Shakespeare Marathon - Race Reviews

I have run this marathon for the first time. I found the route quiet easy on the contrary what I have read on the forums. But this is quiet subjective as I was training on really hilly routes throughout. It is a beautiful scenic route through the countryside. Loved softer course of the disused railway, much easier on your knees!!! The only downside I didn't really appreciate that for a short period of time we have shared the busy road with traffic. I was hoping the roads would be blocked for runners, but I am guessing this was impossible to arrange and would cause too much of the chaos for drivers. Would definitely recommend for any first timer. Would like to do it again next year and beat my 3.43 time.

Would I run the Stratford Upon Avon Marathon again? No. I have given the course a very generous 3 stars. The course starts well enough in the town center with a nice mile loop before heading out through the suburbs to the Warickshire countryside. There is where the problems begin. The course is mainly flat, but where there are hills, they are monsters (especially the one at the golf course) that have to be climbed twice. The next issue I have is with the Greenway, basically an old railway line that has been turned into a compacted gravel track. This drags on for a good few miles and it's full of rabbit holes (always good for the ankles). The last half-mile is a lovely riverside run to the finish at the recreation ground. I have given the organization 5 stars. The number and chip arrived well before the race and there were showers close by at the end. The organizers even included a slip of paper that allowed cars to be parked in the town car parks for over 6 hours but only pay for 6 hours. The spectators in the town center were really good and supportive, and the marshals were excellent and could not be faulted.

A great marathon if you have been rejected from VLM. Stratford upon Avon, the land of William Shakespeare. A fantastic marathon, with plenty of inclines, a few hills, and support from friendly and wonderful locals and helpful marshals. A memorable marathon for 2010. Despite my old injury, I thoroughly enjoyed the race. I shall wear my medal with pride.

A gorgeous day for it, with great support on the course (even though it was largely in the sticks). Big thanks to the young girl hosing people down - that was much appreciated on the second lap! I didn't notice that uphill drag on the first lap, but certainly felt it floor me on the second!! :-P Huge thanks to all at the drinks and sponge stations. It's run in a beautiful town that I intend to return to (under different circumstances)!

Gorgeous day for it - sunny and warm. Clouds and skyline looked breathtaking. The Greenway was nice on the first half but seemed to drag for ages on the second time round. MASSIVE long hill to run down that no one mentioned - felt like I was going to fall over at one point! GREAT water stations and Lucozade, which kept me going. Well laid-out - I was never unsure what direction to go in, which can be a problem at some races. I'll definitely be back next year!

The prizes are very poor.

A good race on gently undulating, mostly rural roads and an old railway line to finish. Well-marshaled, plenty of drinks, etc. Responsive spectators in small villages.

I found this to be a well organized race - numerous marshalls from the Rotary club along the route help with 'well done' comments no matter how fast you are moving. Very hot in 2004, a bit hilly in 2 sections each lap - but a lot of fun - very scenic for the most part. I am not sure about the fruit-flavored beverage on offer - best to have someone meet you at the start of the 2nd loop to exchange bottles of your own power drink - lots of water/sponge stations. Stratford area is great to combine a vacation/run - I would do this marathon again if I am in the area. I didn't get in to London - chose this race instead and am very happy that I did.

My mate Sharon and I picked what felt like the hottest day this year! However, can't fault the many water stations AND runner's WCs (Great North Run take note). Lovely countryside but more hilly than advertised and VERY boring 2 or 3 mile stretch along what I think is a disused railway line but is now a cycle path. The white gravel reflected the sun and made it feel even hotter than the 23 degrees it already was. WHY hold a marathon at the hottest part of the day? Also, spectators too quiet! Would do it again though!

This was my first marathon after running a number of half marathons and various triathlons. My time reflected the conditions, therefore, as a suggestion maybe a 10:30-10:45 start would be appropriate. However, it was a good day and I finished in good health.

This is a well organized race, starting at 1 o'clock, which leaves plenty of time to fight through the traffic. Always seems to be hot, but plenty of water available. Undulating, and a long stretch on a disused railway tests the concentration. Good runner cameraderie.

I ran this race in 2002, and I struggled on an unexpectedly hot day! After having run a PB of 3hr 36min 6months earlier, I thought that I would beat it comfortably on this pretty flat course. The organization was excellent, and it is a very friendly atmosphere, forming part of the Shakespeare birthday celebrations. The course is mainly rural and scenic, but there is a flat 8-9 mile stretch of trail which seems as if it will never end and this is towards the 2nd half of the course. If you ran this, you will know what I'm talking about! Most of the spectators were at the start and finish only. Still, I am glad I completed it, as I learned a harsh lesson about rehydration on hot days! I would definitely recommend this race if you didnt get into London and want to do a UK marathon. It is an enjoyable challenge.