My Event Ratings

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

In short: Hard but fun
In full: Having only just got back into events after about 15 years of laziness I found this tough but really good. On arrival I was pleasantly shocked to see that I was parked within 200m of the start and finish (and it only took 10 minutes to get out at the height of the rush after the race). The atmosphere was friendly and helpful. The route was pretty tough but any truely steep sections were short enough to dig in and get over, most ups were long and gradual. It was narrow in places but overtaking was generally easy due to the lowish numbers. Well recommended.
Date of review: March 28, 2011

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Too crowded for my taste. Expensive. Great crowd support.
In full: It's a long while since I'd entered any races so thought I'd try a biggish one. The pre-race info was comprehensive but a touch misleading. I know they need everyone there early with such a large event but the time scales in the pre-read were a touch doom and gloom and on a cold day that was a pain. There was also mention of registration and checking of personal details on your number when in fact running over the excellent chip timer was the only registration required. I'm an antisocial blighter so I'm sure many people enjoyed the sardines but in such a large field you rely on the honesty of predictions from fellow runners to have a smooth run. I spent the entire race weaving through those in front who'd clearly fibbed about their times! The flat course could provide a PB but unless you're right near the front I'd say you'd have to lie abouut 10 minutes under your genuine time prediction. Oh..that appears to be what everyone did; I guess there were some with experience of the place there! On a positive note I thought the crowds were really encouraging, especially one rather posh lady on the left as you re-entered town - well done. If you love a big event and just want to get round in any time or if you're a true racing snake and after a fast PB then this is for you. If you hate elbows and are an average runner I'd give it a miss.
Date of review: March 8, 2011

Report this rating to the moderator