"A race by runners for runners" sums it up beautifully. It's clear the organisers put a great deal of thought and effort into helping everyone run their best race. Things that really matter - routemarking, drinks stations, start and finish areas - are done right. There are some nice touches you won't find at more glamorous marathons, including lockers, hot showers, and free race photos. Everyone involved seems enthused by a shared love of running. And the marshals are lovely!

I enjoyed this event which was my first marathon. What stands out for me is the friendliness and enthusiasm of the marshalls many of whom shouted out your name as you passed with some words of encouragement. Some other good things about this race: the course takes in a nice run through historic Abingdon and there is a short section along the Thames, good variety of village, town, countryside, plenty of marshalls and good signage, start and finish on a running track which is fun, and an excellent race village complete with changing rooms and showers, hot food stall, coffee van, smoothly run bag drop, shelter tents (was raining), and generally a lovely atmosphere. What could be better? The start was a little disorganised in my view with the sound system not quite working right and while there was some attempt to get the fastest runners at the front the rest of us where all mixed in. And there was some congestion at certain points, narrow tracks or pavements. Most of the roads are not closed, generally motorists were considerate but there are sections where you need to run on the pavement for safety. The medal is a little disappointing in my view, small plain design, and the event T shirts were not for sale at the finish but have to be purchased online. These are small complaints as overall this is a very well organised event and a lot of fun to do.

Really well organised, great runners village. Marshalls were exceptional and everywhere as was the aid stations. Villagers support also fab, and cars all were patient. I couldn’t fault it. Flat as you can get and fast. One point in the business park some runners nearly went wrong but apart from that faultless. Good bling and buff.

I signed up to the event whilst looking for a marathon for a specific date. I came across this event and signed up straight away. A PB course (to help with Boston qualification) and some good reviews from other runners. As the race is held in Abingdon, its close to Oxford so we made a weekend of it and I took the family. We stayed locally in Abingdon in yue Hilton which was about a 5 minute drive from the race. Very convenient. Getting to and from the event was easy, we drove there and then I walked back. It took about 40 minutes to walk back to the hotel. The race was very wet, we started off in torrential rain and it last for the first 10 miles. I was concerned the race might be called off on the morning but they managed to get it on. The first couple of miles is on closed roads and then there is a small section of trail before being back on the road. The course does loop so you do two big loops before heading back to the start. It's a flat course and has big PB potential. The marshals were fantastic and aid stations were located about every 3 miles. There was ample support from marshalls and some locals did come out too, despite the weather. The medal was wooden which was a little disappointing after running a marathon. I can understand trying to be more environmentally friendly, but it still felt a little disappointing. I would run the event again as its a quick course with good organisation. I felt I definitely left a bigger PB time out there.

POSITIVES

Well organised from start to finish. It sells out so if you want to do it, get in early! 

It was useful to receive the race number and event guide in the post well ahead of the race. The faff of filling in medical details on the race number and pinning it on your race top could be done in advance. 

Parking was well signed and marshalled and a short walk to Tilsney (the start/ finish).

Good atmosphere at stadium with Scouts serving food and drink. I hope they raised lots of money! 

Marshals on every street corner- they were amazing! Traffic was stopped where roads were open and in the last couple of miles through town, they couldn't have been more supportive. Special shout out to the running club at Milton, the music in the underpass and the trumpeters! 

 Water stations were frequent and well manned with marshals handing out drinks etc on both sides of the road. Thanks.

Nice finish round the stadium and call out as you cross the line. 

Medal, T shirt, hot and cold drinks at the finish. 

DOWNSIDE

No pacers. 

CONCLUSION 

Great event for those chasing a pb. Would I do it again? For my next pb, yes!  

 

 

My first Marathon! I chose Abingdon purposely as I know it is flat. I was wary beforehand having been told it can be a lonely race due to the small field of runners and boring due to the industrial estate based course. I shouldn't have worried about either. There was loud, all inclusive support everywhere - from the running track start/finish to the most remote country lanes, residential/town areas or industrial estates. Aid stations were every 3 miles - with varied water, squash, lucozade options, while in the industrial estate was a huge fruit platter! The road crossing sections were slick with clear and fair stop/go signals. The laps - well they're laps, I like knowing what's coming. The mile markers were exact and every single mile :-) And a great compère announced each of us coming round the track There was a lovely weighty medal and T-shirt with a Mars bar at the finish. Just a perfect experience all round. I highly recommend.