www.runnersworld.co.uk
Runners Rating's
Below are
the comments from people
who ran the Torbay Half Marathon race in 2009
|
In
full: As a participant in the recent
event I would like to congratulate everybody who
had anything to do with the race particularly
the marshalls! They were encouraging throughout
the event and they were closer together than in
the Plymouth Half. Help was always at hand if
you needed it and the water stations were
perfect! The cups were a good idea, less cost
and less waste than the bottles. You did have
an advantage as the course was repeated but
there was plenty of water for all in the hot
conditions. I usually run at the back and the
last two Half Marathons (including Plymouth) had
run out of water by the third mile! Ann
Woodhouse. |
Below are
the comments from people
who ran the Torbay Half Marathon race in 2008
In short:
More than gently undulating,
but not too bad!
In full:
This is my 'local' half marathon and I've always found it a bit of a
challenge. The fourth time up the same hill (albeit from different sides) is
hard, but at least you come down again! This year the wind was hard and
against us for the final section - but good fun.
In short:
Race by the pretty Torbay sea-
Highly Recommended
In full:
Note, I did this race in 2008, but the website won't let me give a review
for any later than 2007! I got a PB so there is PB potential in this one,
undulating between Paignton and Torquay, but an excellent race, very highly
recommended. Enter early- it fills up fast (and I can see why!)
In short: A fantastic well supported race set in a beautiful area.
In short: two lap course with 4 decent but short hills in each lap along seafront
In short: Another warm one....
In short:
Ok event
In full:
Nice weather but the hills put paid to any PB ideas.
Definitely need more toilets at start.
Mile markers a bit confusing but no real problems. Nice touch having the
band play at the end of the green!
Well done the organisers!
In short: I enjoyed every minute and I haven't been able to say that before!
In short: Good Fun race, with a couple of slopes thrown in.
In short:
Great view!!!! Hilly and challenging course, not
enough mileage signs though and only water on drink stations
In short:
Great scenery, good
organisation, excellent support and a very enjoyable race.
In full:
A really fun half marathon, although the hills provide quite a challenge.
It's well organised and the excellent medal and t-shirt are well worth the
entry fee. I can understand why some people don't like the multi-lap format
but it is really good if you have supporters watching and at least you know
what you are in for as you head out towards Torquay for the second time. I
would definitely recommend this race to new and experienced runners alike.
In short:
Lovely scenic race with a "big
event" feel.
In full:
Friendly, well organised, well marshalled, quick but challenging course,
great support from the locals, great medal and t-shirt, very welcome sports
massage at the end and the bonus of glorious weather. One of the very best
races you could enter. And a PB to boot!
In short:
A well organised scenic
coastal run - shame about the laps
In full:
The positives about this run:
- Great location, picture postcard views
- Well organised with excellent marshalling and plenty of water stations
(thanks)
- Great t-shirt, top notch medal, drink and banana at end (probably the most
generous offering I've seen at this price)
- good PB potential as lots of flat but also challenging as 2 tough climbs
repeated 4 times
- the multiple laps mean you get to see your supporters much more often
but...
Negatives:
- I just don't like the laps. The 2 at the start (for 2.5m) are boring. The
Out and back x2 is pretty dull too after a while even with the stunning
views. It must be soul destroying for those at the back who cross paths with
the lead and get overtaken by them several times (you start recognising
runners you see them so much)
- finish line needed a flag so you could see it from the approach
- Needed some portaloos at the start as the pub toilets were rammed
In short:
Good race although crowded in
places
In full:
Should have closed both sides of road, as very crowded. Undulating course,
no finish banner and drink stations need to be on one side of course not
both sides as I had to stop even though I didnt have a drink (very
annoying). Thats the bad bits, but all in all a great run for scenery,
atmosphere and quality medal and t-shirt, probably do it again although
would like to see the changes mentioned above put into place.
In short: Well organised, with a great atmosphere
In short: 2 laps of a up and down coastal road and a finish along the sea front. Enjoyable racing
In short: Quite challenging as very undulating but nice scenery .
In short: Excellent organisation and very friendly - I'll be back!
In short: Great race but the finish was al little disappointing
In short:
Good race with enough hill,
yet PB material.
In full:
A well organised race for the beginner through to
near elite. Laps make the race a bit longer mentally, but you know whats
coming the 2nd time. One hill of note, that splits the distance nicely and
stops the boredom of flat.
Weather would vary the event, so is a random bag to pick from. Good
atmoshere with a few bands and musical inputs from the sidelines.
Local to me, but worth a trip, think the chap from Jerusalem was a bit over
keen!
My 2nd half and beat my PB by over 3 mins, so I enjoyed it!
In short:
Great race and organisation
was faultless! Thanks to everyone who as involved in making this such a
great event.
In full:
Loved this race. 4th half marathon and achieved personal best of 1hr 46mins.
Great scenery, perfect conditions and organisation was 100%. Really great
event and great run. Only niggle was restriction on ipods and use of
headphones? Could clearly see/hear cycle marshalls so not sure why there was
such a restriction on use of headphones? As I am still a novice runner, I
need the tempo of music to get me through the last 4 miles or so! Will
definitely be back next year.
In short: A great race, well organised and well attended. 2nd lap can be a little busy with tail markers in restrictive running space. I'll do it again 4 sure.
In short:
Great race and scenic
conditions
In full:
Really enjoyed this race, despite the heat. Very well organised.
In short: Hard going in the heat, slow start, not enough distance markers.
In short: First ever race - not at all intimidating. Very well marshalled and organised. Great little medal!
In short:
Great Half Marathon.
In full:
Lovely day, well organised, great encouragement along the route...
Below are
the comments from people
who ran the race in 2007 & 2006
2007 race reviewed by: Markie Mark
In short: Enjoyed the race, although I expected it to be warmer!!
Date of review: July 1, 2007
2007 race reviewed by: Jenno T
In short: Great marshals and support in spite of the rain
Date of review: July 1, 2007
2007 race reviewed by: wayne ashcroft
In short: Pretty Average!
In full: Too far to go for me, if local I would do it again, very
fast course.
Date of review: June 29, 2007
2007 race reviewed by: slowly mowley
In short: a great friendly race and slow at the back perfect for me!
In full: Lovely friendly race with a quality t-shirt and medal. Liked
the fact it was 2 laps so it was helpful to know how to pace yourself. Loads
of loos on route and a free banana at the end! Marshals were supportive
shame they couldn't stay on 30 minutes more! Water stops were ok
Date of review: June 27, 2007
2007 race reviewed by: Dave Morris
In short: A good course pitty about the weather but the organisers
cannot be blamed for that as everything else was spot on. A good challenging
course through scenic surroundings.
In full: The start was well marshalled and all announcements could be
heard. The course was tough but fair. The rain was bad for the spectators
but a relief for the runners. The final hill really takes it out of you but
for all of this it is a excellent event and the goody bag which contains a T
Shirt and a first class medal makes it worth returning for. See you all
again next year. I will have to practice drinking from plastic cups while on
the move!
Date of review: June 26, 2007
2007 race reviewed by: Trendall
In short: Well orgnanised undulating half marathon
In full: I preferred the rain to the heat of last year -I also found
the course a bit easier second time around know I know all about the hills.
The scenery is excellent and as is the support/marshalling/drinks stations.
One thing - I wasn't sure if the finish was under the blue arch or the black
wires a bit further on - probably just me though.
Another good point is that you could actually hear the starter and his
instructions, a rarity in races. First rate medal too.
Date of review: June 26, 2007
2007 race reviewed by: John Norris 4
In short: Great atmosphere; intriguing multi-lap course. The medal is
easily the equal of London's.
In full: Plenty of encouragement for the slower runner. Slick
organisation, friendly crowds and helpers. I liked the flat bits at each end
of the course. If they could just flatten the middle sections...! Big thanks
to Debbie for making the last couple of miles tolerable.
Date of review: June 26, 2007
2007 race reviewed by: laurie forino
In short: good race, well organised but weather affected the turnout.
Date of review: June 25, 2007
2007 race reviewed by: CDH
In short: A well run event
In full: Excellent organisation on a soaking wet day. Course nice
despite it being 2 laps, good crowds considering the weather, and a nice
medal/t-shirt to finish. Thanks to all of the marshals and helpers
Date of review: June 25, 2007
2007 race reviewed by: Suzie Jeremiah
In short: Well organised and although it was laps it was a worthwhile
challenge
In full: having children do the water stops were great but they need
to be told for next year not to stand in the path of runners and to stop
them!
Date of review: June 25, 2007
2007 race reviewed by: Devon Red
In short: The only thing bad about this event was the weather, total
opposite to last year!
In full: Fabulous organisation, very well organised and a beautiful
scenic course along the coast road of the English Riviera. The earlier start
time helped as it made sure traffic congestion was at a minimum as a lot of
holidaymakers around at this time of the year. Extra water stations this
year and chip timing, marvellous. Proves that feedback is taken into
consideration. Didn't notice any time zones at the start but not a problem.
Great sponsorship deal with Mizuno added to the bigger race feel. Well done
to the marshals as there were so many of them and in awful conditions this
year. Crowds were uplifting and the few laps of Paignton Green at the start
gave them a good chance to see all the runners and cheer us on.
The hills got me last year but that was mainly due to the heat, this year
was a stroll by comparison.
Fabulous medal, nice t-shirt and thanks for the banana. See you next year!
Date of review: June 25, 2007
2007 race reviewed by: Marc Woodall
In short: Great Race, come back every year, fantastic scenery.
Date of review: June 25, 2007
2007 race reviewed by: paul rogers 11
In short: well organised, lovely sea views, undulating in the right
places, good marshals and water stations and good local support despite the
rain,
Date of review: June 25, 2007
2007 race reviewed by: susan stanley
In short: My first attempt at this distance, I thought the climb in
the middle proved a point. Great music along the way
Date of review: June 25, 2007
2007 race reviewed by: richard Shelley
In short: good race, well marshalled just a few minor problems
In full: very fast course, just a few hills. Don't normally like lap format
races but i enjoyed. The baggage tent needs to improve its speed and auto
read chip timing would be better, but knock another 2mins 30 secs off PB to
finish in 1.26.36 so can't complain
Date of review: June 25, 2007
2007 race reviewed by: fotki.com/slonge
In short: thanks to the marshals, kept cheery even in cold & wet
Date of review: June 25, 2007
2007 race reviewed by: Trusty
In short: Well organised, challenging hills but great to be by the
seaside :-)
In full: Pouring with rain for the first lap but it kept us nice and cool
especially on the hills. Great organisation and plenty of marshals. Fab
medal and banana's at the end would definitely do it again but would put in
much more hill training next time!!!!!
Date of review: June 25, 2007
2007 race reviewed by: Dunnarunner
In short: If you don't mind running up and down the same stretch of
road 4 times, and this particular stretch of road is one of the most scenic
around, then this race is for you.
Date of review: June 25, 2007
2007 race reviewed by: rob piggott
In short: Did not like the laps, it was like going to the shops and
then getting home to find out you forgot to get the milk
Date of review: June 25, 2007
2007 race reviewed by: Mike Burridge
In short: Good race pitty about the hills
In full: Very well organised race which was friendly and enjoyable
other than the hills which I found really hard.
Date of review: June 24, 2007
2007 race reviewed by: Wilfendo
In short: Very supportive marshalling and smooth organisation. Really
enjoyed the lap format . Missed a pb by 7 seconds and was feeling over
trained so it must have a lot of potential for faster runners than I.
Date of review: June 24, 2007
2007 race reviewed by: Fatcatslim
In short: A Fabulous morning race on the English Riviera, complete
with liquid sunshine.
In full: A well organised race with plenty of encouragement from
marshals and supporters and well staffed water stations alike. This, depite
the poor weather.
An earlier start this year as previous years have been baking hot by midday.
Thankfully it was not as hot as previous years with rain or drizzle for most
of the race.
Personally i enjoyed the rain,kept me cool and helped me to beat my course
record by a full 10 mins, coming in at 1h 51 mins.
A very enjoyable race and one that i keep coming back to year after year.
The improved course and the inclusion of chip timing are welcome additions
to an already superb race.
See you next year.
Date of review: June 24, 2007
2007 race reviewed by: slug
In short: Well organised a hell of alot of work went into this race,
not a fan of two lap races but still enjoyed it.
Date of review: June 24, 2007
2006 Ratings
In full: Apologies for the delay but please accept my congratulations for all your hard work in making the 2006 Torbay Half Marathon such a success. As usual the race was immaculately organised and marshalled throughout; the medal & t-shirt are also excellent quality.
I have been coming down from Wales for this race since 2000 and each year it seems to get better and better, it is always a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I compete in races all over the UK and Torbay seems to have achieved the happy state of being a big race with a small race feel - i.e friendly and with a personal touch.
Once again, congratulations and keep up the good work - see you in '07.
In full: From my own point of view, I found that the distance from Paignton to Torquay was fairly long (1st time half marathon), and another drinks station would have been most welcome, especially as it was a fairly warm day!
Other than that, I found the stewards to be extremely helpful and supportive and the entire race very professionaly organised. CM
In full: Many thanks for a great race - once again the weather was superb - if a little hot for some ! On behalf of the Plymouth Harriers please pass on my thanks to all who were involved, the course is not easy, but out of the ones that have been used over the years it is by far the safest and I would have thought easiest to marshal - so please stick with this one!
Once again many thanks
In
full: Just
wanted to a big well done to you and your team for such a well
organised run, it was my 2nd half marathon and i managed a pb even with a
knee injury and that heat so i was chuffed.
Here's to next year
Neil
In full: Just wanted to thank you for a very enjoyable and well organised race. This is the first time I have entered this one and I would definitely do it again. The scenery is beautiful and it was one of the best organised races I have attended.
Thank you so much
WH
In short: Undulating??? Hmmm...Really???
In full: Ha ha.. Bloody hilly is what I say. However, it was my first ever race though, and I can't complain too much as I did finish within my target of 2hours. Definitely needed water station between Torquay/Paignton. And I wasn't too keen on the queuing after the finish to get checked off especially as I was desperate for a P!! However, overall the organisation was good and the encouragement from the Marshalls, spectators and fellow runners was what kept me going in that heat. All-in-all, one amazing experience.
In short: A well organised slightly challenging race.
In full: Talk about chalk and cheese, my last half was Forest of Dean and the organisers of that race could learn a great deal from the organisers of this. Well done to everyone, plenty of water stations with water [FOD please note], amazing support all round the course, excellent medal and a T shirt and to top that a banna as well. What a bargain. Just need to get the finish funnel sorted. Already discussing travelling the 180 plus miles down again with rest of club for next years race.
In short: worth a weekend stay
In full: Well organised race, good atmosphere, good course including slightly challenging hills (second time around anyway) and some nice flat bits, Nice medal and quality T shirt at finish. Managed to knock 5 mins off last years time, so i'll be back next year
In short: My first ever half marathon - really good organisation although very hot and some more water would have been nice. In full: I suppose that when you enter these things you should really do some serious training unfortunately due to the arrival of baby Sh3ps this sort of went out of the window. Saying that though the organisation was great and the marshals and spectators were just so nice that they dragged my sorry body round the course. It was such a hot day though and it would have been nice to have an extra water station in the middle of the course. I will be back next year though, a fantastic race.
In short: Not really for the first timers, it's got hills but really friendly atmosphere. Will do it again!!
In short: Too hot enough water!!
In full: Enjoyable race, lovely scenery but just too hot and not enough water, disappointing no sponges which are a bit easier to carry than those dinky plastic cups, thought we needed an extra water station on the hill half way between Torquay and Paignton considering the heat. The finish was a bit naff, had to wait in a queue to be signed off! Would do it again though, nice and local for me.
In short: best support ever
In full: sunny
and hot harder than my other half the forest of dean, a big thank you to
the public for their support could not fault any organization really
well done torbay
Date of review: June 27, 2006
In short: Hot,Hot,Hot.......................
In full: Come on everybody, not hilly, just a few undulations to make it interesting. A well organised, well marshalled race that was let down right at the very end by too many people being squeezed into to small a finishing area, come on Torbay, you had the rest of the green and the road all the way to the Harbour if you wanted it.But that said everybody put in a lot of effort to make sure that us the runners were well looked after, thank you all.A special mention to the Scouts who once again did everybody proud. All in all,a great value race, really nice dated medal + t shirt, but next year please, please, please. Bottled water, we'll all, gladly pay a bit extra. Honest..............just try running and drinking from a cup, you'll see.
In short: Scenic run following the coast on a hot summers day !!
In full: My first visit to Paignton and it will NOT be my last. Excellent run with lovely views. Some long hills to climb but coming down the other sides was great. Nice start at the seafront which meant seeing the good crowds twice! Uplifting music and marshalling on the route. Water stations handed out plastic cups of warm-ish water. Sponges & lucozade would have been better. Medal is one of the best yet. I will definitely do it again next year and make a weekend of it.
In short: hot
In short: Heat and hills
In full: In my opinion this was a reasonable race in nice part of the world; the scenery was good, although the nature of the course meant that you saw a lot of it a number of times. The course is a mixture of flat and hills, which weren't that bad, however the heat made them much worse, as did running them twice. The two main water stations were sufficiently manned and the marshalling was good; sponges would have been very welcome however. At the start I was in the 1.40 plus section and could not hear any of the announcements. Personally I'd rather have chip timing than a T Shirt for a race this size. The medal was top notch though. I would not rule out doing this again if there was nothing else on.
In short: A nice run in glorious Devon with a few hills, plenty of sunshine and Elvis Presley! Please supply bottled water next year.
In short: An excellent race, ideal for a weekend away.
In full: This race was extremely well organised. The marshalling was outstanding and very encouraging. The music along the way was definitely uplifting and the down hills were great! A very friendly atmosphere. Will definitely be back next year.
In short: A great venue for a weekend stay.
In short: Therapeutic scenery, well marshalled, shame about the end product?
In full: The event was well put together, however, like most after races the reception point could do with an uplift (One Banana and a small plastic cup of tepid water!). The entry point at the finish for competitors could be better marshalled so as not to allow the general public to remove the barriers and cross in front of the runners. Overall a pleasant run somewhat spoiled at the end?
In short: great race and scenery, pity about the 12 hills
In full: All in all a good race plenty to do before and after weather kind if a little hot, good for partners and kids, not so good for the runners, however plenty of water on offer, did not see any sponges which would have been nice
In short: great race a bit to hot plenty of water points
In short: Very good, enjoyed it very much.
In short: well organised and marshalled, glorious scenery, thought the drink stations could have been placed more evenly, very hot!
In short: Well organised race, good atmosphere. I hate hills!
In short: Great weather, great views, well organised event
In full: Good morning out followed by football at the pub, can't be bad. Hills between Paignton and Torquay were "special" especially the second time around but the buzz of finishing another Half made it all worthwhile. Certainly no PB course for me.
In short: Well organised and marshalled, nice scenery, quite hilly, lovely weather, good atmosphere.
In short: Well Organised, Enthusiastic Marshalls
In full: Friendly, enthusiastic marshalls and a very well run event. The hill (4 times) is to say the least challenging. Really enjoyable race, well run water stations and well organised all round. Excellent medal.
In short: Great marshalling, very friendly, lots of support
In full: Thoroughly enjoyed the race, very friendly atmosphere. Plenty of drinks stations, marshalls did a great job. Could be described as Challenging - re the hills! (one in particular), but great race on a lovely sunny day.
In short: First time half marathon and I loved it!
In full: This was my first half marathon and I was quite nervous. However, there's a good crowd and it's quite uplifting. The scenery is spectacular-south Devon on a sunny day is hard to beat. It was very warm indeed and I would have liked to see a water station between Paignton and Torquay. However, it was extremely well marshalled, traffic free and a lovely run. Can't wait to do my next half marathon
