The Oundle New Year 10K & 5K

I appreciate the hard work that goes in to running such an event but perhaps a few things to consider should you organise one for 2021.

1) The route was great, however there was a distinct lack of marshalling on the course. Particularly at the 5k point. There were cars going through the course too, I'm not sure whether they were meant to (we were told roads would be closed), was this a marshall error?

2) The water station at 5k was not ideal. I had no way to get water unless I stopped which I didn't want to do! The marshalls weren't holding out the drinks in a suitable way, if you have a group of 10 people running at a similar speed then you really need two sets of a tables (they needn't be far apart) to enable everyone to get some. Unfortunately the two runners ahead of me stopped and so I had no way to get water because they were in my way (appreciate not an organisation fault of yours!), but perhaps staggered tables would help. Similarly, although cups on course is fine for some and I'm not bothered either way, it would be better to have bottled water at the end. It's far more beneficial to have a bottle of water which can be reused over and over again than a cup of water which in the main is a single use plastic.

3) The finish line was not obvious to me and other runners. I was surprised there was only one marshall on the gates of the school as you came to the finish - and even more surprised that I could not see any more marshalling after that point. I actually didn't know where the finish was, until I'd crossed the black timer strip. Hilariously there is a photo captured of me questioning where the finish line is!

However, the medal was a good one and with free parking close to the start of the course that was good.

Very enjoyable run. Nice flat(ish) course with just a couple of small hills for a challenge. Good scenery and very well organised.

Lovely course.
There were only 2 ladies toilets so this caused queuing and therefore we were delayed in getting good start position. Difficult to then move through the pack as 5k and 10k started together.
The start briefing could not be heard at all at the back- hopefully we did not miss anything crucial!! The finish line was badly marked so many people stopped running before crossing it!! It would not take much to make this a much better event in the future if above was sorted as interesting undulating course.

Well organised , liked the course, 100 words is too long a requirement to get feedback. I enjoyed the event. End of.

A great start to the running year! Really well organised with fantastic support. Even the headwind couldn't put you off. Perfect for all abilities.

This was a good fast course. For it being its first run it was very well organised. Everyone seemed to have a good time.

A well organised and very friendly event - and the first of the year for many of the enthusiastic runners. A good start and finish point with good facilities and some great marshals. Certainly one to repeat - Many thanks to all concerned and good luck.

A great event and a fab start to the new year. A lovely flat course and really well run. I would definitely do this race next year.

Really great way to start the year, excellent event, good route and friendly encouraging marshals. Well organised and will definitely do it again next year

The Marshall’s were so great, the course was varied and the medal was amazing! Had a great time, fab race!