Race Number 9 - Reading Half Marathon

What a fantastic race this was. The organisation was impeccable and I can;t fault it and the route is lovely a flat and takes you through Reading ending at the football stadium. The crowd really get behind you and the reception when you run the last 0.1 mile into the stadium is inspiring.

There was plenty of water, lucozade and jelly babies so there was not change of dehydration or lack of energy. Big thank you to the race organisers and volunteers, great race.

I would definitely do this race, and am hoping to do this one next year as part of Challenge 40.

10/10

Number 8 - Sussex Beacon Half Marathon

I really enjoyed this race, though it is not as easy as one would have expected.

The organisation was perfect, all the martials were great and there were lots of water stations.

The first half is lovely and flat and managed to complete the first half in 52 minutes. However at 8 miles you are taken up the to the top of the cliff by the sea, then down again, then up again and finally down a step slope back down to the beach. This cost me my time which ended up as 1:46:47. Though not as good as hoped it was still a good time.

The race is worth doing and the weather was lovely and running along by the sea is lovely.

9/10

Number 7 - Great Bentley Half Marathon

I love this race, it is completely flat and through the Essex countryside. It is a definite for a PB. The only unfortunate thing of today was the wind, it was sooo cold, but despite this it was a good run.

The organisation is great and everyone is helpful.

The only little criticism is that there really are not enough toilets for the number in the field. The facilities were quite quickly over whelmed.

Would definitely do this again,

Lois

9/10

Number 6 - Folksworth 15

As the name suggests this was a 15 mile, undulating road race. I have to say the organisation of this race was perfect, from the minibus to transport you to the race head quarters to the marshaling I could not fault it. Everyone was really friendly and there was a lot of support.
The race itself was picturesque though there are three hills which you have to do twice as it is a 2 lap course. The last of which at 7 and 14 miles was tough (though I did not stop).

I would definitely do this race again as it was very enjoyable.

7/10

Number 5 - Ropsley Raid 13

Well this was a really tough race for me. It was all cross-country which is not my strong point.

However despite the difficulty of the terrain, it was a great race. The weather was perfect on the day. The organisation was great, it was a really nice quiet race with 131 competitors, which made it an intimate and enjoyable experience.
The other competitors where really friendly and there was a great camaraderie with everyone helping everyone else to complete the course.

I would do this again, even though I did not enjoy the terrain.

6/10

Number 4 - Bedford Half Marathon 09/12/07

Another one completed and am getting back towards my race pace.

I love doing this race, it is just before the Christmas mayhem starts and is a great way to work of some stress.
The race is very rural and is challenging in the first 7-8 miles, but then is mainly down hill to the finish. It is really well organised and everything is provided for.

The only downside was the state of the car park, some people were having trouble getting out.

Great race, highly recommended

9/10

Number 3 - Norwich City Half-Marathon

Well here it is race number 3 at last.
It has only taken me 6 months to get here.

I did enjoy this race, it is a nice course (2 laps) and is flat except for a sharp rise at the end of each lap to get back into the stadium.

It is very well organised and there is plenty of water stations and marshals.

The only thing I would say is that access to the changing areas got exceedingly muddy and boggy.

7/10