My Event Ratings

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

In short: Good fun, enthusiastically marshalled, not the greatest organisation
In full: Pre-race communications were a bit of a muddle, and the race didn't start that well as there was no real start line, just an area where people amassed (initially all facing the wrong direction). But the pre-race warm up and DJ were good fun, the marshalls were some of the most lively I have ever seen (despite the rain) and there was a decent goodie bag and free food before the start.

The race itself - I thought 6 laps would be dull, but the actual route was reasonably varied and the laps helped with pacing (as there were no mile markers). It was flat as a pancake and I took a few minutes off my PB. All in all, well worth it, especially if you are local.
Date of review: September 24, 2012

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

In short: A very well organised, nicely challenging marathon
In full: This was my first marathon and I was a bit apprehensive after reading about the hills on the course. Fortunately they weren't too bad at all and the wonderful organisation made the race as pleasant as a first marathon can be!

I got round in 3h35m, faster than I was expecting, so good times are pretty achievable I'd say.

The course is beautiful and lots of supporters made it out. All in all, a brilliant day.

Tip: take advantage of the special drink stations, they make a world of difference.
Date of review: May 15, 2012

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

In short: Friendly race but basic mistakes
In full: This is a very friendly race, with lots of helpful stewards at the start and around the course.

However, the mile markers for the first few miles were not measured correctly (I don't run 6 minute miles normally!) and between miles 5 and 8 I saw no mile markers, which meant pacing my race was a nightmare.

Despite this I did enjoy it - it has a small local and friendly feel that overcomes the obstacles of running on the sometimes busy and not especially pretty streets. Different!

Craig
Date of review: April 2, 2012

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