Torbay Half Marathon 2012 Race Comments
- Excellent race, very well organised, loads of support around the course Great atmosphere, very well organised. Excellent marshalling. Great support along the route (loved the band in Torquay). Defo doing it next year
- Highly recommended race with beautiful scenery and awesome goody bag!!
This was my second year of running the Torbay half and was just as challenging with running up three hills to Torquay and three back on first lap and same again on lap two so you definitely feel like you've had a work out and earnt the best goody bag iv had with a nice blue tech t-shirt and re-designed medal from last year. Both were great last year and have been improved further with the medal a nice palm tree in reference to the glorious English Riviera which all 2,000 of us runners got to see the scenic sea and surrounding coasts. Weather was cool but fortunately no rain as predicted and the sun stayed in so nobody melted didn’t want to run the same run twice but was persuaded into doing this run and wasn’t disappointed with anything. Great communication with race director and the face book account of Torbay athletic club. Will be back! - Memorable for all the right reasons. This was my 2nd Torbay Half having done it last year and my girlfriends 1st time here. Excellent value for money with a really nice re-designed medal and a tech shirt included in the entry fee. A great mix of hills and views, lovely to be beside the seaside. Found a great guest house to stay at less than 500 metres from the start line last year and stayed there again this year. Hats off to Torbay Athletic Club, a great event they have clearly worked really hard to make a success. My girlfriend also thoroughly enjoyed it, only her 3rd half marathon but races like this just leave her eagerly awaiting her next. If you've not done this one yet do it next year, you'll really love it. Nice friendly race director too to whom nothing seemed too much trouble. There have been some comments about timing chips, but this could happen anywhere and was just one of those things you can't allow for. Thanks Torbay for a great race and a great weekend.
- An excellent event with slopes which could well tax the novice runner.
However the overall atmosphere will pull you through.
Good medal and technical t-shirt - Fantastic half marathon - Atmosphere welcoming and friendly, all at an awesome price. This is a truly great race which has beautiful scenery and enjoyable two lap route that allowed me to pinpoint my pacing and come home with a new PB.
The weather which descended on Torbay the night before was enough to put the toughest of runners and supporters off. Lucky come morning the rain had stopped and the support from the crowds around Paignton Green was great while live music on the headland in Torquay helped improve the atmosphere.
The course was traffic free and exceptionally marshalled. Lots of water stations which I would have used more if it was hotter.
On finishing the race I got one best goody bags I have seen in long time. Great technical T-Shirt and decent medal and much more, great considering the race only cost £22. Other races could learn a thing or two here, as I have done other race which cost a lot more and you don't get a decent goody bag like Torbay.
Will definitely be coming back next year!!!!! - Last ran this race in 2009 but this year I seemed to enjoy it more. Last minute entry wasn't a problem and got into a Travelodge which was 5 minute walk from the start. Well organised event, no chance of dehydration water coming out of my ears by the end never seen so many water stations at a half.
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3rd time for me and the race just gets better. Perfect weather and the marshals were very friendly. Great new improved medal and technical tee shirt to match. Will be back next year for sure.
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Another great Torbay HM had a direct comparison to the Freckleton HM the week before and I can’t quite decide which my favourite was! Torbay has the advantage of closed roads and lovely sea views for most of the course. Against that you have the hills on the second lap around at Torbay which are tough.
Excellent organisation again, seemed to be some improvements over last year in both the water stations and the organisation of the two laps (not that there was much wrong last year!). Friendly marshals, loads of support and a fab day out. Well done Torbay.
If forced to pick I'd have to say Freckleton, only because I ran it a second quicker though!
Torbay Half Marathon 2011 Race Comments
- Well organised, a big thanks to all the marshalls who were most encouraging. Good T shirt and medal. The fruit at the end was really welcome. A great way to spend a Sunday morning
- Well done to the organisers and the Council for getting the route traffic free, making it a real pleasure to run. Thank you marshalls for good friendly support.
- A very well organised event with great seaside views. Very friendly with the marshalls and even the Race Director going the extra mile to make sure all competitors on the day were looked after. Get it in your diary for next year!
- A very well organised event with great seaside views. Very friendly with the marshalls and even the Race Director going the extra mile to make sure all competitors on the day were looked after. Get it in your diary for next year!
- very enjoyable weekend, good medal, good t-shirt. good coarse, good value. will defo run this one again.
- 1st half marathon and the race was brilliant, the marsahlls were excellent, the availability of water was also good, just got to figure out how run and drink from a cup at the same time! could have done with some more organisation in the car park it was the bit mad! Also the prize bag was top notch also
- Well done Torquay & Paignton. Brill event. 1 of the best have run for a while. Knocks spots off the Birmingham Half for organisation & beginner friendliness.
- Perfect race for either a first half marathon, or for someone after a pb (although not a super fast course)
- There's nothing not to like about this race (apart from a few mildly challenging hills perhaps). Great organisation and course, starting area works really well, usual west country welcome and friendliness, great marshalls, and some nice scenery and spectator support in parts. Excellent value for money (Exeter could learn a thing or two with its prices more akin to your Readings and Bristol races) and nice tech t-shirt and quality medal. Wasn't sure I'd like the no MP3 player rule (I usually ignore them but it seemed to be taken quite seriously here) but it was fine and actually as people weren't plugged in there was a bit of banter between runners which was nice. I hope to be back next year!
- I did this half with some people from work, our boss talked us into it saying it was flat, (he lied!) The race was very well organised and everyone was very very friendly. i really enjoyed it and hope to be able to do it again. well done and thank you to everyone who organised and marshalled.
- for this virgin runner it was a great day. brilliant atmosphere and very enjoyable run.
- The Bay being generally hilly was a worry for me as a beginner but the hills whilst mildly steeper than Exeter's Great West Run were certainly do-able. Great atmosphere, the marshalls were all very encouraging which helps, great quality TShirt and medal in the goody bag. There were great sponsorship stands from the Runner's Guide. Would definitely recommend this half marathon and would certainly like to return.
- I think many of the big city races (Bristol, are you listening?) could learn a lot from this one. For a start, enthsuiastic marshals all along the route, more water stations than a British summer strictly requires, a decent goody bag, an original medal design and a quality T-shirt (not another heavy cotton job that just sits in the bottom of your drawer). And free fruit at the end! I thought the crowds were good given this is a club race rather a corporate sponsored race. And it was really good to see the event being helped with road closures, the support of the council and teh local police. A good mixture of club and charity runners. Yes, it's undulating, but it's Devon. There were still PBs to be had here, though.
- Well organised, challenging race but do-able. Nice atmosphere but not so many spectators this year in Torquay end. Great Goody bag, nice t-shirt and medal. Could have done with a sponge station but apart from that. Great race.
- First time for me, and would do it again, only the 280 mile journey might make me think again! I thought the regular water stops was a real winner, excellent medal and t shirt as well! thank you to all involved
- Thanks to all that organised Torbay's fab half marathon and to all that came to give support. See you next year!
- Thank you for your excellent organisation of this year's event. Venue, route, drinks, bands etc all good, lovely prizes, goody bag and medal, weather perfect!! thanks to all the helpers and marshals - especially the one in Torquay who called out "come on Okehampton" every time I passed her!
- Thanks for a great day. Was well organised and the support aroung the course was great. Here's to next year! :
- I competed in the Torbay half marathon for the first time yesterday and I would just like to say that the organisation and running of the event was second to none. There were plenty of marshalls who all gave support and encouragement to the runners and there was good support all along the route from spectators and local residents. The water stations were well organised and slick. It was great as a runner to have a traffic free course, the road closures and diversions seemed to work very well indeed. I am involved in the organisation of the Swithland 6 and the Leicester marathon, and I know that getting an event like this off the ground is no mean feat. Congratulations and many thanks from me and I hope to be back next year fitter and faster.
- I competed in the Torbay half marathon for the first time yesterday and I would just like to say that the organisation and running of the event was second to none. There were plenty of marshalls who all gave support and encouragement to the runners and there was good support all along the route from spectators and local residents. The water stations were well organised and slick. It was great as a runner to have a traffic free course, the road closures and diversions seemed to work very well indeed. I am involved in the organisation of the Swithland 6 and the Leicester marathon, and I know that getting an event like this off the ground is no mean feat. Congratulations and many thanks from me and I hope to be back next year fitter and faster.
- Great to have to Torbay half back and loving my fancy new yellow t'shirt..thanks to all the organisers and marshalls
- Well done everyone! This was my first and really enjoyed it :-) a big well done to all the people who helped n supported it!
- Well done to all the people that helped out today on the half marathon if it wasn't for you this would not have taken place so a very big thank you
- After very congested starts at a couple of recent local city events I thought that, even with the increased numbers, the start arrangements worked well. You were not packed in like sardines and the field spread out very quickly. The road closures also helped in this respect across the rest of the course.
- Thanks for a great start to my hols down there in torbay, thanks to all who made it a great event. a new PB for me shame i couldn't get under the two hours but there's always nxt time :o)"
- I had the pleasure of running the Torbay 1/2 on Sunday for the second
time having sadly missed last year. I also moderate on a running forum
and though you might like to see how highly your race is being spoken
of. All the members who ran have said what a good time they had and how
well organised it was.
Torbay Half Marathon 2009 Race Comments
Race Comments From www.runnersworld.co.uk
Race Comment:
Pre race organisation was good, number arrived in good time. Chip timing makes such a difference. Plenty of water stations on a warm day. First Aid in evidence in several places along the route. Start area well organised making for a good getaway. Finish area clear and funnels smooth. Medal excellent. T-shirt superb. Prizes generous. Carnival feel to the day, thanks to the bunting and the commentator! My only gripe, could the two laps of Paignton green be exchanged for going further into Torquay? It was tough to keep circling. Well done on such a fun day, we really enjoyed ourselves, as, it seems, did everyone, from the comments on Runners' World.In short: hot again
Race Comment:
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.
Race Comment:
3rd time I have done this race and loved it stayed at the berry hotel so thanks david hyde for putting a great race on see you next year
Race Comment:
A fun event, atmosphere makes up for slightly repetitive course.
In full: Very wel organised and good value for money considering the goody bag, road closures, and the feel that this is a 'proper' event rather than a club run. Slightly repetitive course and quite crowded, but this is offset by great spectator support.
In full: Very wel organised and good value for money considering the goody bag, road closures, and the feel that this is a 'proper' event rather than a club run. Slightly repetitive course and quite crowded, but this is offset by great spectator support.
Race Comment:
Well organised, tremendous value in the superb nedal and excellent T-shirt and nice edibles in the goody bag! Quite a few hills, (up and down)and three lanes of runners on different laps/directions at one point. Any way it could go further into Torquay and avoid the two laps of Paignton Green, which were slow and crowded? But many thanks to the sponsors for the generous offer of 3 prizes for each age group, meaning I came away with a prize for the first time ever! We came on a girls weekend outing and all enjoyed the tremendous atmosphere, before and after the race. Well done, Torbay!
Race Comment:
Good race for 1st timers - nice medal & v good t-shirt
Race Comment:
Well-organised, nice atmosphere, great views and not too challenging course.
Race Comment:
If I had one gripe/suggestion it would be to maybe have sections within the starting i.e. for peoples expected finishing times, so that faster people who get stuck near the back don't have to fight through the crowds (not that I was particularly fast), this may make the start a little smoother for some. Otherwise a great day out and a really nice 'baptism' for me into the world of competitive half marathons. Well done to all involved in the event and I'll see you next year!!!
Race Comment:
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.
Race Comment:
I have only done one half marathon before which nearly put me off running completely. I decided to give this one a go and am really glad I did. Definitely worth the trip from London. Gorgeous scenery and lovely to relax on the beach after. The crowd, marshals and other runners were really supportive. It was amazing to see the faster runners (who lapped me a number of times!), they were incredible. A big well done to everyone who helped organise the event and to all who took part.
Race Comment:
Great combination of scenery, organisation and atmosphere!
Race Comment:
Great friendly race, small enough to notice and hear the crowd offering personal support - live band were fab. Really nice t-shirt and medal. and encouragement. Will definiatly be back next year
Race Comment:
Great combination of scenery, organisation and atmosphere!
Race Comment:
Great friendly race, small enough to notice and hear the crowd offering personal support - live band were fab. Really nice t-shirt and medal. and encouragement. Will definiatly be back next year
Race Comment:
a regular in the calender and again didnt disappoint, great tshirt/medal organisation, and great support around the course from supporters and marshalls.
first aid loooked busy, hope everyone was ok
Race Comment:
yet again a PB for me on this my favourite course
Race Comment:
travelled down from the midlands for the
weekend so with petrol and two nights
digs etc a bit costly but well worth it.
marshalls galore and also plenty water
all the way round, sponges would have been
appreciated to be honest. the medal was nice
and the t-shirt top drawer, excellent.
have done over 100 marathons/half marathons
and this ranks well in the top.
great race, see you again next year
Race Comment:
My second year doing this race and I can't wait for next year's! Glorious scenery, top quality medal and t-shirt and a relaxing beer on the Green afterwards.
Race Comment:
Well organised, great route altho 2 laps but great for supporters to see you, lovely weather, great t-shirt, nice medal, would deffinetley travel from Southampton to do it again...
Race Comment:
Another great half marathon. This is my local so I do it every year. The course may be repetative but that makes it very spectator friendly. Bring the whole family they will love it. The technical t-shirt was a nice touch this year. One you will actually get some use from.
Race Comment:
First time at this event, the first 2 laps of the green helped settle you into your pace although a little crowded in some spots. Hills were challenging but no where near as bad as I was expecting. The organisation was spot on. Plenty of water stops which unfortunatley meant a lot of discarded cups to jump over. A sponge station would have been a great help but there was a nice chap with his hose pipe out at half way which was a blessing. Great for supporters with the finish running alongside the beach. Hats off to St Johns ambulance who I saw were quite busy.
Great goody bag with medal and t shirt. Well done to everyone involved, can see why it fills up so quick.
Race Comment:
In full: My first half marathon so a bit apprehensive but the great atmosphere and excellent organization made it a perfectly enjoyable day. Blue skies before the race and the organizers even managed to arrange some cloud cover for the race itself! Nice medals, good T-shirt and a PB (...always good to get a PB on your first at the distance ;o) ). Overall a thoroughly good race
Race Comment:
In full: Well organised and marshalled run,value for money, sufficent water points and even a nice t shirt & medalion at the end. Best half in Devon in my opinion.Ideal for spectators/family too if its sunny.
Race Comment:
Thoroughly well organised race, and good service at end massage etc.
Race Comment:
Best organised event I've done so far. Excellent.In short: Plenty of helpful marshals
Race Comment:
Plenty of support from the spectators, and also from runners in the opposite direction, which is nice! I'm not a big fan of laps, but at least you know what's coming next time I suppose. The hills are tame by Devon standards, so decent potential for a PB if you're from around here. Nice goody bag, but an entry fee to match. Good organisation and marshalls, plus plenty of drinks stations.
Race Comment:
Very well organised and marshalled race, and very good value with a great technical tee shirt and goody bagIn short: Surprisingly challenging but very well organised event.
Race Comment:
The route out to Torquay included some deceptively challenging undulations - and the double loop around the green at the beginning was nice and flat to spread out the field but slightly boring... overall difficult mental challenge in places with passing most of the field throughout the race (on other side of road) - but very well stationed and nice strong support at finish! Some uplifting music at the end would have helped?
Race Comment:
Very well organised, lots of water stations and great support around the way. Super goodie bag - good value for money! A challenging course but would def consider doing it again. Came as a group of ladies from Kenilworth runners- lovely weekend!
Race Comment:
Great atmosphere, not as warm as I thought it would be!
Race Comment:
Knocked almost 4 mins off PB so happy! The whole race ran very smoothly. Nice scenery and the support was pretty. Perfect for the family watching as they get to see you a few times whilst keeping the kids entertained on the beach lawns!
In short: beautiful setting great crowds
In full: Easy for me to be happy happy as I ran a pb but honestly loved this
