My Event Ratings

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

In short: Hill start came as a shock, but rest fairly smooth with a nice finish through the park
In full: Ran this in 2009 also, and found the different route this year interesting. The heat this year was an added challenge, especially after the rain last year - did make standing around in George Square beforehand much more tolerable though. I think there were too few water stations given the heat, but Glasgow in September isn't predictable & last year those same stations in the rain were plenty, it would be nice to see at least one with an energy drink rather than water though. Locals were out with hoses and unofficial water, sweeties and orange segments too which was nice. The stewards at the end are friendly enough, but seem largely disinterested - especially around the de-chipping, if you need assistance, you'll have to ask. The meet up area was congested because people met up & then stopped where they were, a steward or two moving them on to keep the area clear for those still to come would have helped - still found the family pretty quickly. The medal matches that of my daughters who ran in the junior race the previous day - just has different stuff on the back, which is sweet. The goodie bag wasn't fantastic, but the kids got a tin of spaghetti for some reason! I like the architecture of Glasgow so enjoy this run, I like the parks and I like the fact that motorists regularly peep and plenty of locals stand around for hours clapping - I'd be bored rigid watching other folk run, but they stay out cheering you on. One of the things I like a lot is that for the slower runners, as you near the end, you start seeing those already finished heading home again and they cheer you on too, encourgaging you to keep going - it's a nice extra.
Date of review: September 7, 2010

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

In short: 2nd year, can't wait to try again
In full: I ran this for the first time last year. This year the field was bigger and the weather slightly better. The beach was wetter than I remembered, but the hill was just as steep. It's a race to be remembered and one that will probably be my favourite forever. The local tradition on completion is a medal and a mars bar, this year they added a voicher for a free burger from the barbecue and very welcome protein it was too. Fastest time this year was 41 mins, last finisher was 2 ladies and their dog who did it in about 90 mins. I agree with Nike on this one - Just do it!
Date of review: July 19, 2009

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

In short: Everybody ought to do this at least once
In full: The route is crowded and if you want a steady pace you're going to have to jink in & out everywhere. But the atmosphere is something else & the crowds are supporting are amazing. The John Reid Road isn't as scary as it sounds if you've had a bit of hill running and the mass moving around you does tend to carry you along anyway. A bit more info from the organisers about the starting pens wouldn't go amiss - like the fact that there's areas in the pens where you can cross the central reservation. And there'll never be enough toilets, but it's still something I'd recommend to everyone.
Date of review: October 10, 2008

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		100%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		60%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		20%

In short: Killer hill, shoe squelching beach stretch but fantastic scenery. Half off-road, half on-road. Challenging weather conditions
In full: never having run this before I had no idea what to expect. The route starts in a low lying area, behind a large hill & goes off across machair. The 1st 3km are level, turning to the right & uphill onto stoney track, eventually joining the road to crest the hill & head downwards for the 4km mark. 5 & 6 are along the main, single-track, road through Berneray with the hill to your right & the sea to your left. At km 6 you turn to the right again & head down to the shore and across the beach for 1km. Back onto machair and to the left. From km 7-8 you're heading up a steep grassy hill, followed by a sharp right & down hill onto track. Just before you hit 9km you're back on a tarred surface for the remainder of the race, finishing a few hundred yards from the start line. There were drinks stations at the 5km mark, and at the top of the hill between 7 & 8km. The weather conditions this year were a big factor, with a headwind for the majority of the course, particularly across the beach & up the hill. Without the wind it would have been a very different experience and for me, PB potential, even with the hill still to contend with. The winner completed the course in about 34 mins this year, knocking a good couple of minutes off last years winning time. The majority of runners completed in around 45-55 minutes. The field is small. 28 last year and 28-30 this year. Will definitely run it again. For those interested in goody bags - that tends not to happen up here, but everyone gets a medal, mars bar & bottle of water; as well as the various trophies - 1st-3rd, 1st over 40, 1st woman (and for Berneray entrants, 1st local - trophy to keep & annual shield)
Date of review: July 21, 2008

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