My Event Ratings

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

In short: Nice flat course, with the odd surprise thrown in
Date of review: March 12, 2013

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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: Slog up, charge down
In full: I loved the route, especially the long long and very exhilerating downhill with stunning view down Derwentwater.

The start was a bit congested and it was difficult to hit a pace until about 3km in to the route. Also the boggy uphill section was single file with no point trying to overtake until back on the track. At just over halfway the high point is reached and it is an exhilerating downhill almost all the way back into Fitz Park.

Organisation as always was brilliant, the Batala Band are fantastic and everyone is so friendly. Great atmosphere in Keswick after as well, chatting to others in the Lakeland Trails "family" recognisable by finishers T-Shirts

Another great event.

Date of review: September 2, 2012

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

In short: Faster than a galloping horse - beat the tide
In full: "Is there a cut off time?" the bloke sat next to me on the coach asked. "Only the tide!". Certainly an incentive to us plodders.

Don't let the flat course fool you, this is tough going. Head wind, totally exposed to the elements, three river crossings (I think) plus about a mile ankle deep in water. The net effect is totally draining on middle aged legs. I've done two full marathons this year, including Coniston Trail and think I felt more tired at the end of this.

BUT what an amazing experience to be so far out on the sands, seeing a snake of runners far in front and far behind. Well worth doing for the experience, and the bragging rights.

Lots of great friendly runners at the start, the man with a generous supply of jelly babies much welcomed at 11 miles, the little jokes cracked all the way and a warm welcome at the finish.

Organisation wasn't perfect but good enough and a bit of bling to hang around my nexk for the journey home.

Date of review: August 15, 2012

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

In short: The hardest thing I've ever done, and I loved it.
In full: As different as you can get from the mega big city runs, and all the more enjoyable for that.

A game of three halves, as the football pundits say. The first 18k delightful paths winding through woodland and gradually climbing uphill with the stunning scenery of Tarn Hows as its climax. Next a long long stretch through Grizedale Forset, on sound forest tracks and paths, undulating but relatively easy going. The last 15k was continuous variation, a steep rough descent, another climb, bogs, streams, and then the path along Coniston Water shoreline. I even enjoyed seeing the elite runners (who started two hours later) fly past as I continued my steady plod round- inspirational.

The rain didn't really matter that much
Great cameraderie amongst the runners, fantastic organisation, superb marshalling (Coniston Mountain Rescue and Bay Search and Rescue). Its not easy, and that is why it is a worthwhile "must-do".
Date of review: July 2, 2012

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

In short: Hard as nails in the heat, but a a top day
In full: What a great and totally enjoyable package. Apart from the pain; the pain was bad. The route is another cracker, as only Lakeland can deliver, changing dramatically over quite short distances with breathtaking views enjoyed just momentarily, long slow winding climbs and short fast descents.

The atmosphere after was a treat, lounging on the grass with a pint of Jennings, chatting to other runners and listening to Pete Lashley singing. Excellent.
Date of review: May 30, 2012

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

In short: Brilliant event in picture perfect countryside
In full: I ran this just 6 days after doing the London Marathon and what a contrast. From the awesome to the sublime. Running conditions were near perfect and the route covers a mix of terrain but mostly good, some wonderful grassy sections past tarns with panoramic views of the Lakeland mountains and a couple of slightly rough descents. There are three longish climbs including the Coffin Trail, manageable if challenging.

Marshalling is good and friendly and the route was wil marked all the way round. A great day!!
Date of review: April 29, 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		40%
Beginner-friendliness		100%

In short: What an awesome day out.
In full: I loved every minute of the day, from the un-London like friendliness on the train in right through to the post race-pint basking in a glow of achievement.

This was my second marathon (the last was thirty years ago), and the atmosphere was just unbelievable all the way round. A huge lift of those weary last few miles when it gets so tough. So different from my usual countryside running but massively enjoyable. I've got the bug!
Date of review: April 27, 2012

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

In short: Magnificent Beauty and Beast
In full: Starting and finishing at the racecourse, the route gradually climbs up the nearby fell, crossing becks and styles, passing tarns and with stunning views of the Lakeland Mountains and Kent Estuary. And that mud....

There could be no problem route finding, marker flags, marshalls and signs all the way round

The atmosphere at the finish was electric, with a Batala Band drumming runners is, lifting tired legs on the last 200m to a grandstand finish on the Racecourse. A great experience.

Date of review: March 19, 2012

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

In short: A must do for all running dogs from daschunds to whippets.
In full: What a cracking race.

A flat comparatively bend free course and complete lack of breeze meant a route made for PB.

First class marshalling all the way through, from the car park, right round the course to post race. Texted results, unique T-shirt and designer medal all added to the sense of value for money for runners and a great event.

The only reason I didn't give scenery full marks is that it isn't Great Langdale, but not bad all the same.

Love these smaller events, so much better than the giant Great Runs

Date of review: February 12, 2012

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

In short: Lopt of work for a pudding
In full: No seriously. Organisation was great apart from a vague start line and impossible to hear race instructions. There were a lot of very confused runners 10 minutes before the start. Otherwise perfect, good route; the industrial edge of town start more than compensated by the loop round the Priory. Great friendly marshals all the way round, warm showers at the end, welcoming clubhouse. Much enjoyed.
Date of review: December 4, 2011

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