My Event Ratings

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

In short: Inaugural running of the Droitwich Half on a scenic course with definite PB potential
In full: Apart from some car parking issues, which will no doubt be sorted for next year, Droitwich AC's inaugural running of their half marathon went very well. The course is all tarmac, apart from 50 metres of mud to by-pass the ford over a river, and very fast with no hills to speak of. Plenty of marshalls where they were needed, all of whom were very supportive, decent goody bag including a sandwich voucher and T-shirt. Well done Droitwich - see you next year.
Date of review: March 7, 2011

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

In short: Even better than last year
In full: I thoroughly enjoyed last year's inaugural running of Malvern Joggers' 10k event, but a few subtle changes to the route made the 2010 race even better. With free food provided at the local pub afterwards, this is a great way to spend a summer evening.

To those who were critical of the gentlemen who ran the entire route blowing on a vuvuzela - I do think it's important that such people are allowed out into the community from time to time.
Date of review: June 17, 2010

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

In short: Better than last year
In full: I found the pre-race instructions and directions perfectly clear, so I'm not sure why others didn't.

The fabulous weather on the day doubtless helped, but I thought 2010 was a big overall improvement on 2009 - i.e. better parking, shorter walk at the start & end, I preferred the new 3 lap course to the old 2 lap course, less concerns about road safety (which soured the atmosphere last year, hence the big drop in numbers this year).

Well marshalled by friendly folk who appeared to know what they were doing in terms of traffic control at the junctions.

Quite expensive for a few cups of water and a mug, but otherwise no complaints from me.
Date of review: March 8, 2010

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

In short: Have run all 3 Bolts so far, and will make it 4 next year. Excellent event!
In full:

3 out of 3 at the Bolt for me, and once again this was an excellent event. Great village green setting with BBQ, beer tent, playground for the kids etc. Varied but not especially testing course, although tiring as much of it is on sandy tracks, with a few inclines to get the pulse up! Really well put together by the people of Blakedown, with help from Stourbridge RC.

Very well done to all involved.


Date of review: June 19, 2009

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

In short: Congratulations Malvern Joggers on the excellent organisation of your inaugural race!
In full:

Seven of us travelled over from Amazing Feet RC in Kidderminster, and were very glad we did. This was a very friendly and extremely well organised race over what turned out to be quite a tough course, which included two long climbs. Great value also with a Malvern Joggers water bottle as a keepsake, free post-race massage and a free hotdog / burger at the local pub.

Well done Malvern Joggers - see you next year.


Date of review: June 17, 2009

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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 full: Well established and well organised event from Stourbridge Running Club, over an undulating but straightforward course. 20 degrees and humid this year, but no mud apart from 'slop gully' at about 4 miles. A great way to work up a thirst early on a Saturday evening, plus a decent horsebrass memento. If you enjoyed this, try the c.10m Stourbridge Stagger next February.
Date of review: June 15, 2009

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

In short: So that's why so many come back year after year!
In full:
My first time at the Dartmoor Discovery, but it won't be my last.

Tough hilly 32.4 mile course, made tougher this year by heavy rain from mile 5 to the end. If it was hard for the runners, it must have been dreadful for the dozens and dozens of marshalls manning drink stations, cattle grid gates etc - thank you guys, every one of you did a superb job.
Date of review: June 7, 2009

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

In short: Tough course, stunning setting, fabulous support, well organised
In full:
Only one serious hill on this course at about 7m (the one at 21m isn't that bad, but you'll be tired by then!), but for me the constant ups and downs make this a tougher course than say Snowdon. Overcast & breezy conditions helped this year, although anyone finishing after about 3:45 would have got soaked when the heavens opened.

This is a fabulously well organised event, with brilliant support all the way round, in a stunning setting. The only gripes for me were parking and T-shirts!

I stayed at Brathay the night before, so didn't have a problem getting to the venue on the day, but like many others I queued for 30+ minutes to get away after the race. The organisers weren't helped by several temporary traffic lights in the area, but a better solution will be needed if the field is to grow again next year. In terms of T-shirts, I don't mind paying extra to support Brathay's excellent charity work, but the quality / design isn't worth £15.

Minor issues though. This is a brilliant event, so thanks to Brathay and all the marshalls - every one of you did a superb job. I for one will be back next year! Take your family as well, as there's lots for them to do at Brathay's open day, plus food, drink etc.


Date of review: May 18, 2009

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

In short: Fast course, great atmosphere, incredible value
In full: My first time at the Muller 10k, but it won't be my last.

The course itself is nothing special - an out and back that takes in the Muller factory at half way - nor is the scenery. However, in every other way this event is superb; not least a goody bag in the form of a Muller backpack containing sports drink, choc, crisps, nut/seed prtein mix, plus a 'technical' T-shirt that's as good as the one I'll have to pay £15 for at next week's Windermere Marathon, plus a tray of Muller products. In addition, loads of activities and freebies to keep families entertained.

I've given this a 5 for organisation, which is well deserved, but there were a couple of minor issues caused by the increasing numbers who enter. The start was a little chaotic and slower runners missed out on some of the goodies.

Muller, both company and running club, are clearly very committed to this event. Well done to both!
Date of review: May 10, 2009

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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: Well organised event over a testing course
In full: Undulating course with only one hill worthy of the name at about 6.5 miles. Miles 10 - 12 are testing though, as you gradually gain height for the final downhill mile to the finish at Uttoxeter racecourse, which is a great venue.

Easy to find, plenty of parking, sufficient friendly marshalls, four well placed water stations, long sleeved top as a souvenir, well organised from start to finish.

My first time here, but I'd gladly run this one again.

Date of review: May 4, 2009

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