My Event Ratings

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

In short: Great event
In full: Well done to all involved, an excellently organised event, testing but fair course, good support and above average goodie bag. Look forward to doing it all again next year!
Date of review: March 31, 2013

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

In short: Terrible conditions, great support, ordinary organisation
In full: Undoubtedly, the marshalling on the course and general support was absolutely fantastic. A huge thank you to those that gave up their time to help, a truly unbelieveable effort in biblical rain and cold wind.

The course was perhaps more undulating then the organisers suggested (mainly due to the underpasses and the surprise hill at mile 24 - thanks guys!). Underpasses also meant some sharp 90 degree turns.

The need to adapt the course, which increased the distance by 0.23 miles, was unsurprising given the widespread flooding, but still not sure why they couldn't have moved the start line, or perhaps adjusted our finish times to compensate - after all, a marathon is meant to be 26.2 miles - I guess that technically means we all ran an ultra instead!!

The finish in the stadium was oddly underwhelming - no big finish marking - nearly stopped in the wrong place!

Goodie bag was really disappointing - where was the mars bar or fruit? No t-shirt? For the money it did seem pretty light. Also, would have been nice to have awarded people their medals rather than being in plastic bag in the goodie bag (small point, but for some, particularly those completing their first marathon, it might have been a bit of a shame).

Worst thing, and certainly the most dangerous, was the queue for our bags (and dry clothes) after the finish. Standing in the driving rain and wind for half an hour with nothing worth eating in the goodie bag and no foil blanket was excruitiating. I didn't stop shaking with cold for at least an hour after the race.

Car park was flooded, but stewards on hand to push me in and then out (big thank you to those guys) and the bus was on time for me both going and coming back, but I've heard stories from others that they had very long waits.

All in all, unbelievable support and marshalling (thanks again), very unfortunate weather, I'm sure next year will be better, but I certainly won't be risking it again.
Date of review: May 10, 2012

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

In short: Very well organised event
In full: Considering it was the 1st event it was very well organised. The course has an excellent variety of scenery, but it had far more twists and inclines than I had expected and there was little opportunity to get into a rhythm. Good fun though, and many thanks to the marshalls for their encouragement.
Date of review: September 10, 2009

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