In short: an interesting, well organised raceIn full: I had been reading last years reviews of the race to try to work out the hills etc, basically the first 8 miles were slight inclines/declines along the portway sections of which had a strong head wind, heading back into town the course is a bit winding with a few cobbles and a few short sharp inclines in the last few miles which are a bit energy sapping but overall i really enjoyed this raceDate of review: September 15, 2011

In short: Great organisation, good route, more cheers from the crowd, please!In full: Really well organised - all city races should learn from this one. My route planning and running watch both think it's longer than 13.1 miles but a good circuit. Agree with the need for clearer mile markers for the last 2 miles, especially countdown markers. Crowd was fine but nothing on the enthusiasm and support of ReadingDate of review: September 14, 2011

In short: Enjoyable 1st half but organisation could be betterIn full: First of all my race pack went to a completely incorrect address! Secondly the t-shirts could be in more female runner friendly sizes! My "Small" t-shirt drowns me! Otherwise all went well for my first half marathon.Date of review: September 14, 2011

In short: new course, same hills, more wind and sun - may as well go on holiday and not run In full: The hills in the centre within a few miles of the finish are too much for any but the regular club runner. The weather was not fit for a race. It was hot. I lost 4 kg (almost 9 pounds) of fluids. I couldn't possibly drink 4 pints during the run to replace fliuds. Overall: race from hell.Date of review: September 14, 2011

In short: Generally well thought out event. Better than mostIn full: This was my first time at this event. The course is generally fast and flat with lots of long straight sections in the first 8 miles and a two wave start, both reducing congestion. Despite this, the number of runners in the event (10000) can lead to the first mile or so being slow.There is plenty of NCP type parking available within a few minutes walk of the start, and the race facility provision and organisation(toilets, bag drop, information, post race drinks etc) is nothing short of excellent I was also very impressed with the sheer number of people who had given up their Sunday morning, clearly on a voluntary basis. As noted elsewhere, the only negative was the absence or poor positioning of markers within the last 2 miles. The 12 mile marker seemed to be absent and as the finish gantry only becomes visible within the last 200m or so, "countdown" markers - 800m, 400m etc would have been useful. Otherwise a fantastic day out ! Date of review: September 14, 2011

In short: Well organized and enjoyable.In full: I've done this race each year since 2005 and always found it a good experience. I used to prefer going round the streets first and then up the Portway and back to the finish. The drag round the streets at the end is heavy going but I see the point of getting into a wide road as quickly possible. Basics like baggage storage and toilets are excellent and the only gripe I have is that some mile-markers seemed to have been missed or were difficult to see. Will take part next year without doubt and would recommend it to anyone wondering whether to try this race.Date of review: September 13, 2011