To begin, let me preface by saying that I am an avid runner with a substantial running history that spans nearly 100 races. I usually approach running events with enthusiasm and try to appreciate the effort organizers put into making them enjoyable for all participants. However, my experience at the Southport Half Marathon was nothing short of disheartening, leaving me struggling to find a silver lining amidst a multitude of issues. The most glaring problem and the one that cast a dark cloud over the entire event was the startling shortage of water. It's unfathomable, really, that in the middle of a half marathon, on an exceptionally hot day, the race organizers ran out of water for the participants at a mere 6-mile mark. This was not just an inconvenience; it bordered on a severe safety concern. Dehydration is a serious risk during any race, let alone a half marathon, and it is unquestionably the responsibility of race organizers to ensure that runners have a consistent and reliable source of hydration throughout the course. But the water issue was just the tip of the iceberg. There were numerous other problems that plagued the event: 1. Poor Course Management: The race course itself was inadequately marked, leading to a frustrating sense of confusion among participants. Critical intersections lacked proper signage, resulting in many runners becoming disoriented. This not only added unnecessary stress but also negatively impacted race times, as participants were forced to backtrack or stop to seek directions. 2. Lack of Communication: The pre-race information provided by the organizers was extremely vague and difficult to come by. The lack of clear communication led to pre-race jitters and confusion for many participants, including myself. 3. Inadequate Facilities: Restrooms along the course were few and far between, and medical aid stations were notably lacking, which is concerning given the physical demands of a half marathon. 4. Disorganized Finish Line: The finish line area was chaotic, lacking the organization one would expect from a race of this nature. The absence of clear signage and volunteers directing participants created an atmosphere of disarray, tainting what should have been a celebratory moment. 5. Limited Post-Race Amenities: After enduring such a poorly organized race, participants were left wanting when it came to post-race amenities or refreshments. A race's finish should ideally provide runners with the tools they need for recovery and celebration, yet this was notably absent. I believe in constructive feedback, and I hope my detailed account can provide insight into what you might expect if you choose to participate in the Southport Half Marathon next year. While organizing a large-scale event can undoubtedly be challenging, it is the responsibility of race organizers to prioritize the safety, well-being, and satisfaction of participants. Running a half marathon is a significant physical and mental achievement, and all participants deserve a meticulously planned and professionally executed event. I encourage you to take my observations into account as you consider whether to participate in the Southport Half Marathon in the future. Participants invest considerable time, money, and effort into these races, and they should be able to anticipate a well-organized and enjoyable experience. It is my sincere hope that the organizers heed these concerns and take meaningful steps to improve future editions of the Southport Half Marathon. By addressing these issues head-on, they have the opportunity to transform the event into a stellar experience for all participants.

This was a very disappointing event Fylde Coast Runners are a local club that organises many of the events I run and I usually find them well organised and enjoyable The Southport Half marathon did not live up to my expectations The route is very flat and we’ll signposted but finding the start was not at all easy from the directions provided by the club Having recently run a marathon and a half, I went out to just enjoy a run in the sun For half and full marathons, I take my own hydration but in the heat find the water stations essential to either top up my water or use to cool myself, however, by the time I reached the final water station, it had been packed away A safety car did come and give bottles of water to the remaining runners, but it was another couple of k on Finally, there seems to have been a problem with the chip timing - My and many other runners chip and gun times reporting the same time I reported this to the club via there What’sAp and email but have not had a response from them I don’t expect them to correct my time but I do expect a response I have entered two more of their events but the experience has made me reluctant to enter any more of their events

Took part in Southport half in June. Firstly picking up numbers was an ordeal. Registration tents were set up on the start line so people trying to pick up numbers were having to navigate and push through people lining up and warming up leading to queues of almost 30 minutes. (Announcers sarcastic comments about people in the queue were not helpful!) Later I learned that portions of road had to be Marshalled by Police because race organisers hadnt had proper permissions for the race. Finally the water provisions in the final 5k were inadequate on a hot humid day - leaving people to pick up discarded bottles from the side of the road to try and cool down. Overall a very disappointing race on what could be a decent course.

A well organised event with plenty of pre race information sent out in regular emails. With easy collection of number from race HQ right by the starting gate from 6 o’clock till just before the race started at 9 o’clock. The race starts off in a car park just off the coastal road, you start off running down a wide road so there is plenty of room for all the runners to get going at your own pace. You turn off the coastal road and head towards Lord Street with it beautiful buildings and lovely shops with good support here. All the roads are pretty wide so there is plenty of room for runners from the start to the finish, you then head back onto the Coastal road for the long run out to a turning point and then head back towards Southport which is a very long run in open countryside so if like today’s race it is very windy this can turn out to be a very tough section to run as I found out as there was a brutal headwind from mile 5 to mile 11 so if you like a physical and mental test then this is a race for you . You run past the finishing line carrying straight on the costal road till you reach the final turning point then you head back along the coastal roads to the finishing line to be greeted by a very vocal and supportive Crowd. To collect your very impressive medal good quality tee shirt and bottle of water. The organisers and marshals were helpful very supportive and encouraging I would definitely recommend this race it’s a 10 out of 10 for me especially as I did my first Sub 2hr Half (ring that PB bell)

This was my first race in over a year due to Covid restrictions and I absolutely loved being back in a race setting for the half marathon.

Everything was organised really well. Your race pack and number was sent about a week in advance with all the information you needed for the day. The race start area was easy to find and there was enough room to social distance before the start. There was luggage storage if needed and plenty of toilets for runners to use. There was no build up to the start of the race but it did start on time, bang on 9am and I was over the start line within the first minute. I did find it a little strange that the 10k started at the same time at the half. It would have helped with social distancing in the start area if one race had started a little later and also with pacing as it was hard to pace at the start when people are running two different distances. 

The route itself was signposted and there was plenty of space on the course to spread out. Not the most exciting of routes but it was nice to see the sea and it was lovely and flat! Plenty of water stations however didn't manage to get water at two of them due to them only being a table long and too many people were already there. The marshals were all friendly and the medal at the end was great. 

Would recommend this race for anyone looking for a nice seaside half or 10k.

Absolutely love the southport half marathon, got 0 faults with it whatsoever. All information that you needed was posted out in advance, parking and getting to the start line was a doddle. The only downfall was the headwind coming down the coast haha but I suppose that can’t be helped haha. Local support was good and was a very flat route and on closed roads which is always good. 2020 I will be back. Medal was awesome 

Did this race for the first time as part of the tour of Merseyside (52 miles,6 races,7 days)

The race numbers had pen areas on them but the pens were too big e.g. 1h30 to 1h49 and not ,in many cases matched to the times of the runners.As tour runners we got our numbers on the day and I got the impression the pens numbers had been guessed at.

It was very tight getting out of the park and it was walking pace at times as it was so congested.

Apart from that I enjoyed it.The Southport headwinds were horrific but I got my head down and strangely enjoyed it.

Good support from the crowds and other runners and a great atmosphere before,during and after the race.

 

 

Really enjoyable half marathon scenary was great plenty to observe while running which passers the time no pb for me but was one of my favourites races, car park was right next to start well Marshalled water stations plenty spectators were on hand to give you a clap all in all would recommend even if I did get told it was a boring race and would do it again.