Race Reviews 2011
Review by: Gary O'Brien
Well done for everything on Sunday. Just wanted to pass on my thanks to the amazing mystery marshal that helped me at the 10 mile water station. I failed to grab a bottle at two attempts (look it's not that easy at 5.45 pace!!) and then half a mile down the road a marshal in a flourescent bib appeared alongside me on a bike and handed me a bottle of Powerade! Now that's what I call service!
Review by: Gerry Trill
I just wanted to give you some feedback on the race. I can’t really say I ‘enjoyed’ it in that I was knackered at the end of it but overall I felt that it was a really good event.
I have done quite a few half marathons up and down the country and I felt that yours was really excellent in a lot of ways: great atmosphere, friendly supportive helpers throughout, great facilities and support – for instance the baggage lorries reminiscent of the London Marathon and similarly efficient, plus toilets on the way round which I think is unusual in itself. And yes the rural scenery was lovely except for having to climb up the hills so much of the time. But then, if it was easy what would be the point of doing it! Nice medal and t/shirt too. These can often be a bit ‘ordinary’ but yours aren’t.
I travelled from East London and stayed with relatives in Swindon to do the run and I feel that it might become an annual ritual. It’s a nice way of bringing people together if you can get some eejit to do the running! Next time, I will be better prepared for the hilliness and hopefully get back down under 2 hours again. Plus perhaps persuade some other poor fool(s) to give it a go as well. Thanks a lot.
Review by: Andy Bicknell
Overall Score 10/10
Scenery 10/10
Atmosphere 10/10
Organisation 10/10
Value for money 10/10
Did you enjoy the race? Very much, it was my first Swindon Half and I shall be back next year.
Did you run a personal best? No, but I ran faster than expected.
Did you raise money for charity? Yes, Cancer Research
Will you be back? Yes, 2012
Comments: Couldn’t fault it, everyone was very friendly and helpful, good job well done to all.
Review by: Tony Brazier
Overall Score: 9/10
Scenery: 9/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
Organisation: 10/10
Value for money: 10/10
Did you enjoy the race? Yes!
Did you run a personal best? N/A
Did you raise money for charity? Yes
Will you be back? Yes
Comments: An excellent event made even better by the superb organisers. We entered 17 soldiers and administration in the lead up was made really easy due to the support the organisers gave us. The race day itself was one on the smoothest I have seen. All of our participants commented on how much they enjoyed the challenging course. See you next year.
Review by: David Stokes
Just wanted to provide some feedback after competing in this years race, this was my first ever Half Marathon and I really enjoyed the whole experience but I felt it was particularly well organised and supported compared to several 10k races I completed this year, so thank you to all concerned for their efforts before/during and after the race.
Overall Score 10/10
Scenery 10/10
Atmosphere 10/10
Organisation 10/10
Value for money 10/10
Did you enjoy the race? Yes a tough but rewarding course with great support along the way.
Did you run a personal best? Yes although this was my first Half Marathon so guess it doesnt count but achieved sub 2hrs which was my target.
Did you raise money for charity? Yes - Macmillan
Will you be back? Definitely once my legs recover ;o)
Thanks again and well done Swindon
Review by: Jason Pinkney
Overall Score: 9/10
Scenery: 8/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
Organisation: 10/10
Value for money: 9/10
Did you enjoy the race? Yes until mile 10 then it hurt a lot! Enjoyed it again after turning the corner at the last roundabout.
Did you run a personal best? Yes
Did you raise money for charity? No
Will you be back? Yes in 2012
Review by: Rob Brown
Overall Score: 9/10 – I ran it 2 years ago and really enjoyed it. I entered last year but didn’t take part due to injury, but would definitely have this as one of my regular competitions.
Scenery: 9/10 - considering Swindon is not renowned for it’s beauty, you’ve managed to pick a lovely route. Small little villages and fields. Who’d have thought?
Atmosphere 8/10 There are lots of people encouraging you on various spots which is always good. The start area and running commentary is the best I’ve experienced at any of these events – it is pitched just right.
Organisation: 8/10 – Thought that collecting running numbers etc on the day would be a nightmare, but it was well organised. Not sure if it would have gone so well if it had been raining. Everything else was fine. Enough toilets etc. Some confusion about the baggage labels – should have holes preformed? Could you not just use normal blank labels with string already attached (I know you would lose the opportunity for some advertising)?
Value for Money: 10/10 – very worth the price.
Did you enjoy the race? Really enjoyed the race, even Marlborough hill at the end – it’s a definite challenge! I also like crossing the motorway – I wave at the cars and some of them even honk their horns back at me! The other runners are really friendly as well, giving encouragement to get up the hills! Could have done with an earlier start possibly – seemed to miss my lunch somehow!
Did you run a personal best? Not this time, but I did when I ran it 2 years ago. It was the best time this year (out of 3) and I am recovering from injury, so hopefully it may be a pb next year.
Did you raise money for charity? No. Had to do that to get a golden bond place to run in the 2011 London Marathon, so find it hard to then ask people to sponsor me for a mere half marathon.
Will you be back? Absolutely.
Review by: Kirsty Heber-Smith
Overall Score:10/10
Scenery: 9/10
Atmosphere: 8/10 – this is only because on the really hard parts you feel slightly alone
Organisation: 10/10
Value for money: 10/10
Did you enjoy the race? 8/10
Did you run a personal best? Yes, beat my time by 15 minutes
Did you raise money for charity? No, not this year, more of a personal challenge
Will you be back? Yes, although thinking about running those hills again is making my legs ache!
Comments: I love the Swindon Half-Marathon, the organisation is great, and its one event that I think the whole town should get behind more. It’s a unique event, and great for personal achievements. My only issue is that it does tend to be very hilly and out of Swindon a little too much.
Review by: Graham Smedley
Overall Score: 10/10
Scenery: 10/10
Atmosphere: 10/10
Organisation: 10/10
Value for money: 10/10
Did you enjoy the race? YES
Did you run a personal best? YES
Did you raise money for charity? NO
Will you be back? YES
Comments: Thanks for a great day. Thanks to all the marshals and helpers for giving up their time for us.
Review by: Carol Roddy
Overall Score: 10/10
Scenery: 10/10
Atmosphere: 10/10 People were so friendly and kind.
Organisation: 10/10 It was so well organised, everything from start to finish was fab. A big thank you to the volunteers who handed out much needed supplies.
Value for money: 10/10
Did you enjoy the race? It was my first Half Marathon, enjoyed it when I'd finished!! :-)
Did you run a personal best? Yes I guess I can say I did.
Did you raise money for charity? Not this time, but will certainly consider it now I know i can do it!
Will you be back? Absolutely.
Review by: Rachael Green
Overall Score: 9/10 (lost the extra mark due to the amount of hills!!! although I was fully aware that they were there!)
Scenery: Beautiful countryside and pretty villages (shame you have to pass so many pubs without going in!!)
Atmosphere: Good amount of spectators - Plenty of marshalls/water points and encouragement from the locals.
Organisation: Very organised , no traffic, everyone knew what they were doing and very stress free
Value for money: 8/10 (A little expensive, please don't increase this for 2012).
Did you enjoy the race? Yes, it was a perfect temprature, however it was a little on the windy side!
Did you run a personal best? Yes 1hr 52m (better than my 2008 result of 2hr 11m) - Feel I could have done better if I was not struck down with cramp at 9 miles in both legs which slowed me right down!
Did you raise money for charity? Yes £350 for the Alzheimers Society (a charity very close to my heart)
Will you be back? I always so NO but somehow seem to talk myself back in to it again! so see you next year!
Comments: I think that the people running the Half Marathon should receive a different medal to the family fun run & Multi-terrain run and also think that the t-shirts should be replaced with something else (perhaps a key-ring or something that people will use?)
Review by: Kate Goucher
Overall Score: 9/10
Scenery: 9/10
Atmosphere: 10/10
Organisation: 10/10
Value for money: 10/10
Did you enjoy the race? Thoroughly enjoyed it, first time doing half marathon and loved every minute.
Did you run your personal best? As this was first time, yes it was PB and gave me something to aim for next year.
Did you raise money for charity? No, but will definitely look into it next year.
Will you be back? Most definitely and hopefully bring some more friends along too :)
Comments: Thank you all for making it such a great day, the drinks stations etc were just were I needed them
Review by: Chris Wilson
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Scenery: 9/10 - when I had a chance to look it is lovely - but this year focussed on a good time!
Atmosphere: 9/10 - despite the fact the route does go out into the sticks the support in the villages and along some of the remote parts of the course is brilliant
Organisation: 10/10 - excellent organisation as always
Value for money: 9/10 compared to some of the big city marathons this is incredibly good value, Bath and Plymouth could learn lots
Did you enjoy the race? 10/10
Did you run a personal best? No - agonisingly close - missed by 36 seconds was on for it until hit the wind coming up Marlborough road
Did you raise money for charity? Not this year - I do so many halfs and marathons if I tried to raise money for each one I would have no friends and colleagues would run a mile whenever they see me!
Will you be back? Definitely - although I do live in Cornwall and the Eden Project half tends to be on same day and that goes through my village so I am torn between the two each year and so far running in the corporate challenge for the works team in Swindon has taken priority! It would be good to have the Eden a week earlier or later than swindon so I can do both!
Review by: Richard Clark
Overall Score: 10/10
Scenery: 10/10
Atmosphere: 10/10
Organisation: 10/10
Value for money: 10/10
Did you enjoy the race? Certainly
Did you run a personal best? Definitely
Did you raise money for charity? Yes but not sure how much until I recieve all sponsorship forms back
Will you be back? Oh yes.
Review by: Gavin Mapstone
Before I answer the questions I'd like to say thanks for what was a great event. Also please can you pass on my utmost thanks to the 1hr 57m pacers. My goal was to beat two hours and without those two guys I'm not sure I would have. I think they carried the flag right to the end and were virtually bang on the time they were pacing.
Overall Score: 10/10
Scenery: The run is nice and varied being a mixture of urban and countryside. There are some nice views across Swindon and I like looking at the big houses in Liddington!
Atmosphere: Really friendly. Everyone I spoke to was very supportive of each other. It was good to have people around the course cheering you on. It definitely helps!
Organisation: Faultless. Lots of toilets for those with pre-race nerves... Lots of water stations. Pacers for a variety of times. Mile markers and a much needed energy drink with three miles to go. Couldn't have asked for more.
Value for money: 10/10 Though I would echo a previous comment that I'd gladly pay more for a technical t-shirt.
Did you enjoy the race? I enjoyed the start and the finish!
Did you run a personal best? This was my first half marathon and I was desperate to finish in under two hours. I'd been running for 21 months but a combination of family commitments and injuries meant this was the first time I had the conditioning to enter. The pace-makers meant I didn't go off too fast and had a target to aim for throughout the race. They really helped me and I was thrilled to finish in 1hr 56m 43s.
Did you raise money for charity? I raised £400 for Christian Aid.
Will you be back? I'll definitely be back next year and aiming for a new PB!
Review by: Frank Roberts
Overall Score: 10
Scenery: 10
Atmosphere: 10
Organisation: 10
Value for money: 10
Did you enjoy the race? YES
Did you run a personal best? NO
Did you raise money for charity? NO
Will you be back? I HOPE SO
Review by: Ian Langley
Overall Score: 9/10
Scenery: 7/10
Atmosphere: 9/10
Organisation: 9/10
Value for money: 9/10
Did you enjoy the race? Yes very much
Did you run a personal best? Yes - my 2nd half and beat my last year's time by 3 mins - very happy to do just under 1hr 55 mins
Did you raise money for charity? Not this time
Will you be back? Highly likely
Review by: Gary Stroud
I just wanted to give you feedback on the Swindon Half Marathon, which I thought was really well organised, the sponges at water stops were a really good idea and really helped.
Overall Score: 10/10
Scenery: 10/10
Atmosphere: 10/10
Organisation: 10+/10
Value for money: 10/10
Did you enjoy the race? Yes it was a hard course for me personally, but a challenge is good.
Did you run a personal best? Amazingly yes
Will you be back? Hope so, I also saw the other good events you have so may try something different (multi terrain) or see if my children would join me and do the fun run.
Comments: I think anybody who helped in the organisation of this event deserves a big pat on the back, as it was good. Also thank you to all the stewards your encouragement really makes a difference.
Review by: Chris Brooks
Overall Score: 9/10
Scenery: 10/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
Organisation: 8&2 (see below)
Value for money: 7 (not posting the pack out, no programme & no bag just collect it all individually)
Did you enjoy the race? 10/10
Did you run a personal best? Yes
Did you raise money for charity? Yes
Will you be back? Yes
Comments: From a runners point of view this was a spot on race (my 2nd time) and I PB’ed it so good times. My only criticism/suggestion is that it is not very spectator friendly. The runners village is very practical but does leave any spectators twiddling their thumbs for a couple of hours while we tackle those pesky hills. It would be nice to see something for them as it is stuck out in the middle of nowhere. But overall at least I had a great day.
Review by: Christine Hardisty
Overall Score: 8/10
Scenery: 8/10
Atmosphere: 6/10
Organisation :9/10 - Brilliant – Many thanks to all the stewards, volunteers and supporters.
Value for money: 8/10
Did you enjoy the race? Yes – but a bit too warm and a lot too windy for me. Please order less wind and lots of rain for next year.
Did you run a personal best? No… I was pretty slow this year (see above) but I feel lucky to be training and running without injury.
Did you raise money for charity? Not this time – can only ask every so often.
Will you be back? Yes
Comments: The small water bottles with drinking nozzles make a real difference – can sip and keep running without getting sickly from glugging. If you have to cut back, keep the good water bottles and lose the tee-shirts – they’re the wrong material for running. Very welcome bananas at the baggage claim. Picking packs up at Croft Sports Centre worked well.
Review by: Andy Townsend
Overall Score: 10/10
Scenery: 10/10
Atmosphere : 10/10
Organisation: 10/10
Value for money: 10?10
Did you enjoy the race? 10/10
Did you run a personal best? NO
Did you raise money for charity? YES
Will you be back? Maybe
Review by: Lee Gowoon
Overall Score: 10/10
Scenery: 10/10
Atmosphere: 10/10
Organisation: 10/10
Value for money: 10/10
Did you enjoy the race? very much 10
Did you run a personal best? No but I had a great running
Did you raise money for charity? No Sorry maybe next time
Will you be back? Definitely
Comments: Very well organised, Plenty of refreshments, Family friendly, runner friendly event. Can't wait for Swindon half 2012! It would've been nice if running pack was posted though....
Review by: Adrian Ryder
Overall score: 9/10
Scenery: 10/10
Atmosphere: 10/10
Organisation: 10/10
Value for money: 10/10
Did you enjoy the race? 8/10
Did you run a personal best? yes - first time runner
Did you raise money for charity? - No
Will you be back? - Yes
Review by: Sadie Brooks
Overall score: 9.5/10
Scenery: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Organisation: 10
Value for money: 10
Did you run a personal best? Due to lack of training, I didn't get a PB, but then I didn't deserve one!
Did you raise money for charity? No
Will you be back? Yes I will probably do it again next year, but I will be better prepared next year!
Comments: Apart from discomfort due to not enough training, I really enjoyed it. This is my third time in this race and I always enjoy it.
Review by: Daniel Collins
Overall Score: 9/10
Scenery: 10/10
Atmosphere: 10/10 – absolutely fantastic
Organisation: 9/10 – perfect except my times has not been recorded!!!!
Value for money: 8/10
Did you enjoy the race? YES
Did you run a personal best? First Race, so YES
Did you raise money for charity? No
Will you be back? Probably
Review by: Dawn Manser
Overall Score: 10/10
Scenery: 10/10
Atmosphere: 9/10 - Would have appreciated more spectators in the outlying areas but it was quite difficult for them to get to viewing points as the roads were closed. I am not sure how to resolve this for future events
Organisation: 10/10 - Lots of water in small bottles, sponges, sweets, toilets.
Value for money: 10/10
Did you enjoy the race? Yes
Did you run a personal best? My first ever half marathon, my goal was to finish and/or get 2hr 30minutes. I got 2:23
Did you raise money for charity? I raised about £100 for Redwings Horse Sanctuary and Lights for Learning (Gambia)
Will you be back? Yes
Comments: Thank you for a brilliant day and allowing me fulfil an ambition of running a half marathon.
Review by: Quentin Laidlaw
Overall Score: 10/10
Scenery: 10/10
Atmosphere: 10/10
Organisation: 10/10
Value for money: 10/10
Did you enjoy the race? Yes
Did you run a personal best? No
Did you raise money for charity? No
Will you be back? Yes
Review by: Liz Lawton
Overall Score 10/10
Scenery 8/10
Atmosphere 10/10
Organisation 10/10
Value for money 10/10
Did you enjoy the race? It was hard work but I really enjoyed the race. I ran it last year and even though I have moved to London and no longer work in Swindon I still came back to run it again this year and hope to next year. The atmosphere was amazing from start to finish. The support staff were all so helpful and encouraging, the people on the water stations were great. I recently did 'Run to the Beat' in London, a half marathon run by Nike, and it was a horrible experience, the support staff were unhelpful and it was badly organised with a poor atmosphere. The Swindon half marathon was fantastic!
Did you run a personal best? No, I had a cold and some injury issues, but pleased with my time.
Did you raise money for charity? Yes I raised money for MSF (Doctors without Borders).
Will you be back? Yes!
Comments: Many thanks for a brilliant event!
Review by: Hayley Smith
Overall Score: 9/10
Scenery: 9/10
Atmosphere: 7/10 Everyone was so friendly and encouraging, although there were large parts of the course that were quite quiet, especially on the country lanes!
Organisation: 9/10 Brilliant organisation – Nice medal and a t-shirt
Value for money: 10/10 - £20 is a bargain
Did you enjoy the race? Loved it! I was flying until 11.5 miles, when I started to struggle going up Marlborough Road running into the wind. But knowing I was nearly there helped loads and the cheering kept me going! The marshals were fab and all the volunteers were brilliant.
Did you run a personal best? Yes (My first one!) 2:01.57. Bit gutted I didn’t get under 2 hours but before the race I would have been over the moon with 2:04 so have to be chuffed with that!
Did you raise money for charity? No. Entered very late.
Will you be back? Most definitely
Comments: This was my first Half Marathon and absolutely loved every minute! Very challenging course but the scenery and the support was fantastic. Windy conditions were tough going up Marlborough Road towards the end of the race and my Mobile Support were amazing at that point! The experience has definitely given me the bug for racing and I will most certainly be back again next year!
Review by: Daniel Bell
Overall Score: 9/10
Scenery: 8/10
Atmosphere: 9/10
Organisation: 10/10
Value for money: 8/10
Did you enjoy the race? Yes
Did you run a personal best? Yes
Did you raise money for charity? Yes, £400 for the British Stammering Association
Will you be back? Yes
Review by: Sarah Bradfield
Overall Score: 10/10 (always recommend this race to my friends)
Scenery: 10/10 (beautiful race)
Atmosphere: 10/10 (good atmosphere at race village, and always really well supported by the locals en route)
Organisation: 10/10 (fantastic, parking & facilities are always easy to find. Volunteers do a great job!)
Value For Money: 10/10 (medals are great, & always good to have the race date on! T-shirts are good quality, & a pleasure to wear whilst training for the next year with the 'running up to' date on back.)
Did you enjoy the race? Absolutely!
Did you run a personal best? Yes, 14 minutes quicker than last year! Greatly helped by the 2:10 pacer, thanks to all the volunteers - fantastic job!!
Did you raise money for charity? Not this year, but I have in the past.
Will you be back? Yes, looking forward to it!
Comments: Thanks again everyone involved in organising the event, it is great for the town!
Review by: Ruth Medcroft
Overall score: 10/10
Scenery: Lovely scenery when we went off road.
Atmosphere: Good atmosphere
Organisation: Well organised, no waiting around at any point, even the toilets!
Value for money: Great value for money.
Did you enjoy the race? Thoroughly enjoyed the race.
Did you run a personal best? Got a PB!
Comments: Would love to run the Swindon 5 mile MT race again, it's one of the most enjoyable I've participated in.
Review by: Gary Chapman
Overall Score: 8/10
Scenery: 8/10
Atmosphere: 7/10
Organisation: 9/10
Value for money: 8/10
Did you enjoy the race? yes
Did you run a personal best? no
Did you raise money for charity? no
Will you be back? yes
Comments: It’s a hard but fair course (rated 3rd hardest in England ? is that right?)
Review by: Kelly Henley
Overall Score 10/10
Scenery 9/10
Atmosphere 10/10
Organisation 10/10
Value for money 10/10
Did you enjoy the race? Yes
Did you run a personal best? Yes
Did you raise money for charity? No
Will you be back? Yes
Comments: This was my first time running the multi terrain race and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were plenty of marshals all friendly and cheering us runners on. I will definitely be back next year, hopefully to do the Half Marathon. Thank you all for a great day.
Review by: J Margerum
Overall Score 10/10
Scenery 10/10
Atmosphere 8/10 – bit lacking on spectators this year
Organisation 10/10
Value for money 10/10
Did you enjoy the race? 10/10
Did you run a personal best? not quite, too windy!
Did you raise money for charity? no but sponsored others
Will you be back? 10/10 Yes
Review by: Katie Bagnall
Overall Score 10
Scenery 10
Atmosphere 10
Organisation 10
Value for money 10
Did you enjoy the race? 10
Did you run a personal best? Yes
Did you raise money for charity? No
Will you be back? Yes
Comments: Fantastic event, great organisation, it's hilly & tough but brilliant support along the way. Many thanks and congratulations on a great job!
Review by: Jacqueline McGurty – via Facebook
Overall Score 10 Great job
Scenery 10
Atmosphere 10
Organisation 10
Value for money 10
Did you enjoy the race? 10
Did you run a personal best? Yes
Did you raise money for charity? No
Will you be back? Yes
Comments: My first half marathon and I have to say that I was really impressed. There were plenty of water stations, powerade stations, toilets, sponges, sweets and fruit all the way round the course. I take my hat off to everyone who helped and I really can’t wait until next year. Beautiful scenery, very kind and friendly atmosphere and just a wonderfully organised event. I will be back next year. Thank you so much for a really special day.
Review by: Andrew Kew
Overall Score: 7/10
Scenery: 8/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
Organisation: 5/10 (as I don’t live in Swindon – it made it very difficult getting the pack – thankfully a friend was there a day early & picked it up for me– but put pressure on for time to get ready which I could have done without etc – Cathy at your offices was excellent with assistance so she got you the 5 otherwise would have been lower)
Value for money: 6/10 (bought down by not having the pack sent – more than happy to pay £2.00 postage!!)
Did you enjoy the race? 8/10
Did you run a personal best? YES
Did you raise money for charity? NO
Will you be back? YES
Review by: Terry Scragg
Multi Terrain: Well organised, good course, scenery etc. Difficult to find fault.
Review by: Kevin tonner – via Facebook
Big Well Done to all runners and event organisers today, another great year!
Review by: Angelita Ang Sullivan – via Facebook
Thanks and well done to the organisers and marshals. Was hoping to beat my last years but got painful knee on 8 miles instead. Had to run/walk from then on. Can you not invite the wind next year pls. Enjoyed it thoroughly though, cheers.
Review by: Ian Langley – via Facebook
Great day - very well organised and great atmosphere - thank you.
Review by: Kelly Marriott – via Facebook
Thanks for a great day. First ever Swindon Half Marathon completed today.
I've raised a good £300 in memory of my friend and without the support of the marshals this wouldn't have happened. Thanks again x
Review by: Steve summers – via Facebook
Great event - so well organised yet again. Thanks to all that makes these things happen and to all that took part.
Review by: Jodie West – via Facebook
Well what another fantastic day at the Swindon Half Marathon - well done everyone!
Review by: Karl Pearson – via Facebook
Thanks guys for another superbly organised event. Only downside was the wind, which made a tough event a real challenge. Please arrange for less wind next year ;-p
Review by: Fiona Nutburn – via Facebook
Well done everyone! Really enjoyed the run. Special thanks to the 2.10 pacemakers, for the moral support, jelly baby at mile 11 and ace pace-making. See you next year ;-)
Review by: Gareth Jones – via Facebook
My second year, slower finish time than 2010 but was very impressed once again with the whole event, the organisers really had it down to a tee, and the Swindon public were fantastic! Same time next year...
Review by: Geri Taylor – via Facebook
What an awesome race! My second year and I really really enjoyed it! Got a lovely fat PB so a big bonus! Well done to the organisers and a big THANKS to all the marshals and supporters! :)
Runners World Reviews:
Review by: James Packer
Overall Score: 100%
Would you do it again? Yes
Scenery: 80%
PB potential: 40%
Atmosphere: 60%
Organisation: 80%
Value: 100%
Beginner friendliness: 60%
In short: Save enough energy for the hill at 11 mile!
Review by: Wakey31
Overall Score: 100%
Would you do it again? Yes
Scenery: 100%
PB potential: 60%
Atmosphere: 100%
Organisation: 100%
Value: 80%
Beginner friendliness: 60%
In short: Fantastic organisation, a challenging course and great atmosphere
Review by: Alun Garland
Overall Score: 100%
Would you do it again? Yes
Scenery: 60%
PB potential: 60%
Atmosphere: 60%
Organisation: 100%
Value: 100%
Beginner friendliness: 80%
In short: very well organised and well supported half marathon
In full: really impressed with everything, from toilets, showers, baggage area close to finish. Excellent organisation, marshalling and drinks stations, fruit and chocs at finish, nice medal and t shirt. Well done, really impressed with this race.
Review by: Kateskate
Overall Score: 60%
Would you do it again? Yes
Scenery: 60%
PB potential: 40%
Atmosphere: 60%
Organisation: 80%
Value: 60%
Beginner friendliness: 60%
In short: Challenging especially with the winds but lovely scenery to distract
In full: Definitely a challenge, especially with the wind. After finishing i thought "never again" although having woken up the next day I think "maybe" if I want a challenge but not for a pb. My main complaint is that they were giving out KitKats at the end however as I got there the box was empty and a marshal wouldn’t let me wait while the cadets opened the next box. I was really looking forward to that KitKat after battling the winds for the last 3 miles. On the plus side, well organised, easy to park, seemed to be enough toilets, baggage storage well organised. Maybe more signs from J16 to car park.
Review by: Stephen Savory
Overall Score: 80%
Would you do it again? Yes
Scenery: 100%
PB potential: 40%
Atmosphere: 80%
Organisation: 60%
Value: 60%
Beginner friendliness: 60%
In short: Done it before and I'll do it again
Review by: Chris Wilson27
Overall Score: 100%
Would you do it again? Yes
Scenery: 80%
PB potential: 60%
Atmosphere: 80%
Organisation: 80%
Value: 80%
Beginner friendliness: 80%
In short: Another excellent event - this year the organisers managed to add strong winds to the challenge.
Review by: Shaun Carpenter
Overall Score: 100%
Would you do it again? Yes
Scenery: 100%
PB potential: 40%
Atmosphere: 100%
Organisation: 100%
Value: 80%
Beginner friendliness: 80%
In short: an excellent race a bit hilly lots of toilets nice medal and a banana, see you next year.
Review by: Martin B77
Overall Score: 100%
Would you do it again? Yes
Scenery: 80%
PB potential: 40%
Atmosphere: 100%
Organisation: 100%
Value: 100%
Beginner friendliness: 80%
In short: Fantastic scenery over-looking Swindon. You have to run up some very long hills to see it tho!
In full: Fantastic but challenging half. Well organised, plenty of toilets, parking etc. Lots of spectators at the start/finish, but also loads out in the rural towns. Can get a tad windy high up on the "mountains".
Review by: Richie H
Overall Score: 60%
Would you do it again? Maybe
Scenery: 60%
PB potential: 60%
Atmosphere: 60%
Organisation: 100%
Value: 60%
Beginner friendliness: 100%
In short: Hilly and today windy. So not first choice for a fast race.
In full: Very well organised, deserves top marks for that aspect. Loved the pacers. The wind today was a real struggle. If you are looking for a PB this is too hilly for that.
Review by: David Ellis 4
Overall Score: 100%
Would you do it again? Yes
Scenery: 100%
PB potential: 40 %
Atmosphere: 80%
Organisation: 100%
Value: 80%
Beginner friendliness: 80%
In short: great race lovely touches brass band half way round great support second time running just gets better
Review by: Karlsp
Overall Score: 80%
Would you do it again? Yes
Scenery: 100%
PB potential: 40 %
Atmosphere: 80%
Organisation: 100%
Value: 100%
Beginner friendliness: 100%
In short: 2011 once again saw a superbly organised Half, 5 mile and Fun Run!
In full: "Interesting" mainly countryside course, with some challenging climbs. Superb setting with plentiful on-site parking, changing rooms, and showers. Excellent organisation with baggage trucks close to start, and not suffering from the usual lack of toilets at some events. Medals, t-shirts, Kit Kats, bananas and drinks at the end handed out in an orderly fashion made for an enjoyable day.....Shame about the wind in 2011, but we will be back!
Review by: garrettmw
Overall Score: 100%
Would you do it again? Yes
Scenery: 100%
PB potential: 60%
Atmosphere: 100%
Organisation: 80%
Value: 80%
Beginner friendliness: 80%
Review by: Gary S
Overall Score: 80%
Would you do it again? Yes
Scenery: 80%
PB potential: 40%
Atmosphere: 60%
Organisation: 80%
Value: 80%
Beginner friendliness: 80%
In short: Some very tough (and long) hills but an excellent event that is well worth doing. Fancy dress competition adds to the atmosphere
Review by: Sean Trussell
Overall Score: 100%
Would you do it again? Yes
Scenery: 100%
PB potential: 60%
Atmosphere: 100%
Organisation: 100%
Value: 100%
Beginner friendliness: 80%
In short: Very well organised, well done.
In full: I had been asked to be a pacer for the 1.57. This was nerve racking as having to run at a constant pace. We managed to cross the line in 1.57.09. The support from the other runners, spectators and marshals was fantastic. Very well organised. Great views.
Review by: Phil Henley 2
Overall Score: 100%
Would you do it again? Yes
Scenery: 80%
PB potential: 80%
Atmosphere: 100%
Organisation: 100%
Value: 100%
Beginner friendliness: 80%
In short: Excellent race
In full: first time for me here but won't be the last, absolutely excellent. Great route, plenty of country lanes, organisation excellent, and super support from marshalls and spectators, really enjoyed it. well done
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