My Event Ratings

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: Fantastic local race
In full: As an experienced runner and an Ealing resident I seized the opportunity to race a half marathon in my back yard. I did have a few concerns leading up to the race but they were completely blown away on the day, which was simply extraordinary. I may be biased but seeing so many local people from my community come out onto the streets on a Sunday morning to cheer nearly 4,000 of us runners on our way put a glow on my face and a spring in my stride, not to mention a PB.

This is not a ‘hilly’ course, as some have stated, it’s as undulating as you get in any part of London and it seems as though most people commenting below managed to get PB’s.

What struck me most however was the organization of the race which for a first time event on such a scale was faultless. Despite the delayed start (which was out of the organizers control) it was a smooth start, not congested, with visible mile markers, more than enough water stations for a half marathon, the group of marshals close to the finish line were infectious with enthusiasm as were all the marshals along the route. The runners village in Lammas Park post finish had a wonderful buzz about it; lovely medal, great goodie bag (cliff cookie & beer), baggage pick up (manned by polite cadets) was fast and efficient and one of our local pubs was even serving beer and cooking up a BBQ.

The London 2012 Olympic Games began in a park in Ealing and this wonderful summer ended in the park across the road at the finish line of the first Ealing Half Marathon. Now that’s a legacy.

See you at the start line in 2013.

Date of review: October 2, 2012

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

In short: Perfect 10K
In full: A warm and friendly atmosphere made this West London 10K a wonderful race. The route was spot on and couldn't have been bettered given the size of the park. The involvement of the Ealing Eagle Running club made all the difference. A big thank you to all the friendly marshals whose encouragement pushed me to the finish line and a PB. Well done everyone!
Date of review: July 3, 2011

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

In short: A victim of its own success?
In full: Like all the previous reviews the event is flawless. It’s an inherently scenic course that takes in all of the capital’s landmarks and parks. The organisation is perfect; the marshals are wonderful, the crowds enthusiastic and for those lucky enough to start near the front it’s flat, fast and a PB is guaranteed.

My main concern however is the cost and the entry system. No half marathon, not even one staged in central London can warrant such a high entry fee and trying to secure a place online is a joke. This shouldn't be a problem for the organisers because demand now is so high they could probably get away with charging even more next year.

What made 2008 such a wonderful experience for me was the route and the run. Two years on, the numbers have swelled and unless you are near the front you can forget any hope of a PB. It’s a real shame because what started two years ago as a promising half marathon for London is turning into another mass participation fun run.
Date of review: October 13, 2010

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

In short: Well Done!
In full: The organisation of this inaugural race was near flawless and all the marshalls were wonderful. It was however the people of Brighton and the crowds who stole the show in creating such an uplifting buzz for all the runners along the whole course, thank-you.

Despite Brighton's geography the course was very flat and fast throughout and most non-elite runners could probably get a PB.

I also thought the finishing area was very well laid out with space to relax, fast and friendly baggage recovery and a goody bag second to none.

The only a fault was the lack of port-a-loos at the start but which marathon doesn't suffer from the same problem?

Also, a small stretch along the sea front toward the end wasn't segregated enough from the crowds, this was not an issue yesterday but will become one as the event grows.

Overall though, well done! A beautiful day, a brilliant marathon and without doubt this will deservedly grow to become one of the UK's premier running events.
Date of review: April 19, 2010

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

In short: A wonderful run through a beautiful landscape.
In full: The marshalling and organisation of this race are faultless and the cakes at the end made it all worth it.
Date of review: June 16, 2009

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