My Event Ratings

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

In short: Better than the last time
In full: I used to run this race when it started from the Open University site which couldn't cope with the numbers. Then, in 2010, the start was moved to Xscape which can handle the cars and people but the route was inferior. So, I decided to run elsewhere. Don't know why I was drawn back this time, but I feel it's now back to being enjoyable. The route is better - I hadn't realised that the last hill was new, but it was short anyway. Overall, the weather was not too bad but it was certainly cold, and I know not everyone likes that. I agree the 'Festival' tag is a misnomer. There are minor issues, such as chip removal, which only requires 3 or 4 people and is so appreciated after a tiring slog. but, having read the other comments, I do feel the organisers do take note of feedback.
Date of review: March 16, 2013

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Benign conditions for tough route
In full: This is a tough route, an uphill start with no chance to relax on any straight flats until the final part of each lap. Today, at least, the weather was kind to us and the finishing mile is a welcome one. Compared to some much bigger events, this is very well organised in every respect. It also has a very friendly atmosphere. Good value too. Well done David H and the team, I couldn't fault it.
Date of review: March 3, 2013

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Good to have it back
In full: I have done this a few times and enjoy it a lot. I was disappointed about the cancellation last year, but it was good to have it back this time. The hills are not as bad as Berko's but they are certainly testing, especially as they disturb the chance to get some rhythm. I do think it is well-organised and the baggage system works much better in the park than it used to in The Colosseum. I agree it needs a fourth water station, but I couldn't fault anything else. The car next to mine got a ticket. Could the organisers have a go at persuading Watford's parking powers-that-be to ease off with the rules on a February Sunday? That doesn't do Watford much good on the PR front.
Date of review: February 5, 2013

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Wind chill hits A422
In full: That was a windy run on Sunday, but otherwise good. I don't agree that the stretch on the A422 is dangerous; it depends on what you are used to, I suppose. This race is very well organised in every respect, especially the buses which take the pain away from parking you get at some events. It's a good and varied course too with a lovely finishing four miles. And another useful memento. Thanks
Date of review: December 12, 2012

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: An old friend
In full: An old friend which heralds the start of the Christmas season every year. The weather varies -this year very sunny- but the event stays the same. It really is very flat but quite twisty. The track finish provides a final flourish. Don't change a thing.
Date of review: December 4, 2012

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: A lovely day for a cross country
In full: This is challenging and varied in having both mud and hills. Neither is too troublesome but you will know you have had a test and you shouldn't focus on the time. Well-organised as ever by the Chiltern Harriers. Thank you.
Date of review: November 18, 2012

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Why were we waiting?
In full: I do like this event - my second time today and a quicker time than the last one in cooler weather. My only question is why was the race 20 minutes late off? We were warned about a 10 minute delay which is acceptable, but I didn't hear any explanation for the second 10 minutes delay. Once we got going it was once again a good event. The course is an up and down one, but surely the demands of Gallows Hill are compensated for by the close-up view of the fabulous Ovaltine factory, especially if you hadn't seen that before. I also applaud the fact that starter, G Taylor stays to welcome the runers home. That is true commitment to an event, instead of just trading on being famous. Well done, Graham.
Date of review: October 7, 2012

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Good test of pace for all runners
In full: Really like this one - 4th time for me. The difficult conditions on the school field didn't seem to faze the organisers even if it meant that the course ran a little short. The Phoenix Trail makes for a decent, flat second half and gives a chance to all runners to push on. My only quibbles are that: (1) if you are going to award medals, these should have the event details on, at the very least on the ribbon, and (2) why did the distinctive T-shirt feature London landmarks this year? Was this a reference to the Olympics?
Date of review: June 24, 2012

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Perils for race organisers
In full: As I am very familiar with the course, the immediate exit from the business park soon after starting was surprising. The later explanation that this was caused by a spectator on the course makes the smoothness of the change of route mid-stream amazing and a tribute to the organisers. I hope no one was hurt. After that, the race was as smooth as always; and it was a lovely morning on which to be running. Back for the 60th next year, I hope.
Date of review: April 6, 2012

Report this rating to the moderator

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

In short: Unexpectedly testing
In full: Well organised event run in beautiful weather today. Enjoyed and felt it, both during and after. Most halfs are much easier than this course but it left a good sense of achievement afterwards. The marshalling was excellent, especially on the two road crossings in the approach to mile 5. I expect there were a lot of disgruntled motorists in that area.
Date of review: February 26, 2012

Report this rating to the moderator