My Event Ratings

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

In short: Tough, yet enjoyable
In full: A test of mental and physical strength. The crowded start wasn't ideal and the uphill first mile was slow if, like me, you began too far back and had to weave between runners. Miles two and four had long, steep climbs and in the middle there was a vicious little hill for good measure!
The fifth mile was a sharp descent and on 'jelly' legs as hard as any of the uphill sections. The remainder of the race was a bit congested, making overtaking difficult, thanks to the need to stick to paths. Not a PB course, yet an excellent run and a good test for any standard of runner.
The organisation was up and down, plenty of car parking made life easy, and the 11am start time was handy. On the downside a bit more clarity at the start might have helped get people in order and sorted out.
The race is well worth a try, and practising hills beforehand (both up and down)is essential.
Date of review: February 24, 2013

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

In short: A Decent Run, Needs To Learn From Its First Outing
In full: Put simply each lap of this two-lap course was run uphill for 2.5km then run back down again for 2.5km. Better than it sounds as the run is mainly through woods and therefore more interesting than the average "Big City" 10k. The run was a good test, though not brutal by any means, an ideal race for any off-road newcomer. The nature of the course meant overtaking was tricky in parts thanks to a number of narrow paths.
Despite a relatively small number of runners it was difficult to find any space to warm-up. Also, the pre-race announcements were impossible to hear thanks a duff microphone and this led to some runners at the front not taking the correct route out of the stadium at the start. Moreover, early in the race there was a severe bottleneck making running difficult.
The marshalls were very friendly and encouraging, and running on John Charles' track at the start, middle and end of the race made for a memorable day and a nice photo opportunity for watching families and friends. A decent race and with a few minor improvements could be an even better event next year.
Date of review: December 18, 2012

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

In short: Hard, hilly and enjoyable
In full: An undulating course with a harsh uphill first mile and numerous other steep hills provided a real test. With no chance of a fast time it's best to appreciate the run and take in some beautiful scenery. The last mile is a lovely downhill finish, much appreciated after a hard five miles! The organisation was good, the post-race buffet excellent and the atmosphere just right. A rewarding run, but make sure you've trained on hills beforehand!
Date of review: December 18, 2012

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

In short: A decent test, worth doing again.
In full: A course with a kick at the end. Two of the course's three hills were in the final two miles which made for a tough finish. The down-to-earth organisation and a no-frills start made it a more relaxed day than some races. Easy-to-follow route, lovely weather and a good atmosphere made it easy for a Barnsley first-timer. More of a test than the Abbey Dash which is run on the same day.
Date of review: November 21, 2012

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

In short: Enjoyable run, organisation could have been better.
In full: It was my first half marathon and I really enjoyed the run. The first six miles was a bit hilly (but not too bad) while the remainder was fast and flat. As people have noted the mile markers were poor and the queuing at the start was a fiasco. I ended up near the front at the gun and was pleased I did as the bottleneck behind looked hideous. The relatively clear road meant I ran 1:37 which was far better than I'd hoped for. There were many water stations, which was good, and I was impressed by the goodie bag particularly the good quality t-shirt. A decent race which would be much better with a few small improvements in its organisation.
Date of review: May 22, 2012

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