My Event Ratings

Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		40%
PB potential		20%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		80%
Value		40%
Beginner-friendliness		100%

In short: Exceptional day out as usual but spoiled by runners who submit unrealistic times. I started from the second Green pen and passed people walking on the Tyne Bridge. This is suicidal and dodging slower runners [as we all know] isn't easy.
In full: If you can't meet your expected time for whatever reason, then start towards the back of the field and let some people at least try and get a PB. Another mone of mine is that the shuttle bus I used to transfer from South Shields to Newcastle took over an hour to get there because the driver didn't have a clue where to go and me and many other frustrated runners had to jog from the bus station to the start, which we made only because the start was delayed. Not ideal prepaaration for a half marathon. Maybe something for the organisers need to look at. What's wrong with simple AA signs to guide the bus drivers to Newcastle if they don't normally use that route. Anyway, moan over and I will be applying again next year.
Date of review: October 2, 2006

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Special atmosphere - great day.
In full: This is the 3rd time I have done this race and this was definately the toughest due to the warm conditions. It felt to me that there was a water station missing, and I really think there should be a station before 4.5 miles. I agree with previous comments regarding people who start walking before they have reached the Tyne Bridge. Trying to overtake on the motorway side paths is dangerous and I witnessed one guy who fell badly and had to retire from the race after only 5 minutes. Hats off though to the organisers for making it a memorable day.
Thoughts to the families of the four guys who didn't make it to the finish.
Date of review: September 19, 2005

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: My first full marathon and came in under 4hrs. Not as challenging as I first thought but still a nice little tester.
Date of review: June 14, 2005

Report this rating to the moderator