I found the course dull and unmotivating. However the supporters that were sparse, were incredibly encouraging and did not disappoint. The marshalls were also very cheery and yelled out words to motivate you. The kids were very vocal too. The runners were friendly and chatty. The finishers medal was disappointing-small and lacked substance...overall, not bad. Possibly do it again.

My first marathon and I really enjoyed the course. Water stations every 2 miles, but toilets were nonexistent. As the race was two laps and you started with the half marathon, the second lap was very lonely, and most of the spectators were gone. Overall, I really enjoyed the event and it didn't put me off running the distance again.

I've never run in a road race before, but it seemed very organized apart from a car trying to push through the runners at the start line. They had lots of water and support most of the way round. We could perhaps do with mile markers on lampposts rather than having numbers just sprayed on the road. The course didn't really seem that difficult.

Loads of water stations, which was great. Decent route, though a couple of places had a lot of traffic. No goody bags left by time I finished, though some food and drink was still provided. Nothing given to keep the body warm at the race finish, though the weather was okay at that stage, so it was not essential.

Two criticisms: It could have been advertised more for non-runners; plus, the bag-drop facility was way too slow - there were two poor girls trying to cope with all of the bags (with 10 minutes to the start). But, I'll be back next year.

I think they should put more efforts into helping the full marathon runners. We need energy drinks; okay, I carried my own, but other people were exhausted. Also, a separate medal for full marathon runners would help. I also think that they shouldn't have that extra dip into a new road where you run back on yourself just before Codsall Road because that really does demotivate you, especially after 22 miles! They should keep it to two laps, but if they add any extensions, those should be made near the park so you know that you're close to the finish! Please help full marathon runners with energy drinks and Mars Bars - if only after three and a half hours at one station!

Disorganized start with start gun not heard, and fast runners running through slow runners along narrow paths out of the park from the start. There was no chip timing, and the clock at the finish was not correct. Great support along the route and excellent support at the finish. Good medal, t-shirt and goody bag. Could be a great race with a few minor changes.

The race info pack left many confused about bag storage. It wasn't mentioned anywhere. The start was very narrow and congested, and a loud start signal would have been good. Route markers and marshals were excellent, cheerful and supportive, and there was a lovely atmosphere. The course had a few hills, which were hard on the second lap, but overall, it was a good course. A few double-backs let you see who was ahead, then who was behind you. Spectator support was welcome from scattered, hardy souls on a rainy day, and at the finish, was excellent. The goody bag was very poor, especially as (apparently) the 1/2 marathon runners got a lot more than two sports drinks. That's not much, at the end of 26.2 miles. T-shirt and medal were nice, and facilities at the local pool were good. Overall, I would recommend this event, and with a few minor changes it could easily be upgraded to excellent.

The route comprises two undulating laps, barely noticeable on lap one but it gets tougher the second time around. There's nothing that will stop you if you can run the distance though. It is not as hard as some people make out; although I managed a PB, I wouldn't say it was PB course (if you're running at your limit).

Plenty of water stations and good support from the marshals.

Organization was first-class.

All in all, my favorite race of 2007 and well up in my all-time top 10.

This was the first time I have done a marathon; I completed the half marathon in 2 hours and 1 minute, and I felt fantastic. I would have liked more mileage signs so I knew how fast I was going, but apart from that I will be back next year.