My Event Ratings

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

In short: Fantastic organisation, marshalls, crowd very friendly as were other runners, great course as long as you dont mind hills!
Date of review: May 13, 2012

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

In full: I have run this race now 4 times over the years. The first time since 2008. The route is the same, and the organisation is as good as ever. The only thing I could fault it on was to send the race numbers and details out a bit earlier. I received mine mid week of the race. Having had no communication as to whether I was in the race or not until I chased them the weekend before I was unsure whether to train hard for it or not.
However on the day it more than made up for it. The car parking was ace and well marshalled. In the stadium which was the start and finish the communication and organisation was very well organised. I picked up my race chip straight away and that was it ready to race. We were allowed on the running track for a pre race warm up. Adequate seating for spectators. My wife and small children came along for the first time. As it's our home race they normally line the road to cheer me on. This time they sat in the stadium and enjoyed the atmosphere. So much so my wife even declared a will to race next year. (ans she's a non runner!)
My 9 year old ran the under 10's fun run, which was really well organised and made fun for all ages and ability. Overall a good day out, with a live band entertaining the crowd, food and drink available, massage stations and the Pod Plus shop was open for a browse of running goodies!
Worth doing next year whether you're a seasoned runner or beginner, good chance for a PB as the course is relatively flat with a couple of small gradients to run up.
The route is all road, which is closed off, well marshalled, and marked. Drink stations around half way and again at 7-8k.
I'll be here again next year, well done to 'Nice work' and Ashford athletics club.
Date of review: October 11, 2011

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

In full: This wa my first half marathon. It was a great choice too. I had planned it into my marathon training as it was the right time for a 2 hour long run.
The organisation is excellent. From the welcome pack sent out, which includes a glossy booklet giving all the info you need including a detailed run down of the course. So even with the warnings of the infamous 'spring hill ringing in my ears, I was looking forward to it.
On the day the organisation was very good, excellent signage, adequate chaning and toilet facilities, along with a free supervised bag storage area. (your welcome pack comes with a tag in your bag with your race number on it).
The race was started by none other than Dame Kelly Holmes, which was a big bonus. With drume beats and cheering from the large crowd it was a carnival atmosphere to the start.
This kept up thorugh most of the race. Running fitness provided pace runners, which for my first half marathon was much appreciated.
The course starts out quite flat and is soon out into the countryside. With stunning view of the surrounding valleys, I wouldn't begrudge anyone stopping and getting an eyeful of the views. This carried on through most of the race, crossing streams and rivers and through lovely villages, who's occupants lines the routes to cheer us on.
Then came the infamouse spring hill, which is a bout a mile long and very steep. I was struggling now, but boyed by the cheering spectators I managed it without having to walk!
At the top is a water station where you can get a free energy gel. There are adequate water stations along the route, where they also hand out jelly babies. ( a nice touch).
The finish is nice and flat and I was glad to see the final 400m marker and to have my named called out as I crossed the line over the loud speaker was a bonus. Better still was Dame Kelly's smiling face as she handed out medals.
The goody bag was excellent, containing energy sweets, drinks, water, banana, running guide booklet, and lots of useful promo leaflets.
You also get a quality techinical t-shirt.
So overall a good race, well organised, I can't wait until next year!
Date of review: February 28, 2011

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

In short: Good course, little traffic, well signed and marked out. Marshalls and water stations well spaced. Simple no frills race.
Date of review: February 24, 2011

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

In short: Organisation was very good. Plenty of toilets, although get in early for your number 2's as there was quite a queue half hour before the race!
Date of review: January 30, 2011

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