My Event Ratings

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

In short: Once the run got going it wan't that bad
In full: As a faster runner I found the start very frustrating with an abundance of slow runners at the front. there was little if any organisation at the start, lack of separation of the colour bandings and lack of entrances and signs to the race point.

I did enjoy the run itself and foundit fairly fast with a new PB and my first sub 1.30. When I arrived therre was no queuing so didn't experience the issue others had.

The course was good but whoever put the hill in at 10miles needs shooting, it was a heck of a 3 mile uphill to finish on.
Date of review: November 3, 2010

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

In short: Quick and undulating
In full: Very well organised and the course was fast. A few ups and downs but nothing major, a few people moaned about a hill at 10miles but it's not a bad hill it's just gets a mention as it's the biggest on the course and also at 10 miles so people focus on it. To me it is a great PB course and I cut 5mins off mine.

I only have 2 comments to improve this run. Drinking from a cup is near impossible when running, if it costs a little extra for bottles on drink stations then add a couple of £'s to the entry fee as it's still a bargin price and
I for one would be willing to pay the extra as it's worth it especially when hot.

2nd, unfortuantly this one I don't think the organisers can do anything about but it's food for thought for the runners wanting to get a good time. The lanes at the start are very narrow and there's a lot of slower runners going to the front and ignoring the positioning signs for expected finishing. They then start with a mild jog which clogs up the narrow start for the people wanting to run a good time. Not sure how this can be solved as it's up to the runner to be honest about their finishing times and starting the right section.
Date of review: May 15, 2009

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

In short: challenging but achievable
In full: Last year I did the half this year I was back for the full. the half was a welcome challenge for the first year, it was hard but it proves you can do it. This year the full, you're well into the 2nd lap before you realise it and the support was fabulous. The organisation was amazing and you couldn't wish for a smooth organisation. All the drink stations were fully stocked with drinks and very excited people. They had plenty of WC's and first aiders around the course for emergencies. Could not recommend this experience more, I even questioned myself on whether I should even enter the London ballot and just do this one again. If you've got spectators, they have plenty of space and views so they won't miss you. Only down side is it's on the same day as London so it gets no press even on local TV and papers.
Date of review: April 30, 2009

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

In short: Really enjoyable run but watch out for the hill at 7.5 miles.
In full: This was my first 1/2 marathon and it was a good mixure of level and gradient for a first run. The water stations were every 2 miles and fully stocked with helpers. Marshals were everywhere so it seemed to be run perfectly. Only real challenge was the hill at 7.5 miles the rest was normal ups and downs. Really enjoyed and will be thinking about the full marathon for next year.
Date of review: April 27, 2008

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