My Event Ratings

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

In short: Very enjoyable race
In full: I've left it a long time after the race to post a review but just to say It's a nice scenic race, well organised and the medal from Dame Kelly Holmes is a very nice touch indeed. There is one section with a tough long hill but the rest of the course isn't too bad. The race is quite a nice size too.
Date of review: September 8, 2011

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

In short: Great Experience. Everyone should do it at least once
In full: This was my first half and it was a really great experience.

It's true you do get held up at times but you need to balance that against the lift you get from the atmosphere of the event that you won't get at a lesser known race when you go through moments of boredom. The 50,000+ runners alongside the shed loads of supporters is what makes it such a special event anyway.

The course itself is a little dull and repetative other than crossing the tyne bridge and South Shields coming into view at 12 miles, both of which are great to see.

There are shed loads of locals who cheer your name, slap your hand and give out various things. One guy was even running a hose from his house to cool people down.

The drinks bottles are too big and just end up wasted at the side with a couple of sips taken out of them. They should be smaller but the companies will want to promote the version they sell in the shops.

The organisation was smooth and I had no problems with my bags etc. Getting the metro back takes ages but not much they can do about that.

The t-shirt and medal you get at the end both look good.

All in all it's a special experience that everyone should try and do at some stage


Date of review: September 20, 2010

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

In short: Very enjoyable 10K. Nothing too series and good one for begginers (distance problems seem to be resolved).
In full: I was worried about the accuracy of the distance for this race having read some reviews from previous years. However, having carefully mapped out this years course on the internet I made it exactly 10.0K (be iteresting to hear what people with GPS watches made it)

It's a very relaxed atmosphere. They take you through a nice little warm up at the start. The course is soft so kind on the body. Chip timing is used so you get a print off of the result at the end (start to finish and clock time). You get a breakfast bag at the end which is a nice touch.

It's slightly more expensive than most races. However, the money goes to the charity so the majority of people will be perfectly happy with this.

All in all it made for a very enjoyable day.


Date of review: September 14, 2010

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