Latest Ratings
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2013 southampton athletic club 10k
 | | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Mostly good
In full: This is the 3rd time I've raced this event and in previous years it's beaten me rather than the other way around.
Last year, the event had chip timing. This year, it had been abandoned. In addition, car parking was either free or £1 last year. This year it was £3. Race entry was the same. So, overall, the cost of entering and parking has increased and yet the chip timing has been removed. Hmmmm!!
The race organisation seemed fine. No issues. Race pack was received early and contained adequate information.
The car parking was in the park's overflow car parking so close to the start area. There is parking available outside the park but this does require a walk to the start area.
The course is unchanged from previous years. Mildly challenging and undulating. The marshals were a little quiet particularly while runners were bunched on the first lap but got more vocal, some at least, once the field spread out a little.
On each of the 3 laps, there's one water station. This was manned by two volunteers and they couldn't get cups out to runners fast enough. I missed a cup on the 2nd lap due to this (I'd not tried to grab one on the first or third).
I hear rumours that there weren't enough memento towels for all the runners taking part. A bit poor really given the fact that everyone had paid to enter and all you get is a towel.
Date of review: May 19, 2013
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2011 Southampton Running Club 10K
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 40% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Poor organisation at start
In full: This was the 2nd year I've run the SAC10K and the same issue as last year arose; namely the unclear start. The race was delayed by several minutes due to the confusion and the need to move the runners back to the other side of the start line. The finish was very clear. Shame that flags and direction arrows weren't used for the start. There was a sign but this was on the field and not really close enough to the start to highlight it. All a little disappointing given this is a regular issue with this race. One steward tried to rectify the situation which wasn't enough.
In terms of the course, it's pretty good. Mainly tarmac and a slight climb in the first km and then the same on the 2nd and 3rd lap. Marshals were on the whole encouraging. Good atmosphere at the finish.
The towels were a bit of a letdown as usual but it was good to get something. Having said that, that's all you get!
Date of review: May 16, 2011
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2011 Lymington 10K
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great organisation of a friendly race
In full: This was my first Lymington 10K and I enjoyed it. The start/finish area in Woodside Park was well organised although there were a shortage of toilets (not unusual for most running events in my experience though!) Parking was well organised and plentiful.
The start area was jam-packed and took a few minutes until we could reach our target pace.
The race is on 20% roads, 5% grass and about 75% gravel/shingle paths. It's pretty flat too so good PB potential although other local races such as Eastleigh 10K are faster.
Due to the rain over the weekend, there were a few puddles to dodge along the way.
Marshalls were encouraging for the most part; some simply pointing the direction.
Quite a few people I spoke to after the event said they thought that the race was 'short' by about 110 metres. This could simply be GPS error though.
Overall, a great race and atmosphere.
Date of review: May 9, 2011
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2011 Stubbington Green 10km (NOW FULL)
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great organisation and race (apart from car park signs!)
In full: 2011 was the first year I've run the Stubbington 10K following the event being snowed off last year.
This was my race of the year (apart from the Eastleigh parkrun at Wide Lane, Eastleigh). I was hoping for a 10K PB.
One issue that the race organisers should be aware of is that the competitor car parks were poorly sign-posted. In fact, there was one sign for car parking about 2 miles away and that was it. Fortunately, the race info included the postcodes of the car parks. Without that, many Stubby newcomers would have been lost!
Another related issue was that the entrance to the school car park was very well hidden and this lead to many drivers passing it and then having to turn around. Had a marshal been placed at the car park entrance, this would have easily resolved the issue.
The facilities at the Community Centre and chip collection were fine. Toilets were busy but that's to be expected with a field of 1800 runners.
Runners were directed to the holding area for about 9:45am and then lead down to the start line. The 'start' line sign was being held by a marshal. A little odd and that did lead to questions about it's location from runners around me. It was clear that it was the start from the RFID mata used for the chip timing.
It did take a little time before the congestion at the start eased.
The course was quite interesting. It seemed to have more inclines than declines! Hills at 3km and 7pm did seem to be longer than I'd hoped.
En-route there were lots of supportive marshals and quite a few spectators. They were all encouraging which was good.
The finish line was a welcome sight. Fortunately, there was a 400m sign as it was immediate clear where re finish was as you rounded the corner around the Community Centre.
Sprinted for the finish and beat my previous 10K by 3 mins and 33 seconds. Very pleased with that.
Having crossed the finish line, we were handed our mugs and chips were removed. Was expecting some kind of goodie bag but these didn't materialise. A slight disappointment but given the pretty cheap entry fee (and the reduction due to last Year's cancellation), it really wasn't an issue.
Getting out to the motorway from the car parks was painless and quick. In fact, there was no delay at all.
Many thanks to the organisers and marshals.
Overall, very pleased with the day. Will definitely run the Stubby 10K again.
Date of review: January 16, 2011
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2010 Gosport Half-Marathon
| | 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: Great organisation, encouraging marshalls and a good flat course
In full: This was the first time I'd run the Gosport 1/2 and I was glad I did. I arrived early (8:30am) and parked on the land on Brownhill Road. Parking was £1 so a bargain. Race registration was at the local school and well organised. As well as chip collection, there were sports massage facilities, baggage storage, refreshments and several toilets. Close to race start time, the queues for the toilets were long so don't get there too late.
It was a short walk to the start line where signs grouped runners by expected finish time.
The start of the race was delayed by about 5 minutes due to an issue with closing the road. Then we were off.
The course is flat and although not that picturesque, it was interesting. The laps of the airfield weren't too discouraging.
The marshals were very encouraging and did a great job of traffic management etc.
I PB'd which I'm pleased about. A combination of a flat course and good pacing!
Post race, the goody bag and medal were good. Medals could be engraved for a small fee (£4 I think).
The baggage reclaim was very busy (make sure you get in the right queue!)
The only negative was getting out of Gosport. The exit to the carpark was congested and this delayed leaving considerably. In fact, I'd say it was more difficult leaving than it was the GSR this year.
Will definitely be back next year!
Date of review: November 22, 2010
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2010 Bupa Great South Run 10
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: An excellent race
In full: Having heard about the issues with parking on the Common last year, I arrived by car very early. It was nice knowing that the parking would be £3 without having to guess what you'd be charged for city centre carparks.
Considering the very large number of runners taking part, the race ran like clockwork. Marshalls ensured no issues on the route, start waves started on time. Really can't fault the organisation (I won't mention the argument between the 'construction' crew for the Start Gantry!)
The course is relatively flat (not pancake flat though) and is scenic.
The crowds that lined the side of the route were very encouraging. Some needed cajoling to make some noise. The kids were great though. Make sure you have your name on your running top to hear lots of shouts of encouragement.
Already signed up for next year!
Date of review: October 25, 2010
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2010 Eton Half Marathon
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Pretty good race
In full: The organisation of this 1/2 marathon was great. The event was signposted from the M4 and the parking was well organised.
Only about 200 participants (compared to 2000 for their 'Race Your Pace' event in Feb (2011 event on 20 Feb).
Nothing to fault really. The course is 4 laps of the lake. A little dull but that was explained in the race literature. There are a few slight inclines but nothing too challenging. However, after 10 miles, these did feel challenging to me!
I had hoped to beat 2 hours but it beat me! 2:15 in the end. Not that pleased with the performance but I can't blame anyone for that! I went out too fast and I paid the price in the end.
The Lucozade van was in attendance and free 'Body Fuel' was available each lap. It was very welcome.
The finisher's medal was ok but not engraved with the event name. A little disappointed by that.
Date of review: September 5, 2010
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2010 Lordshill 10K - PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE
| | 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: Excellent organisation, great support from marshalls
In full: This was my first Lordshill 10K and I'd definitely do it again if it was earlier/later in the year.
The weather today was way too hot and humid and the latter half of the race was a struggle as it got warmer and warmer. I'm sure many struggled to match/beat PBs. Getting around was the order of the day.
Race organisation was excellent as were the numerous marshalls around the course. Extra water station well positioned.
The course was a mix of road, pavement, estate, trail and a few shady stretches were very welcome although low in number!
Participant medal a nice touch.
Results not available yet (6 hours after race). Hoping to see them live soon.
Other than move the race to May/Sept/Oct, there's little I would suggest needs improving!
Date of review: June 27, 2010
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2010 Southampton Running Club 10K
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Pretty good but a few things could be improved
In full: For me, this is a very local race at a park that I visit regularly. My 3rd 10K and matched my PB. Overall, fairly pleased with the day. However, there are a few things that could make it better.
Positives:
* great support from people around the course and stewards
* fairly flat course around country park
* minimal traffic (tended to be people that live on the country park or early finishers leaving carpark)
* free parking
* water available regularly
* cheap race entry
Negatives:
* unclear location of start line (finish line was very clear!) - everyone seemed to head to finish line and then needed to be ushered back
* no chip timing
* unclear km markings throughout route
* poor map on instruction sheet
* steward ushered fellow runner to finish line one lap too early
* Towel at end was useful but not much of a momento
Therefore, to make this better, I'd recommend:
* making the start line area much clearer
* add 'lap number' to km markers
* provide chip timing
Date of review: May 16, 2010
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