Race Comments 2007
If you've got a comment, good or bad, about this year's Stubbington 10km race, then let's hear it. We're always keen to hear your ideas and suggestions. This is a race organised by runners for runners, and we're always looking to improve. Email: peekay63@aol.com
If you liked the Stubbington 10km race, then why not register your vote in the Runner's World poll here.
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Just a quick message to say thanks for the 10k this year. It's an exceptional race and an example to others on how to provide a race by runners for runners. I particularly liked the finish as there's plenty of space and it's easy to see from a way off. Brilliant work - well done to you all. KEVIN REEVES |
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Hi, I have just completed my first Stubbington 10km and would like to say thanks to all involved for the planning and execution of the race it was excellent. I would also like to say a special thanks to two guys who supported me over the last 2km, one on foot and one on a bike. I unfortunately have no idea who they were but assumed they were helpers they may remember me, race number 1191, I kill for chocolate t-shirt, Suzie. Thanks SUZIE CUNNINGHAM |
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Hello, thanks for another brilliant race, what more can we ask for sunshine with blue sky is the best part. Then a very well manned and friendly encouragement along the way. Never a very fast course for me but enjoyable. CAROLINE FREEMAN |
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Thankyou for another very well organised and enjoyable race - I know you can't provide the weather also, but that was great as well!! I ran my first race at Stubbington in 1997 (I've still got the mug to prove it!) and through a variety of weather conditions (I seem to remember there was a hard frost and very low temperatures in 1997) it has always been one of my favourite races. 14 Club members from West Wight Road Runners travelled to Stubbington today, and it was well worthwhile catching the 7.30am ferry!! MADELINE GOODMAN - West Wight Road Runners |
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HI there, I've run the Stubbington 10k for many years and as always your organisation today was excellent. The weather couldn't have been better and the icing on the cake was my award for 1st lady over 70! See you next year. Well done Stubbington Green. Many thanks, IRENE WATSON G.R.R |
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A big thanks to the organisers of today's race, which was my first 10k and was very enjoyable (with perfect weather also!). The organisation was excellent, and although I was slightly surprised beforehand that the roads were not being closed off, I did not find this a problem at all. Definitely a good course for first-time runners such as myself. The atmosphere was very friendly, and a particular thanks to the marshalls who in addition to giving clear directions, gave very good encouragement to us all. I managed to beat my target time, as did my wife's aunt Gill who used it as a very good warm-up for her first London Marathon. CHRIS ALLEN |
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From Runner's World message board: Didn't manage to start. Cold turned into chesty cough, aching muscles & sore throat. I still fully intended to give it a go, but when my heart rate after a 100 yard slow warm up shot up to 175, I thought I'd be crazy to even start. Really gutted as it was my 1st race & I was really excited & I'm never ill! Got to see my boy do the fun run though. JU ASHMAN |
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From Runner's World message board: I did 54.21 by my own timing which is a PB, so I am very happy with the run. Well organised and flat!! which makes a nice change. We were due a run with good weather as my previous recent 10ks have been abysmal weatherwise. CDP |
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From Runner's World message board: The only plus was the weather. Can't believe all the positive reports. I thought the organization at the start and the end was terrible. A Red and White funnel start that converged a 100 yards later, causing several runners to trip and fall. At the end it was just a shambles with no one knowing where to collect their mementos. PFC Steve |
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From Runner's World message board: Excellent organisation, excellent race, managed a PB. A very good race. Marshalling excellent. Only comment would be slow runners starting at the front made it fairly difficult to pass at the beginning. CATHY STEWART |
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From Runner's World message board: Excellently organised. First time I have run this but would certainly do it again. Organisation was excellent and the weather was perfect for running. Traffic on the unclosed roads was a concern before arriving but in the end there was no need to worry thanks to the police and the marshalls. The two starts (new for this year) seemed to work except for the cones down the middle of the road when the two starts could have joined together. I'm sure this will be rectified next year. Only minor gripe is the slower runners insisting on starting near the front. Not only is it annoying for those who are a lot faster but their safety is at risk as they can get bumped about. SIMPET |
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From Runner's World message board: Great race - Excellent organisation. Just wrote an in-depth account, praising everything in sight, but my Internet Explorer crashed out before hitting Submit - so here is a short version. Great - organisation, marshalls, police, supporters, weather. Just a shame I missed a PB (by quite some margin - probably advancing years coupled with slightly less training than needed!). BRIAN M |
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From Runner's World message board: Always brilliantly well organised from the start to the finish with tea and cakes. Thanks to all the organizers, the marshalls, the police, everyone really for such a fantastic January Sunday morning. JASPER |
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From Runner's World message board: Well organised race and fun. Was good, however quite difficult to pass other runners in numerous places. Was good though, well organised and fun. SHAUNY |
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From Runner's World message board: Super Race. just one word really, "EXCELLENT". It went like clockwork and I got a PB with it. MEDIC ONE |
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From Runner's World message board: PB anyone?..... Conditions were perfect making my favourite 10K even more special. I was really up for this race, and the course and organisation did not disappoint. I ran my fastest time for approximately 10 years. My only minor grumble I did nearly trip over the traffic cones at the start, due to not seeing them until the last moment because of the amount of runners. The course itself was mainly urban with approximately one mile along the sea front. Well done SGRAC, excellent race. GARY McCAWLEY |
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From Runner's World message board: Great place for a first race. DAWN BAGE |
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From Runner's World message board: Great organisation - Great course - Great weather. WHITELEYOX |
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From Runner's World message board: Managed a pb. Really enjoyed race. Well organised. No huge loo wait!! ANGIE EPPS |
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From Runner's World message board: Only a genius at pedantry could find fault with this race. If you've trained hard for a 10k, this race will reward you for your efforts. It's a course for people who want to run a "time" and feel unharrassed throughout. VISTA |
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From Runner's World message board: Excellent organization and a fast course. Probably the best organized race I've ever done. A good fast course, tea and cake for afters, and results on the wall before I'd finished my warm down. BRIAN WAKEM |
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From Runner's World message board: Nice race by the sea, plus bacon butties MIKEFROG |
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From Runner's World message board: Got to be one of the best 10k around. Sunny, fast & friendly. MUD LARK |
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My first 10k and what a very enjoyable, well organised race it was. The weather was fantastic and the support along the way excellent. A big thankyou to all the organisers and volunteers for keeping us safe and letting us concentrate on trying to get a good time. See you next year !!. MALCOLM DURNFORD |
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Hi, My first stubby race was run on an excellent fast course, well marshalled and policed, and what about the weather, no-one could have envisaged such ideal running conditions, especially after the past few weeks. Just to cap it all I ran a vets pb. Many thanks Stubbington. SIMON McMORRAN, West Wight Road Runners. |
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Hi Dave (I think!) I really enjoyed the race today, fab weather (book that for next year) efficient marshalling, well organised at the base... but a couple of specifics. The km markers were really clear and I don't know whether it was planned but at 5 km there was a marshaller yelling the (elapsed) time at 5 second intervals and I thought this was a great idea, it really helped with the motivation. My only grumble is that after I had finished we went to cheer on the others and one of the marshallers was getting really stroppy with the supporters as apparently we were blocking the numbers being recorded. We were stood about 20-30 metres before the finish and whilst no one minds being asked nicely to move back this guy (sorry didn't recognise him) was getting agitated and stroppy and swore (albeit mildly) in front of the children which wasn't really in the 'fun' spirit of things. After all we were talking about finishers who had taken around an hour or more (I include myself here) and so I felt it just detracted from the friendliness that is almost constant with the Stubbies and is why I love the club so much. I know in the scale of what was a fab race that is only a minor niggle, but I thought I would let you know. JON WHITE |
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Hi, as usual a well organised race and thanks to all the Marshall's who did a great job. One little whinge though, I found the new start arrangement just as congested as ever with slow runners starting too close to the front for the white start. I could not see any signs showing anticipated times and I had my slowest first K ever at this race trying to get past the slow runners that had started at the front. I also found running on the pavement very congested and it was impossible to get by the runners that were slowing down. Regards JOHN BURRIDGE |
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From Runner's World message board: What a great day out. First time at Stubbington for me and will not be the last. Isle of Wight road runners took 12 runners, for most their first race and to see the excitement and listen to them was fantastic. Everybody finished within the hour. A great race, excellent organisation. Thank you Stubbington Green Road Runners !!!! DAZZY |
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From Runner's World message board: Nice Flat race although the start was crowded. HEATHER CHURCH |
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From Runner's World message board: Great first run of 2007. Excellent day for running - cool and sunny! Organisation was pretty spot on (apart from a couple of gripes - not enough ladies toilets and difficult to find parking for those of us who were cutting it fine time-wise!) The beginning of the race was pretty tight for the first kilometre - only 2/3 abreast in some parts which I imagine was frustrating for the faster runners who got trapped near the back - I started near the tail end of the pack as I usually take just under an hour and even I was getting a bit pee'd off with not being able to run at my usual pace!! Overall a brilliant first race of 2007 - well chuffed with my mug; makes a change from the usual medals/t-shirts! I will definetly be back in 2008! CEE GEE |
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From Runner's World message board: First time of running this race, and will definitely be back. Excellent organisation for this first run of 2007, good support around the course and marshalls on hand to keep your spirits up as well. Nice mug as well!! CLUMSY C |
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From Runner's World message board: A flat course, cracking atmosphere, all backed up by a very slick organisation made for a particularly enjoyable run. SIMON WEAVER |
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From Runner's World message board: The marshall yelling the elapsed times at 5km was excellent motivation. SARAH WHITE |
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From Runner's World message board: Fast flat and great with two starts funnelled together. STEVE WALLACE |
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Hello. I completed my first Stubbington 10k today, and found it brilliantly organised. The km markers were very useful, and the encouragement from the marshalls was fantastic. Thanks very much. EMMA JENNER (Victory AC) |
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Found it brilliantly organised. The km markers were very useful, and the encouragement from the marshalls was fantastic. Thanks very much. Emma Jenner (Victory AC) |
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Having just finished my first 10k and first ever proper race/event, I would just like to thank all involved for the day. The organisation was superb and my wife & kids thought the bacon sarnies & hot dogs were great as they waited for me to plod round! Having gone just a few seconds over 50mins today, I'll be at the front of the mob outside Budgens next year to get a head start and go sub-50! Special thanks to my running buddy John Davis for holding back and dragging me round, as I was struggling from the start with a dodgy calf. Thanks again to everyone and see you all next year. ANDY SMITH |
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From Runner's World message board: Flat, cold, still, Outstanding Organisation! If there is a better organised race I can't think of it. Brilliant day. CHUNKY |
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From Runner's World message board: I love this flat course, nice marshalls and overall friendly atmosphere. THE BURCH |
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From Runner's World message board: What a great race. The idea of splitting the start was a good one, needs a little tweaking at the merge point though. The marshall at 5k shouting out times was a good idea. Overall a well run event, I will make sure I get my entry in early for next year's race too. Added bonus was a new PB. CRAZYRUNNER |
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From Runner's World message board: PB potentials and quite scenic. Well done SGR, this was the first time I have run this race and I will be back. Didn't beat my PB but got pretty close I expect many beat theirs. Really liked the idea of splitting up the sub 40's and above my only gripe is that with the main group slower runners insisted on starting at the front, frustrating!!!!! perhaps next year you could have some time marked posts so people can start with runners of the same speed. Definately will recommend this to others. Many thanks. PAUL GODBER |
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From Runner's World message board: SGRC make it all easy for you, just turn up and run! THE TMAN |
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From Runner's World message board: Flat, fast course, with slick organisation, a great race! SPEEDY GONZALEZ |
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Had a great time as usual. Good idea for the start, splitting the groups. One gripe, not sure the lead truck with the clock was big enough;-) KIERAN O'MALLEY |
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Sorry to say that I thought the split start was the worst thing ever, I have done this race for many years, I am not a sub 40 by any stretch of the imagination, but those who started in the red start said it was brilliant, those of us in the white start found it worse than ever - no guidance where to start for expected times hence many inexperienced runners started at the front and ruined it for the rest of us. The split between the starts should be close to 50/50 to make it fair for all. JANET McGARRY |
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Hi good morning, I just wanted to drop you a line with some comments and feedback on yesterday's race. I've never participated in your race before but have run various 10k's, half marathons, triathlons and full marathons and have competed Internationally on my former sport ( not running tho') These days I shuffle around slowly along the course (even though I'm only 41!) and finished in 58.44. Nevertheless I don't think you need to be the best to make comment on an event. I should add that I have also helped organised a National Championships and an International event too. Someone , on your notice board made a comment that only a pedantic would find any fault with the race ( it's ok I'm not about to launch into a tirade of abuse about your race) - I disagree with the author of that comment. Everyone has different standards and everyone notices different things ( I work as a business consultant so it's my job to notice when the detail is detracting from overall efficiency - some competitors would know neither a good or bad race if it tripped them up at the halfway mark. On top of that there's always room for improvement in everything we do ! |
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Hi, Thanks very much for a smashing race yesterday. Very well orgainsed and a credit to your club. I'm pleased the weather was so pleasant too, it really made the day. I just had a couple of suggestions when considering next years event. I thought the 2 starts were a good idea, so that the quickies could get away. But at the white start, lots of people were ariving late and just stood in the front of the start. This meant that for the first Km you had to dodge lots of slower runners. They should have been directed to the rear or wait at the side until the start had taken place. Also, the cones that split the 2 starts after the roundabout were a surprise, and quite dangerous as they suddenly appeared and they were only knee height so they were quite a tripping hazzard. Apart from those 2 small points it was a wonderful race, well done again. Yours DAVID FRANKLIN |
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From Runner's World message board: Fast and Flat, well organised with good faclities. The two start system was a good idea, but the cones in the middle of the road for the first half KM were dangerous. Apart form that it was an excellent race well run and ideal weather too. Will be back again next year. Well done to Stubbington RC. RED FBBF |
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From Runner's World message board: Afraid to say although I did my best 10K for a year or so, I think the split start was worse than ever for those of us doing over 40 minutes. Those who started in the red start said that it was good, no congestion, well that cannot be said for the white start, it was a very slow start, slow runners right at the front and congestion no better than previous years. If this field is to be split it needs to be a closer 50/50 split!!! WHIZZY |
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Thanks, the race was well organised and the marshalls did very well considering the traffic. This was only my second 10km race and the first at Stubbington, I was expecting 44 or 45mins so 40.45 was quite pleasing so I guess I should learn how to train properly and see if I can do a sub 40. It would be nice to know how the unattached runners would have compared in the team race, is it a points for the first 10 home or something? Gavin Hensman |
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Well organised race. Friendly marshals, excellent refreshments and a pleasant atmosphere. Everyone I spoke to thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The village hall provided a great space pre-race. Well done! MICHAEL GREEN |
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From Runner's World message board: Great first race of the year for me ! Really enjoyed this race and the weather was perfect. Only concern was that it went to single file in places due to the number of people and traffic, but just demonstrates the popularity of the race! Thanks SGRAC. JO MACKLIN |
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From Runner's World message board: A brilliant race, marred by a poor start. This race is absolutely wonderful. The SGRAC folks deserve an award for the number of helpers, marshalls, Police, etc who came out today. Everybody I met was enthusiastic and helpful - this would be a wonderful first race for beginners. This is a brilliant event, but it could be improved tremendously with an improved start. I know the organisers tried a new split-start this year, and I suspect the one-hundred(ish) "elite" runners enjoyed having half the road to themselves. Unfortunately that meant that the remaining 900 of us were crammed into half the width of the road, with slow runners in the way. I was only half-way in the pack and it took me 10 seconds to move from stationary, then the first 20 seconds were no quicker than a fast walk. Really disappointing when 20 seconds makes a big difference to the result on such a short race. For next year they could try: (a) chip-timing, and/or (b) start the elite runners 10 minutes early, then allow the remaining runners to use the entire road width (with unique elite race-number colours and number-range this would be practical for the scorers). Once away from the start and out onto Stubbington Lane the rest of the race was excellent. Where else in the world can you run past a Hovercraft Museum, have an Air-Sea rescue helicopter circling overhead, pass a Catalina flying boat and see the sea?! As flat as a pancake, and if you can manage to get a good start then it is the perfect course for your 10k PB. TZ |
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From Runner's World message board: I don't think the start was actually that bad. I was near the middle of the white group and got held up a little. My timing was 54.21 (a PB for me) and the official came out at 54.42 (still a PB) so not much of a delay as far as I am concerned. I have been in much worse scrums than that - Start of the Portman Somerley 10k on New Years Eve or the RNLI Run up to Christmas in November were awful in comparison. Putting time boards at the start would improve things and certainly make it easier for the more recreational runner to start in the appropriate position. CDP |
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From Runner's World message board: I was at Somerley, but I do not think you can compare it with Stubbington which is a well organised race that has been very highly rated for many years and is usually part of the HRRL for this reason, Somerley just turned into a far bigger event than the organisers expected and the earlier wet conditions made it difficult for those unused to off road conditions - I do agree it has narrow start. WIZZY |
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Hi dave fantastic race as always, just thougth i'd let you know i can under the clock at 43.40 not 44.13 as listed, MIKE BOYCE liss runners |
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From Runner's World message board: Yet again a superbly oranised race with something for all levels of runners MICHAEL BOYCE |
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From Runner's World message board: Impressed with everything about the club therefore shame about start problems, especially for slower runners and lack of directions to drinks/momento at finish. Great atmosphere, especially the finish. Fixing the problems will make this a great 10k. CHRIS JACK |
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Hello, Thanks for a great race yesterday - weather was an added bonus - I've just checked the results list and find that I am not there, I appreciate that there were so many people but your review says that 1063 people took part and thats how many appear on the male and female results. My race number was 1292 and I finished in about 1.09 and there were a few (not many) runners behind me, we all seem to be missing from your results - in the scheme of things its not that important but its the first time I've run this route and the first time in 9 months I've been able to complete 10k and was interersted to get the official time/place result. Despite this, I really enjoyed the run - the split start was good - although having not been here before I haven't experience the mixed start, the course was wonderful - helped by the brilliant weather - marshalling and organisation excellent, a definite for next year despite the fact that I hate running 10ks. MARION McALEER (Sorry Marion, some results were missing and have now been added - here) |
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Hi, took part on Sunday - had a great time! My wife lost a small pouch containing a spare battery for a Nokia 8800 a lense cloth and a memory card - chuffed to see it has been handed in and seen it on your web site. Faith in human nature fully restored! Regards SIMON and LETICIA JORDAN |
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From Runner's World message board: Disappointing after so much hype. Members of my club said this was the 10k to enter... so I did. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the run. However, the appaling start (the slow one) with everyone bunched at the front, no attempt at "sorting" people and no count-down took everyone by surprise, and we just stood still in amazement while the fast runners zoomed off into the distance (and our lot moved nowhere!)! The marshalls were plentiful, and the supporters brilliant. Loved the half way time check - what a good idea. However, the course seemed to be mainly pavement and muddy verge it felt by the end. The sheer volume of runners all trying to run in such a small space just wasn't good. I certainly wouldn't rate this as one of the south's best runs. I've only been running competitively for a relatively short time and this is far from the best in organisation (the worst race I've entered thus far). The marshalls on the whole were friendly enough, but not overly cheery. There were no signs from the community centre to the race start, and the maps provided on the information leaflet were useless unless you knew all the local footpaths between places. As for the water station location at the end - a bit more common sense please! My time was over 30 secs different on your big clock and the time published which has only furthered my irritation at what was suggested to be a great race. RUN MONKEY |
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From Runner's World message board: Really good first race for the new year, flat and fast, even for me!?! JD & COKE |
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Flat, fast, friendly and sea views. Worth a trip. Great race with nice coastal views. It is flat though, so you keep going hard and fast, which is tiring. The start need sorting, but overall a very good race. MICHAEL GREEN |
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Hi, just a note to say we (Epsom & Ewell harriers) had a fantastic day on Sunday - thankyou. We were all delighted with our results and the weather was great. We will look forward to coming back next year. VANDA CAULFIELD |
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Hi, a great scenic race, great weather as well, only thing i was disappointed in was i never got a mug as i heard a chap say they had all gone!!! well i asume now according to some race comments that i like many, did not know where to collect them from, but apart from that it was a good race on a very pleasant day. ANTHONY SALT |
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Possibly a little more warning and count down to the gun. Running with a red number I managed to break free early, but became a little nervous when jostling for postion around large cones. Depsite these two minor problems, well done to the race director and marshalls. ROSS LAMPORT |
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Start a bit congested but soon thinned out. Liked the 5K marshal shouting times. Good PB potential. Great weather. Liked the mug - much better than an oversized t-shirt! Well done SGRAC PIEGIRL |
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On my doorstep and a good start to the year! This is the first time I have run this race. It was ok, except it was more than one minute before I could actually run at the start because of the number of people cramming to get going!! The time recorders may have been looking at a different clock as my time is recorded as being over a minute slower than I actually took to run it! Even for me as a non-competitive runner, it was still disappointing to see the website having recorded a time slower than I actually achieved! SHARON HEWLETT |