My Event Ratings

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

In short: Enjoyable race in nice scenery - 3 laps of a mainly flat course through a lovely park setting. Good pb potential for all but the fastest runners.
In full: Nice course, 3 laps in the park, no hills just a few small inclines. Good organisation apart from the start which wouldn't have taken much to sort out with a bit more forethought although it meant the start was delayed by nearly 10 mins which is a bummer if you've warmed up ready for an on time start. Friendly atmosphere and a great place to bring your friends and family as they will have plenty to occupy them whilst you indulge in some racing. First km was very congested and will cost you a good bit of time whilst the race thins out, at least 15-20secs if you're not at the front. Chip timing wouldn't help this aspect unfortunately. If you are at the front you are probably fast enough to be lapping slower runners which might cause you problems. As such, despite the fast course these things might scupper a PB effort for many runners although the course does have good potential for this with a bit of planning. There is only one tight corner at the entrance to the park, the others aren't too bad and shouldn't slow you too much unless again you are running in the thirties I'd imagine. Overall a good race and one I will definitely do again but I urge the organisers to put more thought into the start, a little bit of thought will make a big difference to all the participants and therefore to the race reviews.
Date of review: May 16, 2011

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

In short: Well organised, great route, definite PB potential and very beginner friendly
In full: Great weather this year which obviously helps. The prevailing wind direction is for a headwind on the out route for about 4km or so but wind was light this year. Race starts at a school less than 1km from the far western end of the beach promenade (which runs all the way to Sandbanks). From the school it's full road width until a short wide path that drops down to the prom, then it's along the prom until Boscombe pier where you turn back and head in the opposite direction. Slightly different and longer route back off the end of the prom to make up the full 10k. No real problem with 'foot traffic' on the prom and generally easy to pass en route. Marshalling was very good, traffic stopped for all crossings and good facilities provided at start/finish. Please bear in mind it's a 10min walk from the suggested car parks so allow extra time for this or use it as a warm up. Will definitely being doing again next year.
Date of review: March 14, 2011

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

In short: This was my first proper race entry and I picked a good one! A few moderately challenging ascents but nothing too tough. Fantastic organisation and marshalling, perfect for a beginner or someone new to racing to feel confident and enjoy themselves.
Date of review: November 29, 2010

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