I ran it in 2004, and don't get me wrong, I'm glad I did...the atmosphere was great. However, for me it was a once only race...just for the experience. I've ran much much nicer courses and if it wasn't for the distraction of so many other runners and also the support I think this course would be pretty boring.
Also, it's not a PB race... far too many people. The only way you can (almost) guarantee a PB is if you start way ahead of your allotted start point.
The year after I ran it they started this ballot thing and hiked the price right up, so I'm glad I ran it when I did, coz I'd never pay those prices for a half marathon round Newcastle.