My Event Ratings

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

In short: Great race, good crowd and well organised.
In full: I'd been told that Reading was fast, but I did begin to panic at the start when I found myself surrounded by people who had clearly started in the wrong time section, and had to spend a lot of time weaving around people. But despite a slow start (8 minutes for first mile), I managed to knock nearly five minutes off my PB. Loved the race, it seemed to absolutely fly by. Support from the crowd was good, and big thanks to the guys and girls with the jellybeans at around 10 miles. Scenery wasn't great - didn't really bother me as I don't notice these things much when racing, but I did get pretty bored on the stretch on the dual carriage way towards the end. Overall it was a well organised event, and definitely a great race for PB's.
Date of review: April 15, 2006

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

In short: Good fast course, has potential but organisation needs to improve
In full: Enjoyed the race once I'd got over the terrible organisation at the start - including being pushed back by a bunch of ladies clearly just out for a stroll. Wasn't really worth their while putting the timing signs up as they kept telling everyone to move back in any case, and I think someone needs to tell them that there is some middle ground between a sub 1:30 race and sub 2 hours.

Managed a PB of 1:40, but did miss some of the mile markers (I'm assuming they were all there?.

Thought the water stations were impressively frequent but not so impressively staffed. Also thought it was absolutely pointless providing an energy drink in a cup.

Enjoyed the finish - was very scenic running through the castle though the cobbles were a bit punishing and made me glad I wasn't doing the full marathon - and the inal lap round the Milennium was certainly a bit special and gave me the incentive to make a sprint finish!
Date of review: October 5, 2004

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