first the sh1t bit. the bag drop was a nightmare. it was later explained that the logistics were different this year due to major roadworks in the towncentre - the race village was in a different place and the volunteer team that ran the bag drop was different to usual. The bags were not sorted into number order so at the end of the race there was a massive queue, easily 45 minutes, might have been an hour of glacial slowness. to be fair to the organisers, they apologised profusely throughout and offered a discount on next year's event.  but really, a bit sh1t.

it was a warm day, a flat course, i was hoping for a pb of under 1:40.  i got my hydration wrong, not accounting for the heat/sunshine, so fell apart in the last 5k. i don't remember the final 2k at all, total blank, and i was in a bad way at the finish line, very giddy and unsteady on my feet.  took a good while of sitting down and drinking loads to recover some poise.

the route is flat, so good for pbs. it does a double loop for part of the course which means you cover some of the ground twice. i have a particular dislike of routes like this, i would much prefer a big single loop.

it was well marshalled, the race village was fine (bag drop aside...), reg was easy enough.  having done the oxford race the following month, i don't think i'll be back to maidenhead, oxford was in a different league.

 

I did the Maidenhaed HM because it was my running club's HM club champs and to see were my fitness is at. The pre-race emails had all the relevent information regarding the race. This is the 9th year of the race and this year the race village was moved to the local football stadium due to construction taking place. Bibs had to be collected from the stadium on race morning (or locals runners could have collected the day before from the local shopping centre). 

The course was well marked and the marshalls did a great job ensuring the runners were safe due to part of the roads being open to traffic. It is two lap course which is flat and fast. There were four water stops which were strategically positioned. Local residents were out cheering runners on. 

We were given a great medal and bottled water after crossing the finish line. Not a huge issue but the one negative point was baggage collection. We stood in a queue for at least an hour to collect our bags. The race director did come around to everyone in the queue to apologise for that. 

This is really a great race to do prior to an Autumn marathon.  

Plus points

- short queue at registration

- free parking

- great support from marshals

- nice medal

- pb potential

 

 To be improved

 

- mileage signage (where was mile 12 sign?) and hub signage- it needed to be higher up as crowds covered important info. 

- Start line - No pauses staggering runners at the start to reduce the bottleneck at the underpass at 0.8 miles. PP said in the race instructions it would be done. There were also no start pens or signs indicating where you should stand for your predicted finish time so people flocked towards the Pacers who were positioned far too near the front. 

Would I do it again? If I remember to use the discount code given, yes. It you want a flat course for a pb, it's a good one to do. 

 

 

A really enjoyable event. Pretty course. Great marsalls and the locals came out to support. Instructions were clear in advance and liked the medal at the end.

So what a shame about the organisation at the end falling flat on its face the way it did. Waited an hour to pick up my bags. Which in a fair few years of racing is a problem I've never come across. How on earth could they have got something this basic as catastrophically wrong as ths?

Appreciate that the organisers have put their hands up and offered discount to next years race by way of recompense. But seriously doubt I would want to put myself through that again.

Shame.

Second time on this course and the great parts are still there; flat well marshalled course, pacers, good water stops, lots of support.

Lets get the problem done first.  Bag pick up was appalling.  Massive Q.  In the sun - not good for a red head with sunscreen in their dropped bag!  At least it wasnt last week and 30+C. This problem should have been anticipated.  bags were not organised into any semblence of order, so it was taking ages for the helpers to find them. Some folks I spoke to in the line could have left bags with friends or in their car if only thay had known. I had a long journey home. Presumably, the club said no to having people tread on their hallowed turf.  

Marshalls great.  Crowds not huge but encouraging and supportive. Race not too crowded but enough not to feel isolated.  Great flat course with just enough slight inclines to keep things interesting.

Lesser problem was signage before the start, upon enetering the stadium. Put them up high wehere anyone can see them.  where were the loos?  The bag drop?  I was in a line having been told it was to drop the bag, turned out it was a toilet Q. 

Unfortunately I cant say I will be back unless I can see that organization has been improved. 

Come on Purple Patch - you are better than this! 

This was my 3rd HM and my first at Maidenhead. The start and finish was in the town centre and there was plenty of local free car parking either in car parks or side roads. There was a nice atmosphere at the race village with music and someone doing lots of talking on the mic. I didn't spot any changing rooms but the bag drop off was very easy with no queues. Everything seemed really well organised but on the day it was really warm which obviously the organisers couldn't do anything about. The route was very flat and had 2 laps with supportive marshals and locals. However the water stations (every 3 miles apart) were pretty basic with water being poured quickly in plastic cups. I think the last 2 stops had some jelly babies in bowls. The end of the race went through Kidwells Park and then through the town centre which was a nice route to finish. The medal is nice but at the end all there was was a bottle of water, a banana and some bars (I can't recall the brand) in 1 flavour which contained nuts so I couldn't have that. I could've done with a bit more sustenance at the end. I'd do it again as it's local for me and to get a PB. With a few tweaks from the organisers this could be a fantastic event - improve water/feed stations and have more fuel at the finish.

I ran the race as the 1:45 pacer and was impressed with this half marathon. It was the first time I've done this and found parking free and very close to the start line which was a 5 minute walk. The course is a 2 lap loop and very flat with good PB potential. Very well organised although with it being a little warm could have been more water stops. Overall though a good introduction to half marathons and a good all round set up.

Fantastic flat course with lots of fields on either side plus past the Thames for a stretch. Very supportive martials and loads of local support. 

My chip time didn’t record crossing the finishing line but the organiser used video evidence to add my time. Phew!

I don’t like to moan but the drinks station water was being taken faster than it was poured, so there were some bottlenecks there. 

But overall a flat, fast and friendly race!