My Event Ratings

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

In short: An off-roader's paradise - with killer hills and thick muddy paths to navigate!
In full: A really low key event but one worth entering. A very local feel, most of the runners were affiliated to local clubs - however this race had various abilities, so didn't feel elitist in any way. Good organisation, plenty of marshalls, decent facilities, and a tough hilly course! Great to run through a river towards the end, and that final hill......an experience to say the least! Good effort to all involved.
Date of review: February 1, 2012

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

In short: Superb half marathon - well organised and terrific atmosphere
In full: Anyone who wants to cross the finish line in front of 8,000 spectators should sign up now! Excellent finish in the Madjeski stadium, but the course in general takes you through Reading Town centre which means crowds and atmosphere. With various bands playing along the route you really cannot choose a better half marathon - beginner or experienced.
Date of review: August 4, 2011

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		100%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		80%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: Great event that takes running to a new level - elite or beginner, this is well worth doing
In full: If you ever wanted to know the feeling of running a series of 10k laps (at least one in total darkness with head torch), starving yourself of sleep in the process, and then actually finding it enjoyable, then this is the event for you. It matters not if you can do a 10k in 30 mins or 1hr 30, this event caters for all abilities. Sure the course isn't your standard flat road race, but then that wouldn't be fun in the dark would it?! Course was tough without being too hard, and the organisation was very good. Although you can enter as a solo runner, the mixed 8's team event is as sociable as it can get. Sharing experiences as the next runner comes back from their 10k lap creates a real team bond, and by the end of the weekend you really feel like you have achieved something (so do your quads by the way!). Great event and will be back for more next year.....
Date of review: August 1, 2011

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Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		Maybe
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		80%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		20%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: Great potential - however dreadful organisation at the finish
In full: My first marathon and really enjoyed the course and the atmosphere - however at the end it took me 40 mins to walk to the area to meet family. Spectators couldn't get near the finish either, and this needs addressing big time.
Date of review: May 26, 2011

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

In short: Killer hills between 3rd and 6th mile - couldn't find a glycogen garage after that!
In full: Swindon was a good experience but a painful one - I had simply made the mistake of not doing enough hill training on a very hilly course. I posted 2:07 which is my worst HM time to date - good organisation though, and friendly event.
Date of review: May 2, 2011

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