My Event Ratings

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

In short: A great little event
In full: With only 80 odd runners this was a small event, which is a shame because I found it to be well organised with a good route giving most a chance of a PB.
My only grumble, as has been mentioned by others was the shock of the finishing line. A sign giving distance to the finish would have been better.
Date of review: October 24, 2010

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

In short: A gem of a race
In full: Ok, this race wasn't the reason for a 290 mile trip from the West Midlands, but in future years I may well just do the journey to run this event again. I absolutely loved it. It had everything, lots of runners of different standards, PB potential but with enough challenges to make you feel you had to work hard for it, unusual wildlife to run away from and a band playing out on the course. Friendly atmosphere too and unbelievable value for money. I can thoroughly recommend this race.
Date of review: August 2, 2010

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

In short: Lovely Half Marathon that tests your mettle
In full: I ran this as my first HM last year and could only remember the uphill bits because it is a testing course for someone looking to get a good time. Came back this time round to see if I could better my performance and knocked about 28 seconds off, so it does have PB potential.
The organisation is excellent and value for money is exceptional as I ran the Shifnal 10K in January and got discounted entry. I would recommend this to anyone, if this is your first HM, be realistic about your projected finish time and you'll enjoy it. The only down side and this is nothing to do with the race is that it really deserves more support. I would say there was up to 200 runners today and it would be nice to see some more out supporting the work of the school and the committee in raising money for a local hospice. Keep up the good work, it is a very good event.
Date of review: July 4, 2010

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

In short: Charming little race now needs to up it's game as it becomes more popular
In full: It's a good course, fast and definite PB potential in the right conditions, which today definitely wasn't the case.
The start needs a rethink, the number of entrants they are dealing with means what have sufficed in the past just won't do. The location isn't the problem, there's plenty of room but 4 or 5 boards 10metres apart with projected finish times on to show the racers where to be on the start would help ensure slower runners don't get caught in the stampede at the front. The relay and 5k, valuable to the whole ambience of the day, are lower priority events so put them another 50 metres down the road until the 10K runners are sorted then bring the others up to the back of the 10K. A separate start by the mayor if necessary. And finally, the bell doesn't work, unless the mayor decides to really give it some welly next year.
Otherwise, this is a loveable event, I like the route, the race has a nice atmosphere and ties in to support the school fete. With the improvements necessary this will still be one of my favourite efforts.
Date of review: June 27, 2010

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

In short: A tough run, on course organisation was great,thank you marshalls and support crew
In full: The good: Parking, on course organisation by the marshalls and support crews at the water stops. Good support in Welford too.

The bad: Provision of energy drinks and water. Value for money considering you end up with a medal, banana and a cup of water at the finish.

The rest: My first marathon and despite the fact that training went well, I wasn't set for what unfolded on the day. The hills on the route sucked the life out of me, as did the Greenway, which was torturous. There was enough going on in the town for the family which was a bonus.
I may do this again, but only if I don't have an alternative. Ashby provides a 20 mile race that provides excellent value for money, a challenging course and brilliant on course drink support and proves what can be done on a budget.
Date of review: April 26, 2010

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

In short: Fantastic event. If only all races were run this way.
In full: First attempt at this distance and a challenging course. The organisation was excellent, regular feedback by Tim on the RW forum kept us all up to date. Everything about it was top notch. Marshalls were encouraging and the support crews on the drinks stations were exceptional. Gels, chocolate and jelly babies available at most points. RSM, take a look at this event and use a similar structure to support your entrants.
Date of review: March 21, 2010

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

In short: A good introduction to cross country racing
In full: This was my first cross country so I was a little apprehensive about what to expect. I shouldn't have had any concerns though as this was a well organised event, providing a challenging, but enjoyable run through the Shropshire countryside. Another excellent fundraising event from Idsall School. Roll on the Steeplechase in July!
Date of review: January 31, 2010

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

In short: Generally well organised by a friendly and supportive team, thank you.
In full: A really entertaining race with some challenging little hills to overcome. Only gripe is when I tried to get a sensible start position I found that I'm surrounded by, or behind people looking to take a lot longer. With the increasing popularity of this and similar races, some form of starting pen becomes a must.
Date of review: September 6, 2009

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

In short: For my 1st HM this was no walk in the park. That said, well organised, challenging route, Will be back again next year
Date of review: July 5, 2009

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

In short: My first race and the yardstick to which all those that follow will be measured against. Thoroughly enjoyable event and I'll be back in 2010.
In full: When I first started running for the sake of running and to enter some races, I chose this as my debut event because of the very positive remarks it received in earlier years. It met my expectations in all respects and made all of the training thoroughly worth while. The high standard of organisation, friendly staff and course marshalls, along with plenty of support along the route and onsite entertainment all came together to make this a special day.
Date of review: May 10, 2009

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