My Event Ratings

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

In short: Eastbourne half marathon organisers were able to stand and deliver such a great race ...
In full: .... but I nearly froze to death waiting 15 extra minutes before the race started I couldn’t even hear what they said the problem was, but boy that wind was sooo bitter cold!
The race eventually started with a bang and we were soon off; every one rushed passed me at 100 miles an hour. I'm sure I was running backwards :=(


The roads were clear and traffic free but then came that terrifying monster hill at mile three towering above me. I nearly peed myself just looking at it. Running uphill and even downhill was a hair raising and nail biting experience. I could not get up that hill very quickly but that sight of it did nearly put me off it :=(


The rest of the half marathon was flat. A few of water stations had a mouthful of water in some of the plastic cups which did not help my swollen tongue! The other water stations were great.
The wind was ice cold and fierce especially along the sea front. I had a job to catch my breath and even a tougher job to catch the runners!


Folks at mile 11, I tripped, and did a nose dive to the ground which left me with a few cut and bruises. The female ladies at the water station were great they fixed me up, fed and watered me, but I was all shook up!


Two young vocal girls with lungs of steel were cheering the runners on and made us runners smiled.

How many bridges did we cross? A bridge too far.
I finally managed to cross the line I was very disappointed with the time but the odds were against me.


The banana and chocolate were delicious. I was also disappointed with ‘beautiful’ unmarked Eastbourne half marathon 2011 medal- this definitely needs to be addressed!

Next time I must try and remember to bring my bucket and spade.


Sorry Folks but this is my last race review due to the inmates , I mean forumites complaining about my ratings :=(


Don’t cry for me Argentina.

Date of review: March 31, 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		40%

In short: Folks I was last in th class :=( It's official I just can't run in mud!!!
In full: The Pirie 10 miler cross country race was challenging and very muddy and slippery at times. I felt as though I was running on a large sheet of banana skin! The tough hills were scary at times but I am not going to lie, I really enjoyed running with the deers and the top dogs!


I made the silly decision not to wear my trail running shoes (again). I didn’t think it would be so muddy and slippery. However, I am pleased to say that I did NOT fall down once –I almost did though! The race was a 2 lap course. To be honest I did not take my eyes off the ground for fear of slipping and damaging my feeble wobbly legs.


The Marshalls were exceptional and really supportive. Nevertheless, in a couple of areas it would have helped to have at least 2 extra Marshalls because sometimes I was not sure if I was running in the right direction.



Three fawns jumped in front of me, which was lovely but frightening at the same time. Later on during the race a mad bull terrier dog tried to race me and he almost sent me flying in the air!


I loved the “SLH”white flags which were pierced in the ground to point you in the right direction, but sometimes they were grouped together and sometimes were half a mile apart.
There were no red and white ribbons in the trees like the popular South London Harriers 10k – Near as Damn it/Informal 10k runs. I think it would have helped having a few ribbons hanging in the trees to point you in the right direction.
Approximately at 7 miles a chatty Marshall ran with me for a mile and asked me if this was my first 10 mile race? Errrrrrrrrr?!!


Near the finish I thought I took a wrong turning as there were no white flags. I could not see any Marshalls for about ¾ of a mile. I was going to turn back to the previous Marshall but then I saw a glimpse of a person in a yellow jacket – the last Marshall I made a mad dash to the line.
Apparently someone had removed a few of the white flags!


I am so pleased I ran this 10 mile cross country race because it was originally scheduled in December but was cancelled because of the snow. The Pirie 10 cross county race was a challenging but very enjoyable race. I would love to do it again.


The cakes and bread butter pudding were a welcome sight and were very tasty.
I would also like to thank the First Aider for the bottle of wine sorry I meant water.



South London Harriers- we are going to meet again!




Date of review: February 24, 2011

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

In short: My letter to Ben Fleet
In full: 23rd January, 2011


Dear Ben Fleet,


I wanted to write to you about your race. It was far too muddy and slippery, hence causing me to slip and fall too many times. Consequently I hurt my right arm and cut my finger on my left hand. I swallowed a mouthful of mud and had a tummy ache for days! Not to mention I stained my running clothes. I’ve never seen so much ghastly thick mud, I was slipping and slithering like a confused eel. I was in such a mess!


But to be perfectly honest the race was B-R-L-L-I-A-N-T :=) It is one of best race I have ever ran. When I think of this race the adrenalin starts rushing in. Thanks to all of the female runners who picked me up from the mud several times. The men found it amusing and left me to sink in the mud!

Karl you and your Marshalls did a first class job – perfection. I like to give Special Thanks to my favourite Marshall who took pity on me and try to clean the stubborn mud from my hands and feet with his bottles litre of water. I was completely covered from head to toe in thick, crusty mud, I underestimated the race sorry the mud ;=)
I hope this race will always continue.


I hope to see you all soon.
Regards to all involved.

Karen Samuel
Your biggest fan

PS
I love the running shirt – nice one!


Date of review: February 2, 2011

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

In short: Seaford Striders Mince Pie 10 was absolutely fabulous!
In full: Why you may ask? This beautiful race had a bit of everything- the slinky slippery grass, beautiful scenery and muddy hills. Be warned there’s one hill that is one and half miles long, which sucks the life out of your legs (actually it sucked the life out of my legs). That was when the entire field of runners took the ideal opportunity to rush pass me – drat!


The majority of Marshals were cheerful and friendly, especially the last chatty four.
On the field I enjoyed watching the lazy cows with straw in their mouths looking bemused. I was not too amused however, when I stepped on something. Muddy hell my foot did weigh a ton.


This ten mile race was tough and the freezing weather did not help matters. What I liked about this race though, was that you can feel the excitement (or was that adrenalin) in the air, which made the race so special. I was pleased I ran this race; it was last minute decision due to me feeling unwell in last few weeks and a lack of training.


After the race my muddy leg really did hurt. Maybe this old cow just needs to slow down a bit.
Nice Medal and goody bag, the Mince pie was also exceedingly good.



Well done Seaford Striders, it was a great race and another RUNNER'S WORLD favourite for 2010.
Just one minor criticism though- my running club was ... (check my application form).

Date of review: December 31, 2010

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Overall score		100%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		80%
Organisation		80%
Value		100%
Beginner-friendliness		20%

In short: Running those dreadful hills were no laughing matter!
In full: Running jog Shop 20 is a tough challenging race to get you heart really pumping hard.

This 20 miles race is not easy and your quads will hurt you every inch of the way!

I must say those massive slow cows during the race did get in the way but on the udder hand it could be much worst it could be bulls roaming those fields!
The hills were long and torturous which was quite unpleasant for my legs.
The beautiful views did help to numb the pain.


The Marshals were great and very supportive I could not fault any of them. En route there were no miles markers so when I thought I ran
5 miles it was only 3 miles. Around 17 and a half miles I got myself completely lost due to few marshals in the last few miles, thus I was unable to find the “tunnel”. However Thanks to few helpful locals I manage to get myself back on course but took another wrong turning about ¾ mile near the finish but I managed to find the finish.


Despite being lost near the end of the race I still rate this race highly and I believe it has very great value for your money.


There should have had one more water station. Maybe in future you could have one Marshal standing by the tunnel and another two Marshals around the last two miles.


Ooh Sam (The Race Oganiser), you should have gone to Specsavers because I should have been down as Bromley Veteran Athletics Club.


I really hope I am off next year to run this race again.








Date of review: November 30, 2010

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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		40%

In short: What a remarkable and brilliant race!
In full: When it comes to organisation Lingfield Running Club, you have the X factor! Anne, one of the race Directors, really did a fabulous job with Dry hill 10. What a remarkable and brilliant race!


This 10 mile memorable race struck a chord with me for all the right reasons. The organisation was fantastic and there were wonderful and supportive marshals, including the kind marshal who explained the route to us eager female runners. As for those tasteful home-made wonderful cakes, well they were better than even Tesco’s finest!


I really enjoyed the race even with my ‘playful’ leg. The race was very hilly for the first half of the race and less hilly for the second half. It avoided the Lingfield horse course, but still remained very enjoyable.
After we finished the race we were given a Dry hill 10 bag. Inside the bag was a gift wrapped bar of Waitrose fig and ginger soap and a miniature chocolate :=)


Well done Lingfield Running Club for making Dry Hill 10 such an enjoyable race.


Date of review: October 18, 2010

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Overall score		100%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		100%
Value		100%
Beginner-friendliness		20%

In short: Here's mud in your eyes!!!!
In full: What a great race to shock your system! Folks, I had an inkling that I was not going to run well in Eridge 10 and I was absolutely right!


Runners you have tried the rest, now try the best-! Yes I am talking about Eridge Park 10 Trail –a proper cross country. Runners if you like to get your hands dirty look no further because the “Award winning” RUNNERS WORLD UK Number one race for 2009 was the Eridge 10 Trail. I heard the organisers say that it has also been voted the “World’s best race”.


The race was a tough cross country. I was slipping and sliding in cow pack, sheep turd and mud. I also managed to fall in the bogs a couple of times and ended up attracting a swarm of flies throughout the entire race.


The Marshals were exceptional- including the young chatty boy and Marshal who could not stop laughing.


Well Done Tunbridge Harriers you have done it again, you races always seem to tick all the right boxes.
It was a nice touch to have the cakes, bananas and orange segments. I also appreciated the non-alcoholic drink (orange squash and black currant). I am also very pleased with my t-shirt.


Thanks to everyone who was involved in Eridge 10. I would just like to say “here's mud in your eyes”.


As for me I am just sulking at the moment because I am very disappointed with my time. I was just a bit tired but I was not going to miss this race for the world!


Date of review: September 22, 2010

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

In short: Yateley Road Race 10k is one of the best 10k I ever ran.
In full: Gee whizz I love Yateley 10k. Why? You may ask. Because the atmosphere is so electrifying.
It’s such a shame that the race is so far away.
I do love he signs and directions to the race start - full marks Sandhurst joggers for that.


The race itself is very big for a mid week 10k and it is always buzzing with excitement.
As always chip timing was used. The race is bit packed at the back but as race kicked off, it becomes less crowded and more enjoyable. I did not appreciate the hill near the start of the race, however the announcer did warn the runners. In places the race was undulating and hilly but very enjoyable.


I felt tired and was unable to time myself – thanks to my son complex watch. I rate this race highly in my book. You get a very nice medal and lots of snacks to take with you.


The race did not indicate Bromley Veterans AC!!!


Well done Sandhurst Joggers you are definitely a talented bunch.


Yateley Road Race 10k Series is on first Wednesday of June, July and August.


Last year it was ranked number 28 in RUNNERS WORLD Top Races with 25-49 votes catagory.



Date of review: August 29, 2010

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

In short: I tried to - 'catch her in the Rye'....
In full: 10k (but she was much too fast).


When I knew I was able to run Rye 10k I must admit that I was jumping in the air and laughing. Last year I missed the race I was stuck on the A21 for over 3 hours!!
I personally hate the A21 as it has caused me to lose out on a few great races – but that’s another story. I might discuss it on Runners World Forum.



I do have a love affair with Rye 10k but the stress to travel there is little too much for me. What I love about Rye is to hear the sea-gulls and to look at the pleasant view of the old fashion harbour. Maybe the fresh sea air just makes me feel good.


Rye 10k race is extremely organised and I was more than please to see chip timing implemented into the race! The race (as always) was well attended by Bexhill Runners and few of my old time friends.



The race was flat, but my gosh was it extremely windy!! The wind was so strong I was struggling to breathe for the first half of the race, but second half of the race the wind assisted me all the way to the finish. I got my ‘nice’ medal.
I did not hang around at the finish because I did not think that I ran that particularly well. I wanted to get home before it got too dark.


When I found out my result I nearly choked on my ‘Special K’!
I wonder do I get a prize???



Date of review: August 29, 2010

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

In short: Newham 10k Charity Fun Run may raise a few eyebrows, all for the right reasons.
In full: Newham 10k maybe low key race, but it attracted a quality field of runners from far and wide. This race maybe flat but seemed tough and endless on a warm day.


The race started on the track at Terence McMillan Stadium and out onto the road into park turning back to retrace our steps back into the track.


Personally, I was not pleased with my results, but I was more than happy with the organisation. We got bottle of water at the start and at the finish of the race :=)
I was also awarded with a t-shirt and a pretty medal upon completion. There were no “goody bags” as advertised.


Over all this was a great organised race. Oui, I would be happy to run this race again. Well done Mark Caswell and his South London Fives team.


Runners please note that Newham 10k Charity Fun Run should not be mistaken for Newham 10k Classic. The next South London Fives 10k race is Demanche 10th Octobre at Bushy Park Hampton see ‘RUNNERS WORLD UK’ or ‘South London Fives’ web-site.

Date of review: August 29, 2010

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