My Event Ratings

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

In short: A good mix of trail and road, some nasty hilly surprises too.
In full: Good fun, shame more people did not enter. Trail running is abit sandy and feels like running backwards at times. Lots of room though and managed to run a PB, despite the cold. Lovely medal though, better than the Grand Union H/M medal in 2011 and 2010. Looking forward to the repeat race next year.
Date of review: May 22, 2012

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

In short: Great weather, great scenery, great organisation.
In full: Did this last year and ran a PB, ran a new PB this year. Trick is to get ahead early on when going round the hill and to be patient during the first few miles. Rained last year so did not notice the towpath stones, they were a killer this year, striking one mid foot first sends a jolt right through your leg. Overall a good race, enjoyable but paying for it now, where did that sun come from?
Date of review: November 14, 2011

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

In short: Tougher than it seems, suicidal overtaking manoeuvres and plenty of leg draining bridges
In full: This was my first ever run and I enjoyed myself more than I thought I would. Am used to running this canal but in the other direction so was pleasantly surprised at how much nicer to look at this side was.
Horrible start line crush completely messed up the first km and tight towpath proved difficult to over take for the first few miles. Constant speeding up and levelling off really pushed all the cobwebs out and the very real threat of slipping in mud and going head first into the canal soon pushed any brave overtaking out the window.
Once it got going the mud was easier to avoid and it was obvious the lock bridges were taking their toll as I saw plenty of people crumble after the half way point!
The marshals were very friendly and encouraging but the odd cyclist/dog walker going in the opposite direction was quite annoying yet unavoidable on a public path with limited room.
The final push after the last bridge was horrendous in my opinion and totally took me by surprise sapping all the remaining energy from my legs.
Overall I was happy with my time of 1 hour 57 minutes which was at least 15 minutes faster than I expected so the potential for PBs is higher than you'd think.
Well done PurplePatch, excellent race, shame about the drizzle!
Date of review: November 15, 2010

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