My Event Ratings

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

In short: Scenic with a very friendly atmosphere. Suitable for runners of all levels, as flat with an even terrain; good for sprinting or a more gentle pace. Good food and toilets facilities, free parking and generous goodybag for each runner.
In full: This was my first race beyond school sports days and it felt fantastic. I was the only junior racer out of nearly 200 and everybody I met was really friendly and supportive. The rain certainly had no effect on our spirits or progress.
Parking is a bit of a nightmare and it takes a while to get out at the end of the race, as there is a range of possible parking locations and several cars come from several directions at once as everyone tries to leave. My advice is to get there as early as possible and to leave very promptly afterwards. A lot of parking available is along roads leading up to the park, so it can be difficult to get out of your parking space with cars blocking you in front and behind.
The route is very scenic and flat, allowing good sprinting opportunities for some whilst not being too strenuous for the inexperienced runner. If like me you are a bit of a novice, this is definitely the race for you. The route is on smooth, concrete paths circulating the path, but if you become uncomfortable from pavement pounding, running on the grass does not hinder your progress. There were no obstructions and plenty of water was available after each lap for every runner. Marshals were stationed very frequently along the course to point each runner in the right direction and to give their support. The ‘goody bags’ received by each runner completing the course were very generous, each containing a medal, a visor, a keyring, a free 5 day gym pass to the local fitness centre and information on the ‘Caudwell Children’ charity.
I personally had no difficulty in finding the registration area, but I had to give directions to several runners, as its location under a tree near the cafe was not so clear for some runners. The only improvement that could be made would be to indicate the registration area more clearly. A fantastic experience that I highly recommend for runners of all levels, because of the pretty scenery and supportive organisers. I will definitely race here again next year!

Date of review: November 30, 2008

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