My Event Ratings

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

In short: Friendly, well organised local race
In full: I was attracted the the High Legh 10k by the promise of cake at the finish line. It didn't disappoint. The course is largely flat and on quiet roads - a little windy but definite PB potential.

The race was very well organised: lots of supportive marshals, good parking arrangements, two water stations, a nice goody bag and the poshest portaloos ever! Best of all, the local PTA had laid on tasty tea and cake in the school hall afterwards.

A very enjoyable race: definitely worth the trip from Yorkshire. I hope to be back next year.
Date of review: February 27, 2011

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

In short: Leeds' best race: well organised, friendly and a super fast course.
In full: No major complaints about this year. The coloured bibs and segregation of spectators and runners made the start better.

However, the starting zones could have been better enforced. I was in the 45-55 zone and spent the first 3 miles overtaking people who clearly weren't running at anything like that pace.

Overall though, a great race with fantastic PB potential. A few friends ran it as a first 10k and are converted.
Date of review: November 24, 2010

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

In short: A very friendly race in beautiful surroundings. Shame about the hills!
In full: Alderney is a tiny island, but they know how to put on a good race. There was a new route for 2010, the first 6.21 miles of which offered a pretty speedy course for the 10k runners. The remaining 7 were hard work, as all reserves were wiped out by the torturous Torgis Hill. The marshals reassured us when we got the top that it was downhill all the way home. Possibly true if you have fresh legs, but a cruel deception to the tired runner.

However, the scenery was breathtaking, the support warm and encouraging and the organisation like clockwork. The organiser had very generously turned his home into race HQ, with a fabulous lunch for all competitors and bathrooms made available for competitors to shower in. The fabulous atmosphere more than compensated for the tough course. I'll definitely be back - although possibly for the 10k next time!
Date of review: September 5, 2010

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

In short: Brilliantly organised, practically flat course and a great atmosphere...
In full: ...can't fault it!

Kudos to Sheffield for organising a fantastic race. By Yorkshire standards the course is practically flat - the biggest climbs was about 150 feet over half a mile and the second half was all downhill. It was lined throughout with supportive crowds, including musicians and cheer squads. I was glad not to be wearing an iPod so I could really soak up the atmosphere.

I followed the advice in the race pack and arrived just before 8am. The organisation was spotless: loads of loos, ample parking, and the most efficient bag storage I've ever seen at a city race. The volunteers to dechip the shoes were a welcome touch.

There was water roughly every 3 miles and a sponging station, water and Powerade at mile 10. I'm sure some people will complain that the water was in cups not bottles, but given how many practically full bottles of Powerade got thrown away after a mouthful, I'd say cups are the right move.

Thanks to the organisers and volunteers for a great event - and a special thank you to Erica the sports masseuse, who looked after my calves so well after the race!
Date of review: April 25, 2010

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

In short: Challenging course, very well organised, good value for money
In full: This year's race was postponed from January to April due to the snow.

It's definitely worth finding out about the course in advance: it's pretty hilly so pacing is key. The uphills are offset by some nice fast downhill sections so overall there's still PB potential - I broke mine today.

The roads aren't closed for this race but the marshalls did a good job of controlling the traffic and were very supportive. Great value for money, and the engraved glass is an unusual and practical momento. I'll definitely be back next year.
Date of review: April 18, 2010

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

In short: A very enjoyable race with something to offer fast runners, slow runners, new runners and everyone in between.
In full: Wakefield Hospice have done an excellent job in putting together a city centre road race that feels friendly and welcoming. The course is undulating, with no particularly steep hills but some long shallow uphill drags. The marshals were plentiful and very helpful. There was a slight hitch with the car park that I used, but the race organisers were so efficient at redirecting runners that it didn't delay me at all. The free park and ride made getting to and from the race very simple. When I arrived 45 mins before the start time there was no queue for the portaloos - that's never happened before!

I had a fantastic day and would highly recommend this race, particularly for new runners looking for an unintimidating first 10k. Worth every penny.
Date of review: March 28, 2010

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

In short: Friendly, varied well organised trail race. Low key but great fun.
In full: This was a really unpretentious, fun race. In the drizzle the scenery wasn't as beautiful as it could have been, but the route gave a good range of terrains and inclines. Personally, I think hills make races interesting and there were a few short but challenging ones here. Lovely to have a track finish - I felt like I was having my own Chariots of Fire moment.

The race was really well organised with plentiful marshal. There was water and Jelly Babies at the half way point, bananas, crips and a chocolate bar at the finish line. I really enjoyed this race and will definitely be coming back for more!
Date of review: February 8, 2010

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

In short: A well organised charity run. The entry fee was very steep and the atmosphere not as carnival like as some big runs. Good course though and well organised.
Date of review: November 23, 2009

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

In short: A lovely course (not as hilly as the organisers make out). Overall the event was well organised with very encouraging marshals. Big mix of abilities makes it very beginner friendly.
Date of review: October 19, 2009

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