My Event Ratings

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

In short: Splendid (near) autumnal Surrey woodlands
In full: Were the hills so hard, as suggested? I found the route well chosen in that respect, to mitigate ascents that can be *a lot* harder in the area - such as Box Hill! Altogether a very good half marathon if about half-and-half tarmac and trail, so not quite what a pure country runner would prefer - but then the challenge is to create a 13 mile + route from Denbies which is a glorious location with the grapes hanging in early October.

The raucous music at the start/finish can bash the ears, OK for some Freddie Mercury at the start and a snatch of Frank Sinatra at the end, however most of it was jarring than feel-good - new DJ selections please!
Date of review: October 7, 2012

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Glorious balmy November (?!) weather, atmospheric canal paths and woodlands
In full: As a trail runner I'd wondered how much joint bashing would be involved on the tarmac canal paths - but it wasn't a problem, the atmosphere along the canal side was delicious with all the pretty boats, a few fishing rods and sweeping Middle England countryside. Then some variety with a good uphill (not too taxing though!) and into magnificent Scots Pine woodlands with a few roots to keep you alert. This has to rate among the most unique of off-road events, finishing time/position becomes less of an issue - just soak it all up and enjoy!
Date of review: November 19, 2011

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Sweeping scenery, scots pine forests and lots sand!
In full: Among the best events in the Southern autumn cross country calendar: big open spaces, pine forests, challenging sands - comforting on fast descents - with painted/masked faces on the marshalls (and a few runners) adding to the fun of it all.

Only downside is no social facility to have a cup of tea and a natter afterwards, out of the finishing drizzle, most people tend to retreat to their cars, portaloos provided though (or indoors for wimmin!)
Date of review: October 31, 2011

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: A proper bit of cross country
In full: Well divided into 5k, 10k and 15k options, according to how many laps you do - because it's certainly challenging! Steep, exciting terrain which throws you about to keep in balance at times. The ascents/descents aren't as long as the Box Hill Fell Race, but it's that kind of event - fast firm ground, and lung gasping! Sandy bits, the odd gully and tree roots, add to the variety and challenge. The 15km race is all about having grit for lap 3, as 2 can feel quite enough - but then you overcome fatigue to keep the throttle open, which is what cross country is all about.

Good to see various older runners determinedly completing the course. Although there wasn't a water station at the finish you were handed a bag with a refreshing ginger-fruit drink.

This is among the best cross country events in the South: a fine, challenging woodland route also good facilities with hot showers.
Date of review: October 23, 2011

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Fine new fixture for autumn cross country running
In full: Very good organisation with plenty of dutiful, Halloween themed marshalls along this fine course which is an attractive distance variation from the typical 10ks. The sand makes it interesting and comfortable if a bit heavy going in places. Fine autumn scenary with light yellows contrasting against the green heather. Plenty of effort had also been put into markers and Halloween decoration along the way; however the distance markers appeared to vanish after 6 miles or maybe I was getting tired, so it became a bit uncertain as to pace. Unfortunately the rain around finish time compromised much socialising. The running field also spreads out considerably, so you can be running quite alone. But overall a fine autumn cross country run, well devised/organised, worth entering and returning for.
Date of review: October 31, 2010

Report this rating to the moderator