Latest Ratings
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2012 South Cheshire 20
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Worst weather - Made as best as it could be
In full: I just wanna echo everyone else to thank the marshalls and organsiers for still getting this race on. It was hard for runners but even harder for marshalls standing there for over 4 hours in torrential rain genuinely being enthusiastic. I was amazed and really helped everyone.
Hot showers were so welcome at the end of that, took that in favour of a massage. I love this race and has some real tests so thanks to SC20 for another successful event.
The camarderie among the runners was great too as we were all in the same boat.
Date of review: April 29, 2012
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2011 Coventry Half Marathon
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Been better but always love the Cov Half
In full: Ok this is my favourite HM of them all so I may seem a bit critical in parts but it's only 'cos I want it as good as it normally is.
The organisation wasn't up to its usual standards; it was the first year of this ankle chip and i'd no idea what it is and the baggage girl was clueless too. You'd think they'd brief the staff as they know people will ask surely. The baggage people didn't seem to organise the baggage reclaim well either; 6 of them were wondering around confused trying to find peoples bags, it should be done like rapid fire; bang bang bang "here's your bag Sir" etc.
Not sure what happened at the start but seems like Police hadn't got the road clear in time for the start of the race. But I guess it's one of them things.
My biggest gripes are the distance markers; apparently there was a 'mile 12' sign stuck behind a table but I didn't see it do couldn't have been visible and I need these in clear view as I was running a strict minutes per mile schedule to get me under 1:40 and this threw me and my motivation was stretched further. Cov normally do '800m to go', '400m to go' '200m to go' so you know when to kick. I had to hold back as didn't know when to push on. This MUST be corrected for next year. Distance markers are SO important for us runners. 13.1 miles is hard enough and especially when you're pushing hard for a finish time.
Finally; 4 miles is far too long for the 1st water station. I was ok as took my water belt with me but the majority didn't have such with them so I'm sure most of them suffered. 3m or 3.5m max next time around please?
Good signs: Atmosphere always good; usual encouraging PA and excellent residential crowds, hats off to the mom and daughter with the sprinkler hose in Spon End that was so welcoming :) Msrshalls were also their usual very good standard of service.
Good challenging course; it threw me those first 4-5 miles but that's not a bad thing, just change the out and back route at Hawkes Village but otherwise good.
T-shirt and Medal excellent quality.
I will be back of course and the first year of new organisers will always have teething problems. If you bare these in mind I'm sure Cov will be as good as it always as been. Just missed some attention to detail in some cases.
See you next year!
Ste
Date of review: October 2, 2011
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2011 Aldridge 10K
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Wet weather, slick organisation
In full: I only previously ran this race in 2008 as the 4.3k fun run. Nothing has changed in terms of the levels of organisation, still excellent and they are a lovely running club anyway. Running clubs know what runners need.
Pity about the weather, past 4 years it's alternated between very hot and very wet. So should be a scorcher next year when I return.
Well done ARC!
Date of review: June 13, 2011
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2011 Brathay Windermere Marathon
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Wonder-mere!!
In full: I knew I'd fall in love with this event. I could see from the YouTube video's how well organised and personal the event seemed. I was under no illusions it was going to be tough though.
It was everything and more than I expected! 100% organisation, can't fault anything at all. The crowds were very uplifting especially the one's in the village pubs and at popular places like Newby Bridge. Even the Cumbria Police were cheering us on!
The hills really do wear you down; I thought I got my tactics right but didn't. My advice to myself and to anyone is to "hang back" till after the hill on 21 then see what you have left. It's the 2nd worst hill on the course but not too bad thereafter. I burned out by 21 and ran on nothing for over 5 miles. Shown my determination and character though.
I made a weekend of it too so had a fabulous time in Ambleside / Waterhead taking in pasta and the local scenery. Also; do alot of general and hill training and expect the worst (from the course) and you'll be fine. The rest of it will be taken care of for you :)
I also as an added bonus met the legendary Steve Edwards while I was there too and he gave great advice, a true genetleman.
Couldn't wish for any more, I'm sure I'll be be back next year. If not then defo very soon.
Well done Brathay!!! :)
Date of review: May 26, 2011
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2011 South Cheshire 20
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Tough course and hot (both the weather and the organisation)
In full: This event has a very personal touch to it; CharlieR is a very knowledgeable and friendly person who gives prompt info to those who need it prior to the race.
The race itself was a very tough test and severe undulations at times but that's why we're here. Test before the big 26 :)
The marshall's were amazing especially the 2 girls at mile 15 who were so warm with their encouragement. I told them at the time how much I appreciated it and still do. 1 more water station would've done the trick towards the end but if the weather was cooler it wouldn't have mattered.
Also, amazing physio's, probably thebestmassage I've ever had :)
I'll be back. Thanks again for a Superb 20 to all concerned.
Date of review: May 2, 2011
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2011 Ashby 20
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: What more could you want from a running event?
In full: I love this event; as a previous person said. They understand runners.
They direct you to the Leisure Centre as soon as you enter Ashby via hi-viz signs. Marshall's look after you every step of the way. I love the "Drinks Ahead" sign which lacks at commercial events so you're prepared and can get "in-line" ready to get your bottle. Great encouragement and organisation. Perfect as always.
Outside of that you have beautiful scenery, a challenging but not evil course. And a good goody bag and they've brought the famous Ashby hoodie back this year.
I also got a new pb by 20 mins so i guess that helps but take nothing away from this fantastic event.
See you next year :)
Ste
Date of review: March 13, 2011
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2010 Christmas Pudding Run
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Warm feeling and cool organisation in freezing temperatures
In full: This was my first ever pudding run though I'd heard about the race years ago.
Given the conditions the runners mood was uplifting and so were the organisers / marshalls. Weren't many people in the Mossley estate cheering us on but then again it was -2!
Organisation was great, love it when clubs run an event. They know what you want, little things like knowing there's a water station ahead with a notice telling you so in good time. It's these litle things that commerical wouldn't even think about.
I got a decent time so that helped too. Hopefully not as cold next year but I'll be back either way.
PS 2 lap course was fine; know the police got their intervention but worked for me so thumbs up here!!
Ste
Date of review: December 13, 2010
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2010 EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 20% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: A potentially great race; but alot of work needs to be done!
In full: Oh Birmingham; you just need a bit more of a runners club touch and you'll be a great half.
I felt that it was chaotic; I couldn't even get on the start line 'cos of the queue leaving the ICC, the marshall had to let us out via the sideline barrier! Thank goodness for chip timing.
The NIA isn't well signposted. I know where it is but I'm from nearby Walsall, so people not from the area will have to hope for the best.
I agree with the comment about the "water 200m to go" kinda signs as suddenly it's "oh crap... water.... quick!" and when there's many runners it causes unnecessary extra congestion.
It gets very tight during bottlenecks but dunno if anything can be done about this.
9am is far too early given the amount of people here; it's supposedly the "Race against climate change" yet the car was the only real route in as the buses are infrequent and 30-40 mins into brum not inc traffic, trains don't start early enough and the midland metro dedicded to do "rail line improvements" during this weekend so you can't even get the tram into town??!!"
On the plus side though the crowds were great and the medal as usual is gorgeous.
I said in the feedback last year and I'll say it again.. like the GNR start it on the Motorway so there's no loads of room so I suggest the A38(M) as it's really wide and by the you hit brum centre it will be more spaced out.
Birmingham City Council; listen to the people; I/we have run ALOT of runs between us and we know what's good and what's not. I appreciate it's difficult to organise such a large event so let our feedback help you and little things will make a big difference.
I'm sure I'll be back, hopefully alot happier next time with the organisation.
Date of review: October 24, 2010
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2010 Coventry Half-Marathon
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Hot Half - Both the weather and the run itself :)
In full: Geez that was tough today! It's not a really hard course but proper felt like it was today 'cos of the heat. I agree though that it now belongs in May as the local Half / marathon list is too clogged up in October. To be fair don't think it's gonna be that hot every year.
Superb organisation as always, superb crowds, having them kids with water guns and hose pipes was very welcoming. It's always a well supported half and the people of Cov should be very proud of themselves :)
It's my 3rd Coventry half in a row now and I don't see why i wouldn't be back for a 4th next year :)
Well done Coventry :)
Date of review: May 23, 2010
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2010 Virgin London Marathon
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: VLM - Simply rocks!!
In full: This was my first ever marathon; and i'll definitely do more marathon's in the future. Mararthon's are definitely tougher than i thought and I've made the jump from half's to FM and it took some time. Legs paying for it today but all worth it. Within a few weeks i'll train again.
The weekend was an experience, from the expo to the finish line. Organisation could not have been any better, can't thing of anything which would improve it.
So much going on on the streets; bell ringers, Jamaican Christian singers, even Daily Sport models ;) Amazing scanery especially at the latter part of the course and of course tower bridge! Amazing to see all these places for real. I screamed as I came across the finish line. I was so happy and i'll treasure the goody bags, t-shirt and completion medal forever!
Did just over 4 hours for my 1st marathon which I am happy about but I know i could go faster with a clearer run. Let's see what a future less busy marathon will bring.
See you next year London - If i make the ballot! :) Favourite EVER event :)
Date of review: April 26, 2010
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