My Event Ratings

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

In short: I hate 10ks but...
In full: I will make an exception for this lovely race. first time I've run it so can't comment upon change of course, other than to acknowledge that it was a touch short (but in today's heat that wasn't a problem). Could easily have overcome that by moving the start back a bit. Well organised, with efficient bag drop, plenty of marshals and water at half way. It was the perfect post-marathon race. I will certainly add this to next year's calendar.
Date of review: May 6, 2013

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Not so good second time around
In full: Positives - great scenery, enthusiastic crowds (although less than last year). Negatives - insufficient toilets at start, poor finishing area - would have been useful to have had an exit point for those without baggage to save the long walk past the baggage reclaim area. Extremely difficult to get into town - after running 26.2 miles you begrudge having to fight through everyone. I'm glad I ran it and got a respectable PB, but I won't be returning as I don't think it offers value for money, and the end of race is a shambles.
Date of review: April 15, 2013

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		100%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: A friendly low-key pre-marathon training run
In full: Excellent value, including a medal which considering the entry fee was unexpected. Course well laid out, so easy to follow. Mildly undulating, which some may have found challenging. Being able to decide at mile 15 whether to finish or do the extra loop is an added bonus. Plus being 21 miles, when most marathon training runs/races are 20 miles means only having to run an extra 5.2 miles, not 6.2 miles! The start was very fast, but after a few miles it evened out. Marshals - you all deserve a medal. Not only did you stand in that awful weather, you gave loads of encouragement. A special mention to the youngsters giving out water and the two girls handing out jelly babies - a lovely touch and most welcome. Plenty of (free) parking, easy to drive away from. Thank you everyone involved.
Date of review: March 25, 2013

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: A small, but perfectly formed, event
In full: This had all the advantages of a club event (intimate and welcoming) with efficient organisation (baggage drop was a small tent where you could leave your bag literally 5 minutes from the event start). Home made cakes at the end - yum. The route was multi-terrain, being a flat tow path, with a mix of road, gravel, cobbles and a bit of mud. Lovely views of the Thames. Water/Gatorade every 3 miles (in cups so I was covered in the stuff, but that's a small price to pay). I'd recommend it as a pre-marathon training event (pacers were very encouraging) or even as an event in itself. Will definitely do it again next year. Thank you Clapham Chasers for making everyone welcome.
Date of review: March 3, 2013

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: My first marathon - and definitely not my last
In full: I couldn't have wished for a better marathon than Brighton to be my first. Varied scenery, excellent support (particularly along miles 12-14 and 24 onwards). Undulating course from miles 7 - 9 meant all the hill training paid off. It is well organised, although could benefit from more toilets en route. I was lucky, I only had to wait 4 minutes, but I know of others who had to wait close to 15 minutes. Plenty of water stops. A suitably heavy medal plus t-shirt in small, medium and large which I will be proud to wear. The only downside was the 22 mile marker was actually at mile 20.5 - I think it should have been on the other side of the road for the runners who were completing the 'road to hell' loop. But overall, a well organised and friendly marathon - I have already pre-registered for next year.
Date of review: April 16, 2012

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Great experience but perhaps too large a race
In full: A (too) warm day gave the day a special feel. Crowd support was amazing, but I welcomed the mile or so on the Lower Bristol Road where there were no spectators as it gave me a chance to watch my pace (the crowd support and music meant my pace was faster than I had planned). Good water and Lucozade stops. There were parts of the route that became too narrow, and too many cones on the road, and some runners stumbled over them. Goodie bag contained a welcome Mars bar (which, despite the heat, was nice and cold), an Eat Natural bar, nuts, and a T-shirt, plus the medal. However, despite finishing just under 2 hours, I was only offered a large t-shirt - more like a dress. I suppose I will use it pre-race another time! Would i do it again? Not sure, as I prefer smaller races, although I did love the support, which kept me going. It was mainly flat, with some small undulating parts, which kept it interesting, so the course suited me (and I liked the fact that it was two loops). However, I will see what other half marathons are available before making up my mind.
Date of review: March 12, 2012

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Great for first timers and those seeking a PB
Date of review: April 22, 2011

Report this rating to the moderator