My Event Ratings

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

In short: Lovely Sunday morning race in the North Yorkshire countryside
In full: My third Guy Fawkes race and an enjoyable experience as always. The heavy rain on Saturday made the first and last miles a bit slippy in places, so not quite as fast a time as last year, but that didn't detract from what is an excellent run in the countryside. Three uphills but the downhills seem to feature more, making for what is a very fast course in places (I've set my 1st and 2nd best 10 mile times here). Camaraderie is excellent, even towards the front of the field and the goody bag is always generous. No wonder it sold out in advance again this year. Looking forward to 2012, but get entries in early.
Date of review: November 7, 2011

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

In short: That was a lot harder than I was expecting!
In full: I was thinking we'd have a nice 10k around the trails and paths of Mount Edgcumbe. As we headed out of the gate, I realised that I was wrong. Climb at 3k got tougher and then the run through the fog was interesting. Toughest bits after that were the steps around 8k and the scramble on hands and knees (literally) around 9k to get up to the old castle, from which some cracking views could be briefly enjoyed. It was only 10k but was the hardest race I've done in a while. If you like cross-country though, you'll love it.
Date of review: October 31, 2011

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		No
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		100%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: A rather hot slog around the Suffolk countryside
In full: Entered this one as I fancied doing a marathon that day and Brighton was full. Glad I did as I found a friendly town (the Kings Head can be recommended for accommodation) and a friendly, well-organised race. About 300 runners for the marathon on a 2 lap course on a pretty warm day. Stewards and locals were very encouraging all the way 'round which was especially appreciated on the second lap which was somewhat tougher. The first half of the lap is undulating with several gradual climbs (rather than steep hills) on the main road as you head to Beccles. The second half is flatter through lanes back towards Bungay including the last 2 miles on track. The ability to position specific drinks at water stations was a nice touch as it meant you'd be guaranteed enough to drink (otherwise there were plastic cups of water). Perhaps not one for a PB but the scenic and friendly nature of a smaller race make it a good one for someone doing their first marathon. Just remember to take a hat if it's as hot as this year
Date of review: April 11, 2011

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

In short: Very enjoyable race
In full: My second time of doing this after 2008. Slight change in course since then but made no real impact on the route. Impeccably organised - you'd never guess there were over 800 starters and friendly stewards as you went around the course. Nice that people stayed around afterwards to cheer in runners further down the field which doesn't always happen at races. You can't fault the value either as both the long-sleeved tshirt is excellent and the goodie bag very generous. I finished in just over 66 minutes, taking over a minute off my PB so there is potential for faster times. Mind you, I'd also put in a bit more uphill running as that's what I prefer (vs. downhill) but I suspect I'm in a minority here!
Date of review: November 1, 2010

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

In short: Well-organised, friendly race
In full: Second time of running his enjoyable race which seems to get bigger every year. It's a fairly flat race around the streets and parks of Oxford with some quite scenic bits at times. A few sharp turns which may add on a second or two if looking for a PB, but overall, a well-organised day out. I gather they ran out of small tshirts this year so more for next year please.
Date of review: May 17, 2010

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

In short: Excellent course for PB potential
In full: I was suckered into doing this run by the pretext of my name of the back of a tshirt. I'd seen that it was a fairly flat course (there are no major hills at all) so was hopeful of a PB but even I didn't estimate shaving nearly 4 minutes off mine, finishing inside 1hr25. The downhill at the end was most welcome after the wind tunnel through the school. So, I'd recommend this race to all-comers, from veterans to first timers. It's a bargain too. Can we have a different colour tshirt to yellow next year please though?
Date of review: October 26, 2009

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

In short: Excellent event
In full: Third time doing this event for me and have improved on my times each year. Missed out on a PB by 1 second which was rather annoying but that gives me focus for future events I suppose. It's a good course and the free tshirt and doughnut afterwards are a definite bonus.
Date of review: May 18, 2009

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

In short: Nice little trek out on a Sunday
In full: Not the most exciting of courses but at least with the laps, you knew what was coming. I like hills on which I can catch people so I was pleased with my time of 31'39
Date of review: March 2, 2009

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

In short: Cracking race!
In full: The route promised a very hlly course so I was somewhat apprehensive about taking part. However, remember the old saying that what goes up, must come down. Therefore, while there was one steep climb, it was more downhill and I knocked over 5 minutes off my PB. Credit to Nidd Valley Runners as the organisation was excellent. No problem to park, lots of cheerful marshalls and a very generous goody bag. No wonder it filled up with no entries on the day. Definitely one to recommend (but get in early!)
Date of review: November 2, 2008

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