213 replies to this topic

[Isthisnametaken]

Anyone know when we can enter? Fits in nicely with the CCM training program.

[BoneyChic]

According to the website - www.smhhalfmarathon.com.au

Entries open February.

[henryjoseph]

Website seems to be update now - the bit in bold is interesting?

"ENTRIES OPENING SOON

Be part of Australia’s largest and most prestigious half marathon on Sunday, May 20; The Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon presented by Colonial First State.

Take on the newly introduced one lap course, which will be improved from start to finish for 2012 with “City2Surf” style wave starts incorporated to spread out the field.

The new course has retained the best elements of the old two lap course while highlighting other great areas of Sydney, like harbourside icons the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Pyrmont Peninsula.

The event raises much needed funds for more than 600 charities, including Breast Cancer Network Australia."

And, under the "Course Details" page -

"2012 Half Marathon Course Route to be confirmed. Currently investigating course improvements with stakeholders to increase participant enjoyment."

Cheers, Scott

Edited by henryjoseph, 01 February 2012 - 11:48 AM.

[Chon]

Noted that there is a special early entry for those who have entered this one prior. Email received today, but it will only be available for 24 hours, I'm not sure if it's any cheaper. I was unable to complete this one last year due to illness. Contemplating giving it a go this year. 2012 goal is for a 2hr (preferably sub ) HM.

[thomo]

^{2011 entrants should receive this email
"Exclusive pre-sale offer
As a valued 2011 Half Marathon entrant, you are eligible to take advantage of this exclusive pre-sale offer and register for the event before entries officially open. Simply, enter your first name, last name and DOB to gain access to enter the 2012 Half Marathon.
Hurry, offer valid until 12pm, Tuesday, February 7, 2012."}



Chon,  No cheaper.

$92 this year for early entries before 16th March.

[runhard]

Wow!

[craigus]

Love it - an exclusive pre-sale offer where you get exactly no benefit at all.

It sucked me in though - I've already signed up despite the price tag.  This was my first HM a few years ago so it still does have a little sentimental value.

I like the idea of wave starts, but there doesn't appear to be any validation of previous HM times.

[Supersam1979]

This event is a disgrace - $92 for the pre sale. Plus the preferred times for ladies are way out. No way in a lifetime of sundays ladies at 3.20 in the marathon should be preferred.

In my humble opinion this should be half men under 85, ladies under 90 and marathon men under 3 and ladies 3.05 or max 3.10.

I won't run this thing again. Fairfax greed..

[runhard]

They even charge extra for postage apparently!   Sensational. Unfortuantely cant make this one. Good luck to all.

RH

[johnnyboyrun]

what a crock of Sh*t.... i will be doing tnf100 so wont be going. what a shame!!

[ausrunning]

The most expensive HM entry in Australia! Equivalent to entry for 4 or 5 Sydney Marathon Clinic half marathons

Alternative half marathons:

Geelong, VIC
1/5/2012

Bathurst, NSW
6/5/2012

Hamilton Island, QLD
6/5/2012

Noosa, QLD
6/5/2012

Bunbury, WA
13/5/2012

Mount Beauty, VIC
19/5/2012

Ayr, QLD
20/5/2012

Joondalup, WA
20/5/2012

Sydney Morning Herald, NSW
20/5/2012

Warwick, QLD
26/5/2012

Sydney Marathon Clinic, NSW (25kilo)
27/5/2012 edit-new date

Sri Chinmoy Williamstown, VIC
27/5/2012

Barossa, SA
27/5/2012

Albany (aka Elleker), WA
3/6/2012

Traralgon, VIC
3/6/2012

Mackay, QLD
3/6/2012

Doomben (aka Queensland), QLD
3/6/2012

Rockhampton, QLD
3/6/2012

Macleay River, NSW
10/6/2012

Sri Chinmoy Canberra, ACT
11/6/2012

Support your local running club!

Edited by ausrunning1, 11 February 2012 - 05:17 PM.

[runhard]

you need to add the cost of each one. SMC is definitely the best value and offers 5 and 10k races as well.

[Supersam1979]

Those that know me know that I never miss out at taking a pop at Fairfax, but in all seriousness, today I heard something that it actually pretty sad. A lady at work was telling me how her father wanted to run this with her and her son (he doesnt have a lot of running left in his 70s), but with the entry being what it is, that is almost $300 for the 3 of them to run. A huge amount of money for them to fork out really and something that willl hurt alot of families in the current financial situation.

If this lot were really innovative, they would think of new ways - discount for those who have run more than 5, bulk family entry etc etc.

Come to think of it though the thing that grates me most is that this mob never ever have a person and phone number that you can contact - always sign off emails with 'events team' or some other load of nonsense title. Nothing but a bunch of thieves really.

Save your money and rather give it to Wayne Larden and his great team in the Sydney Running Festival - a true running event - run by runners for runners with runners in mind!

[johnnyboyrun]

its a money making business and helps them to sell papers. They couldnt give a crap about running or anything remotely to do with it....it's just the reality of it.. also, on a side note with Active Network buying Event Director dont expect the cost of doing rego and back end stuff to become any more cost effective either. The only way race entries costs will be going is North in regards to fairfax and with supply demand why wouldnt they?!

[Charlatan]

$92 is just robbery for a half.  I think I've done the past 5 or 6 of these, but no more.  Not with the congestion meaning you have your hands in the back of the person in front at times.  They'll no doubt be taking more entries this year too.  I'll be taking the family to Bathurst or the Barossa in May!

[Supersam1979]

Yeah they will for sure be adding more and more people. The first time I did this it was only about 2000, the next year 3000, then 5000 and last year 7000. Crazy business and considering that you don't even get much (other than the bog standard drinks stations and long lines at the clothing collection) for your money it makes no sense.

My prediction is that there are and will continue to be splinter groups offering better organised and much better value for money races with a fraction of the people that this one does.

Adios SMH half.

[Easy Tiger]

Best race on the calendar, well worth the money can't wait.

[Jimboy]

runhard, on 06 February 2012 - 05:26 PM, said:

you need to add the cost of each one. SMC is definitely the best value and offers 5 and 10k races as well.

Be careful,you could end up with 5000+ racers there if you promote it.
It is much better value than the Fairfax event, ..

[Jimboy]

Easy Tiger, on 06 February 2012 - 09:35 PM, said:

Best race on the calendar, well worth the money can't wait.

What calendar is that?

I suppose that if you are an out-of-towner the cost could be seen as the least of your concerns.If you are a Sydney sider who has run the event a few times it might seem expensive.
How many times can you race the lovely Sydney streets and still enjoy?
I know I spend too much time suffering to notice the lovely surroundings much.
And they are changing the course AGAIN,
I hate that as one of the things I like about racing is comparing my times on the SAME course from year to year.
Stuff it,I'm out.

[Mick]

#150 for me

I'll be aiming for sub-82 (for City2Surf preferred), and sub-80 with a bit of luck, ok, and maybe some training as well.

Come on Burglar (and Superflake), I want a re-match !

[superflake]

Mick, on 07 February 2012 - 01:41 PM, said:

#150 for me

I'll be aiming for sub-82 (for City2Surf preferred), and sub-80 with a bit of luck, ok, and maybe some training as well.

Come on Burglar (and Superflake), I want a re-match !

I'm already in Mick.
#76 for me.

[jpol3692]

much as I like this race, $92 is insane - there are cheaper marathons than this. Even the dollar per k metric is crazy at $4.35/km...

[Supersam1979]

jpol3692, on 07 February 2012 - 02:10 PM, said:

much as I like this race, $92 is insane - there are cheaper marathons than this. Even the dollar per k metric is crazy at $4.35/km...

Well said. I ran Auckland marathon for less (part was the exchange rate), but when you compare the two there is no contest. Both big city events with logistical issues, except Auckland run a number of events from the marathon down on the same day (including a hugely popular half). Auckland all events get a nice Adidas shirt, great recovery village with tons of giveaways and food included and a baggage area that moves like clockwork. Even a free beer for the drinkers in the events.

Now I know we don't run just for the giveaways, but last time I checked this event didn't even give you ice in winter. Just spent my money on a return flight to the Goldie instead.

[Easy Tiger]

Jimboy, on 07 February 2012 - 01:10 PM, said:

Easy Tiger, on 06 February 2012 - 09:35 PM, said:

Best race on the calendar, well worth the money can't wait.

What calendar is that?

I suppose that if you are an out-of-towner the cost could be seen as the least of your concerns.If you are a Sydney sider who has run the event a few times it might seem expensive.
How many times can you race the lovely Sydney streets and still enjoy?
I know I spend too much time suffering to notice the lovely surroundings much.
And they are changing the course AGAIN,
I hate that as one of the things I like about racing is comparing my times on the SAME course from year to year.
Stuff it,I'm out.

Jimboy, It is a pity that the course keeps changing, I enjoyed the most recent 2 lap version but assume the change creates more space for the mid pack. I run in the city most days, but running on the empty streets gives me goosebumps. It's the only race of the year that everyone turns up to race and not obsess over finishing time. We're all gonna be slow, but we're all gonna smash ourselves.

[Quinkin]

I enjoyed this Half Marathon last year, and will be doing it agin this year, with a better preparation.

Of course there are cheaper halves, and I run in these too: Hidden Half, Macleay Half, Royal National Park Half, Twlight Half, Heartbreak Half, Coffs Half Marathon, Cadbury Half, Cenrtal Coast Half. They are some of the ones I recommend.

I've thought about doing Noosa, and I run gold coast very year. When I factor in travel and accommodation I don't think there is much difference between the coast Sydney Half and Gold Coast Half at all, in fact Sydney is cheaper.

[Jimmy4990]

Mick, on 07 February 2012 - 01:41 PM, said:

#150 for me

I'll be aiming for sub-82 (for City2Surf preferred), and sub-80 with a bit of luck, ok, and maybe some training as well.

Come on Burglar (and Superflake), I want a re-match !

Better prepare for a sub 80 Mick as I don't think 82 will gain C2S preferred this year. I watched you run (at Central Coast) from about 500m behind you. Sub 80 has your name on it

[Rob28D]

First SMH Half and looking forward to it great way to celebrate 12 months of running in May too, not used to the long distances just yet but I ran a 51 min 10km pb today, i'll be more than ready by the time it comes around!

- #1009

[Barefoot]

I am in for another SMH Half, just enough time to recover from Canberra Half in April. Normally I prerfer the cooler weather, but a sunny day will do.

[thomo]

Barefoot, on 09 February 2012 - 06:43 PM, said:

I am in for another SMH Half, just enough time to recover from Canberra Half in April. Normally I prerfer the cooler weather, but a sunny day will do.

Your SMH Half streak will remain.

[Johnny Dark]

Barefoot, on 09 February 2012 - 06:43 PM, said:

I am in for another SMH Half

Looking forward to joining you for our 21st run.

[Colin]

ausrunning1, on 06 February 2012 - 05:24 PM, said:

The most expensive HM entry in Australia! Equivalent to entry for 4 or 5 Sydney Marathon Clinic half marathons

SMC Road Race Series is $100 for 5 x HM's, 2 x 25km and 2 x 30km. In addition for that money you get a R4YL one year sub, 25% off Cities-M7, $20 off merchandise, a free awards dinner valued at $45.
Those benefits add up to more than $100 so you could say they are actually paying you to run.

The race itself has more and better stocked drink stations, free fruit at finish, free hot drinks, $2 BBQ, lucky draw prizes, of course on certified course and electronic timing.

ausrunning1, on 06 February 2012 - 05:24 PM, said:

Support your local running club!

Yes, thanks Ausrunning1.

Unfortunately AA's plan for road running is not through club structure but call it 'recreational running' and SMH HM is part of that plan which makes a business out of the sport instead of growing it. Then they (AA) can beat themselves on the chest at 70,000 in CtS and 7,000 in an HM - not mentioning the fact that 90% of these people are once a year runners - "wow did you know that CtS is the biggest race in world?" Race??? Really, race?....... whilst at the same time wondering why we have not one world class road runner.

Well done AA.

[Paul Every]

Colin, on 11 February 2012 - 10:28 AM, said:

ausrunning1, on 06 February 2012 - 05:24 PM, said:

The most expensive HM entry in Australia! Equivalent to entry for 4 or 5 Sydney Marathon Clinic half marathons

SMC Road Race Series is $100 for 5 x HM's, 2 x 25km and 2 x 30km. In addition for that money you get a R4YL one year sub, 25% off Cities-M7, $20 off merchandise, a free awards dinner valued at $45.
Those benefits add up to more than $100 so you could say they are actually paying you to run.

The race itself has more and better stocked drink stations, free fruit at finish, free hot drinks, $2 BBQ, lucky draw prizes, of course on certified course and electronic timing.

Yes, but at SMH you get to run with your iPod! (If you ignore the request of the race organisers).

Edited by Paul Every, 11 February 2012 - 10:42 AM.

[Paul Every]

Seriously, it's a no brainer for me.

ausrunning1, on 06 February 2012 - 05:24 PM, said:

Alternative half marathons:
Sydney Marathon Clinic, NSW (25kilo)
27/5/2012

Support your local running club!

Edited by Paul Every, 12 February 2012 - 12:39 PM.

[slowmo]

I've only run the SMH HM three times and thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere during the event each time, but I agree that it is monstrously over-priced. I remember finding it a challenge to locate a piece of fruit at the finish one year and wondered if this was to encourage us to buy refreshments instead (note: I didn't do the event last year so perhaps facilities had improved).

I'm doing another event that weekend this year. If that weren't the case I'd probably still consider SMH, once again for the race atmosphere, but it's definitely got to the point where entry is no longer automatic. This is especially so in Sydney where we are spoilt for choice with some excellent HMs throughout the year: SMC, Sri Chinmoy, Hidden Half and Sutherland to name a few.

slowmo

Edited by slowmo, 11 February 2012 - 11:42 AM.

[tucks]

Some people seem to get upset that a company organises a race to make a profit. There is obviously a demand at that price because 7000+ people will pay it.

Personally I love this event along with the C2S because you get a big field, big atmosphere and also more depth of good runners at the front. I guess it depends what you are after from an event but there aren't many races in Australia that fit those criteria.

Unfortunately I've entered a bush walking event on the same weekend so will have to miss it this year!

[slowmo]

tucks, on 11 February 2012 - 02:24 PM, said:

Some people seem to get upset that a company organises a race to make a profit. There is obviously a demand at that price because 7000+ people will pay it.

Yes, that's a fair point, and like you I've really enjoyed the big event atmosphere a great deal. But for such a significant entry fee I think it's reasonable to expect aid stations and finishing area facilities to be top notch.

slowmo

[Supersam1979]

slowmo, on 11 February 2012 - 02:45 PM, said:

tucks, on 11 February 2012 - 02:24 PM, said:

Some people seem to get upset that a company organises a race to make a profit. There is obviously a demand at that price because 7000+ people will pay it.

Yes, that's a fair point, and like you I've really enjoyed the big event atmosphere a great deal. But for such a significant entry fee I think it's reasonable to expect aid stations and finishing area facilities to be top notch.

slowmo

Slowmo mate you are bang on the money. I am not against anyone making a profit, but like anything in life, you should get something akin to what you pay for.

The Sydney running festival in September is not the cheapest by a long shot, but in comparison to Fairfax run events, you get to speak to a real person on email or on the phone if you have queries. They treat runners more than just commodities and truly care.

If you advertise something like fruit at the finish, then contingency should be made for everyone to get something from first person to last person across the line.

A few years ago this event ran short of medals (a school boy error really) as surely you would print enough medals for everyone entered and paid (after all the medal is only like 50c in China allowing plenty of extra to gouge off profit). I don't care much about these medals and on that occasssion gave mine away to a young lady who finished within the cutoff but did not get a medal.

Last year the finish was a shambles and anyone running at around 1.45 (not a bad time in a half) or slower would have waited ages for their bags. I also got in trouble more than once for going in the bushes in the park - that is really what always happens at these events. In fact the only people who seemed to have more than ample to eat and drink at the end were the good folks from Can Too and also the Striders and one or two others clubs.

Slowmo and his family and our other fantastic volunteers at the Lindy run in 2010 provided better support and aide from start to finish than the Fairfax folks. If I had a name to contact them I would suggest they contact Slowmo and Chris for advice on how this should be done. Sadly as stated before all I have ever gotten out of them is a 'Regards Fairfax Events Team'.

[ausrunning]

ausrunning1, on 06 February 2012 - 05:24 PM, said:

Alternative half marathons:

Geelong, VIC
1/5/2012

Bathurst, NSW
6/5/2012

Hamilton Island, QLD
6/5/2012

Noosa, QLD
6/5/2012

Bunbury, WA
13/5/2012

Mount Beauty, VIC
19/5/2012

Ayr, QLD
20/5/2012

Joondalup, WA
20/5/2012

Sydney Morning Herald, NSW
20/5/2012

Warwick, QLD
26/5/2012

Sydney Marathon Clinic, NSW (25kilo)
27/5/2012

Sri Chinmoy Williamstown, VIC
27/5/2012

Barossa, SA
27/5/2012

Albany (aka Elleker), WA
3/6/2012

Traralgon, VIC
3/6/2012

Mackay, QLD
3/6/2012

Doomben (aka Queensland), QLD
3/6/2012

Rockhampton, QLD
3/6/2012

Macleay River, NSW
10/6/2012

Sri Chinmoy Canberra, ACT
11/6/2012

Has the date for SMC changed ?updated

I encourage frequent racing as this is the surest way to improve the quality of running in Australia. Quality, measured as depth, is very poor at the moment. Where doesn't matter.

Edited by ausrunning1, 11 February 2012 - 05:14 PM.

[Colin]

Tucks,

Fair point. But if you want 'depth' in running events , are you doing anything with your profile to encourage a club structured calendar that will enhance that?

Yes, we have so called depth around your level, but the proof is the current set-up of races being left to corporates no longer produces world class marathoners or half marathoners. We don't have any sub 2:12 runners at the moment , yet we have the biggest field ever in the most expensive events ever.

And in case someone asks, I speak as someone who when at your level was already organising structured events, and on the state and national bodies in road running organisation.

ausrunning1, on 11 February 2012 - 04:03 PM, said:

Has the date for SMC changed ?

I encourage frequent racing as this is the surest way to improve the quality of running in Australia. Quality, measured as depth, is very poor at the moment. Where doesn't matter.

Yes it has been changed to the 27th, perhaps we should have kept it up against SMH to see where people's allegiance were. I doubt we would have lost many hard core SMC'ers

[ausrunning]

Supersam1979, on 11 February 2012 - 03:28 PM, said:

A few years ago this event ran short of medals (a school boy error really) as surely you would print enough medals for everyone entered and paid (after all the medal is only like 50c in China allowing plenty of extra to gouge off profit). I don't care much about these medals and on that occasssion gave mine away to a young lady who finished within the cutoff but did not get a medal.

Saddest thing about this was 12 months ago there were many years' medals available from Ebay. Only a 1999 medal available now - $30 plus p&h.

[thomo]

With the introduction of different starting groups this year. I had a look at last year's performances & the numbers in each group.

Blue Group (under 100 mins) 1449. This includes seeded and preferred runners.

Red Group (under 120 mins) 2864

Yellow (under 175 mins) 6385

There hasn't been any mention that the groups start at different times like the City to Surf.

My last year's best half marathon performances would put me in the second group, missing the first group by a couple of minutes.

Haven't decided if I am going to enter. I do have a soft spot for this event.

[ZZone]

I'm in this year, after a HM hiatus. Bib #80.

I'm aiming for a HM PB this year - the SMH event is my best early chance. The buzz and strength of competition helps.

[paulwilcock]

I know it's expensive, but it's a pretty spectacular run and I can't even imagine the cost of the permits to shut down a large section of the city + having police/ambulance on hand. Last year's race was my first ever race of any kind and I'm looking forward to smashing my time. 1:58:09 last year, am currently on target to go sub 100!

[JBee]

I'm in and also gunning for sub 100. Just have to stay healthy between now and then!
I see the course is not yet confirmed... Hope they do something about those hills - the old course was easier IMO (but I know we've debated that to death and i don't want to open that argument again!)

[Nurse25]

I'm in again! Bib no #11401
Yes it's expensive - but I have unfinished business with Pyrmont!

[Supersam1979]

Fairfarce reported a first half profit of 44% down this week - little birds have tweeted in my ear that the call is out to inflate this by any means possible - most CRs are smart folk, but we are being ripped off to compensate for lack of activity in other areas of the Fairfarce business.

Watch out for a further inflated price at the City to Circus this year again - remember you heard it here first.

http://finance.ninem...-profit-down-44

[John Dawlings]

Colin, on 11 February 2012 - 04:36 PM, said:

ausrunning1, on 11 February 2012 - 04:03 PM, said:

Has the date for SMC changed ?

Yes it has been changed to the 27th, perhaps we should have kept it up against SMH to see where people's allegiance were. I doubt we would have lost many hard core SMC'ers

Not too late to change it back.  Now it is clashing with both the Westies fun run and the Rockdale fun run - both events that I love to support.  Incidentally, I don't see it in the CR calendar at the moment.

[Isthisnametaken]

The site says no postage of race packs. Unless Runhard read it somewhere else I do not think that you can have your race pack posted out to you. If this is the case it is very frustrating. I know that why they won;t but when it comes to people that live outside of the city where the event is, it makes it very difficult to make the time to to pick up the pack.

Living on the Central Coast means I have to come down to Sydney on the Saturday and then come back on the Sunday for the run.

I will probably be doing this one as it fits in with my Gold Coast Marathon training program. Having a crack at my first full marathon this year...

John

[Isthisnametaken]

Repsonse from an email sent:

No race packs will be posted out to entrants for this event. You are asked to attend one of the expo dates to collect your pack, however we understand that it is difficult for some entrants to make it out to the city if they are living out the area. If this is the case you can have a friend or family member collect your pack on your behalf if they bring with them a copy of your e-ticket.

We look forward to seeing you there.

[Supersam1979]

Isthisnametaken, on 28 February 2012 - 09:07 AM, said:

Repsonse from an email sent:

No race packs will be posted out to entrants for this event. You are asked to attend one of the expo dates to collect your pack, however we understand that it is difficult for some entrants to make it out to the city if they are living out the area. If this is the case you can have a friend or family member collect your pack on your behalf if they bring with them a copy of your e-ticket.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Let me guess - they signed this off with 'regards Farcefax Events team...' . No accountability and zero help to those paying an absolute fortune to them. What if you have no family or friends in Sydney. Totally inconvenient. For the price you are forking out they could spring for a measly post out.

That folks is why I wont run this event again.

Complete and absolute disgrace.