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		60%

In short: A fine run on a warm spring day - well almost
In full: Excellent organisation today, parked the car very quickly and found race HQ although crowded due to weather we quickly picked up our race numbers without hassle. Went to find toilets outside, long queue but it moved quickly and we were only waiting about 10 mins. Although weather was quite cool, the rain / snow / tsunami etc held off for a pleasant run along the sea front. Plenty of marshalls lining the route offering encouragement. Thanks to St Johns Ambulance always good to see them there! And the young uns who were handing out the water did a grand job on what must have been a cold morning for them standing around for a few hours. An almost dead flat course (apart from the middle section through the very nice park area)managed a pb at this distance which made it even better. Heading towards the finish line was excellent with all the crowds cheering runners over the line. Only a few very minor gripes. The medal - as it was the 30th running of this event it would have been nice if the medal or ribbon had '30th' or at least '2013' on it. At the finish line there was only quarters of orange or half bananas, pretty much all other races I have been too provided jaffa cakes etc which is always welcomed (although I believe cakes could be purchased inside the race HQ)The start line was not very obvious. The man on the tannoy said to move to the start and that it was over where the houses were. - there were house all round the field! the only start sign I found was behind a car that had parked in front of it obscuring it from view. Obviously not a major issue as you just end up following everyone else. Last thing, I couldn't find a baggage drop anywhere, first race I've been to where this has happened. Luckily our car was parked close by so we popped back and left our gear there. None of this spoiled our morning in anyway and will definitely be back next year all in all an excellent race. Well done to the Folkestone Running CLub for organisation.
Date of review: March 29, 2013

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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: Flat as they come............
In full: A very local race for me so I knew it was going to be a very flat course. Out on the country lanes, very little traffic to bother the runners. Previous reviewers comments about the wind being an issue must be from people who don't live on Romney Marsh. It was quite a gentle breeze for this area (try running along the sea wall at Dymchurch, now thats windy!) Temperature was quite low but if wearing the correct amount of clothing no problems. Race started on time, not too keen on the lap of the field at the start to make up the distance would be good to extend it out on the road somewhere. Timing chip collection and bag drop off were both very quick and efficient. Overall a good friendly atmosphere and a good crowd at the end despite the chilly weather. Not too many spectators out on the course but this is expected as its down little lanes without many houses. Great to see Jaffa cakes and snack bars aplenty at the finish and also the t-shirt was much improved on last years dull grey thing. Medal is quite a nice design aswell. Overall a good friendly race, ideal for first timers and those searching for pb's. Thanks to all the brownies handing out the water and various parts of the course and the marshalls for their good work as usual. Will definitely be back next year.
Date of review: March 10, 2013

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

In short: A fine 5 miler
In full: Parking was along the narrow village street, and there was no car park that I was aware of, but it was a village so not surprising. A short walk from where we parked up to the village hall to register which was quick and painless. The race started right on time and the atmosphere seemed friendly and not too serious, so a good race for first timers. The course was along country roads and lanes, some of which were open to traffic but cars were few and far between so not really a problem. There were marshalls at all important junctions to direct us so no chance of getting lost. There were one or two dogs running, althought I don't think they had paid as they were not wearing running numbers. It was slightly unusual as dogs are normally not allowed on these type of runs but it wasn't a problem for me as even a 15 year old 3 legged bassett hound could over take me.
A lively crowd at the end cheered the runners over the line and pickd up my medal which was nothing special but ok. Water, home made hot soup and snacks were available at the finish. All in all, an enjoyable race and the best weather we could expect this time of year. Just one muppet in a little blue Toyota who almost blocked my car in as they clearly couldn't see my big black car. Next time just park a little further down the road. Rant over!
Date of review: February 17, 2013

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

In short: Good once we got started....
In full: Plenty of car parking, with a 10 min walk to the start no problem. Collected our timing chips quickly and the bag drop off area in the clubhouse was very efficient even though everyone seemed to be sheltering from the cold and making it very congesteed. We then had another 10 min walk to the start. Stood trying to keep warm, while we were informed of a 10 minute delay. The race was run on narrow country lanes and after the first 2k or so there was sufficient space to run freely. General organisation was very good, plenty of marshalls at important locations and many of them and the spectators cheering the runners on. One water station at the 5k mark. Nice medal collected without delay at the end of the race, and there was further water and jaffa cakes, biscuits etc for all finishers. I would say the only downside was the very congested start which probably caused many runners to miss out on the opportunity of a pb which is a shame as its a relatively flat course with just a few inclines up and down (and a fair size incline at the 7k marker - nice to see St Johns Ambulance providing support)
Date of review: February 3, 2013

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

In short: Great weather made the day
In full: Weather could have been doing anything today, luckily it was smashing. The sun shone all day and with hardly any wind made for great pb potential and a very pleasant race. Registration process (collecting number & t-shirt) was silky smooth and efficient. 4 x 5km (+a bit) laps along the seafront, I didn't mind this but what I didn't like was the 'double backing' at each end of the loop. The fastest runners were obviously one or two laps ahead of us slower ones but one minute they overtook you and then they were coming towards you. A circular lap would be better but I guess road closures etc can make it difficult. The only mile markers I saw were 10 & 13 milers (although runners are aware that the start / finish line is a new lap) Certainly helped to have GPS watch to track performance. Lap courses are definitely better for the supporters though as they get to see the runners again and again without needing to move at all. Very enjoyable day and would consider doing again in the future, but would like to see changes to the course layout.
Date of review: November 11, 2012

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

In short: Enjoyable Sunday morning
In full: Another enjoyable 10k race (my 8th this year) managed a PB so well happy. Course is mildy undulating but nothing too hard. Closed roads are a bonus. Two water stops enroute, the first had 33cl (I think) size bottles which seem a bit of a waste as you only need a couple of mouthfuls and then throw the rest away) Overall organisation was good, although I nearly missed the start due the long queue for the toilets. There were some more toilets upstairs but they were marked for VIP's only! Wow you must be important if you get your own toilets! My tip would be to register before the day, this is a fairly large 10k race(1000 runners) and loads of us, including me left it until the day to register, cue long queues, although we were dealt with promptly. Marshalls all around the course were helpful and clapped as did the residents of Ashford. The end of the race, was excellent as it finishes with an almost complete lap of the stadium track and large crowds cheering everyone home. Plenty of parking and managed to escape without delay at the end. Medal is ok, nothing special, wouldn't have minded a t-shirt aswell :-). Will definitely do again next year!
Date of review: October 15, 2012

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

In short: Slightly challenging but excellent location
In full: Really enjoyed this run, my first half marathon for 8 years. The sun eventually came out around 2.00pm so I had the last half of my run in sunny weather. The course is quite undulating so can be tiring on the legs, probably not the easiest for a first timer but certainly not beyond anyone with enough training. Excellent atmosphere and the guys on the p.a. done a great job giving information and encouragment at all times. Toilets were plentiful and the baggage storage worked well. An excellent crowd cheered all competitors along and a special thank you to the Army corps who marshalled and cheered us round. My only issue would be with leaving at the end. I had read in the brochure that there was priorty parking for runners so we duly displayed out running number on the dashboard. We arrived early as suggested and then unfortunately were parked right at the back when it came to leaving. The usual free for all ensued meaning we sat in the car for 60 minutes barely moving before we managed to get out of the field. There was a marshall with a radio trying to control cars but he left after realising no one was taking any notice of him. I Really don't want to be sitting in traffic for an hour after running 13 miles and then driving a further 2 hours home, some improvements still required there but otherwise a great day.
Date of review: October 8, 2012

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

In short: Excellent run for an excellent charity
In full: Saw this run at short notice so unfortunately I did not have time to raise sponsorship. Weather held up for the morning, good parking facilities on arrival, well sign posted etc. The run was two loops around a section of Mote Park, which was very nice and scenic, different terrains, undulating, tarmac, grassy and some gravel paths but no problems. Not as competititve as other runs I have done, which made a nice change, this one was more about the charity. The event was well organised, enjoyable warm up pre race, registration was quick and easy. Marashalls directed us on the run, but were all rather quiet with one playing with their phone as I ran past, but they are volunteering after all so well done to all of them anyway - a little more encouragement / cheering around the course would have been good. I missed the one (I think) water stop enroute, not sure if they had run out or were just not holding it out as they have done in other races. Free T-shirt, medal and certicate on completion with a good crowd cheering all competitors over the line topped off with a small but tasty free portion of Nandos! All in all, a great morning spent running for a great charity, would gladly do again next year.
Date of review: September 18, 2012

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

In short: Excellent run for PB potential
In full: I Didn't have the best preparation for this run (5 hours standing in Hyde Park, a one mile run to the train station and then falling into bed around 1.30am the night before) but still managed a P.B. in this my local run. The course is very flat (well it is on Romney Marsh)mainly around very quiet country lanes with only a couple of cars at the start and finish. Even the sun managed to shine for a few hours so made it even more pleasant. Clear KM markers at regular intervals, two water stops at 3 & 7km. Marshalls were quiet but clapped politely as we ran past. Nice crowd cheering all runners over the finish line and medals handed to us by the Mayor of New Romney. To top it all another great selection of free homemade cakes presumably by the ladies of the Rotary Club - thank you for those, very much appreciated. There were some t-shirts as an extra award but only XL were available by time I finished (am now trying to put on 3 stone so that it fits!)I would like to see a bit more advertising as most people I mentioned it to locally were not even aware it was on. Will definitely return next year - will need to lose the 3 stone again!
Date of review: July 16, 2012

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

In short: Scenic run, quite challenging
In full: Arrival and parking were fine, although grass in the parking area could have done with a cut. Most of the organisation was very good, marshalls were all excellent cheering and encouraging runners around the course. KM markers were clear. The run was mostly along tarmac narrow lanes, with the odd car to avoid but no major problems. Excellent crowd at the end cheering all runners over the finish line. Would have been nice if there had maybe been some orange squash as refreshments at the end instead of just water. Also would have prefered a medal at the end (as trying to make a collection) rather than a horrible yellow Tshirt that I will proabably never wear. All in all a good race but not quite worth the money due to lack of medal and poor refreshments. (Hamstreet 10k had lots of nice cakes at the end - all free and it was the same cost as this one)
Date of review: July 8, 2012

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