My Event Ratings

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

In short: It's the attention to detail that makes this race great
In full: 7th time I've run this one and it's as good as ever - definitely my favourite local race.

It's the little things that make the difference :
- Friendly marshals
- Top quality t-shirt with an Olympic "theme" this year
- Well designed medal with the course on it
- Still cheaper than most other local races

The race is a credit to Handy Cross Runners.

Date of review: July 19, 2012

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

In short: This is what running is all about !
In full: After taking part in lots of bigger races, some of which are clearly a money making exercise, this race was a refreshing change. Well done to the organisers and please make it a regular event !

PROS
- I absolutely loved the course - stunning scenery on undulating country roads.
- Atmosphere was wonderful - friendly organisers, other runners and locals who came out to offer support
- Post-race BBQ and discounts in local restaurants/cafes

CONS
- There was a fair walk to collect bags and then a bit of a wait to collect medal/t-shirt which could do with being improved next year.
Date of review: March 18, 2012

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

In short: Enjoyable but could be improved
In full: A very well organised half marathon. The course isn't flat but there are no big hills either. The finish on the athletics track is enjoyable.
Not the most welcoming of races....I got the impression that some of the Fairlands Valley Spartans runners/marshalls seemed to resent the fact that non-club runners were taking part. Also, personally, I would have preferred a medal rather than the T-shirt.
Date of review: November 8, 2010

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

In short: Well organised race along a lovely waterside course.
In full: Top-notch location...parking was within yards of the start and there were no queues for anything.

The course was slippy in parts at the start and finish but hardly surprising given the non-stop rain for the last few days.

If the course is drier next year, it's definitely a PB race as it's flat and there's no bottlenecks.

Unlike a certain half marathon in the same town, I came away thinking I'd got good value for money.

Thanks to Purple Patch Running...I'll definitely be interested in the other events they organise based upon how good this one was.
Date of review: October 3, 2010

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Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		No
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		60%
Value		100%
Beginner-friendliness		100%

In short: Flaws need ironing out
In full: This was my second London marathon and it's great to be part of such a special day. However, after spending months training for the race, it's a shame that two things took the shine off the day for me :

1. I started from the blue pen and there seemed to be no control so people started where they wanted. The field was so congested it took me 15 miles before I could get into my stride.

2. Having switched to Lucozade gels specifically for the race it was unforgiveable and unacceptable for them to run out at 21 miles. I finished midway down the field so they must have badly miscalculated the numbers required.

I love London but have to say Berlin is better based on my experiences of the two.
Date of review: April 27, 2010

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