (was there one??).

The run and route was enjoyable and just challenging enough.

However, the bottleneck at the end was as frustrating as the start as we queued to collect water and goody bag.

Nice finishers medal.

The organisation of this really needs to be improved if this event is going to be a success in the future.

Date of review: October 4, 2009

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

In short: An enjoyable run, despite the hill that seemed to go on for ever!
In full: This was only the second 10k event that I have competed in, so I don't have much to compare it with.

Despite the heavy rainfall over recent days, the field parking was well organised and didn't cause any problems. As with any events such as this, it's easy to feel like a fish out of water when you don't know anyone and are quite new to taking part, but people were generally very friendly and supportive before, during and after the race.

The route was pleasant, with very little traffic and a few sheep bleating us along the way. In addition the marshalls were very encouraging to us plodders at the back. :)

The hill towards the end was a bit challenging, but it felt good to reach the top!

Overall, the event was well organised and am pleased that I took part. For me it was a new PB, but as it was only my second 10k event, then I guess that's no surprise!

Hope to be back next year and do a little better.

Date of review: June 17, 2007

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