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☰
Dublin Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Dublin Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.3 
Organization 4.0 
Spectators 4.2
Number of comments: 267 [displaying comments 161 to 171]
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P. C. from London
(10/30/2003)
"A race to remember" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 The weather turned out a lot better than predicted. The Irish crowds were great. We needed more water stops. Also there was a crush at the beginning and at the end there was no easy way to access those supporting you. | |
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Ray O'Sullivan from Cork, Ireland
(10/29/2003)
"Brilliant 1st Marathon" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The day was absolutely perfect for running - sunny and a soft breeze, which is almost unheard of in Ireland in late October. The course was relatively flat with the only real hill at around the 21 mile mark. The spectators were amazingly supportive and handed out sweets, drinks, and bananas along the way. I don't think I could have made it to the end without their vocal support such as 'well done','keep it going' and 'great running'. One guy even had Rocky music blaring at around 22 miles, which really got the adrenaline pumping! Got a choice of t-shirt size at the end which was good and the medal was very nice. The post-marathon massage was heaven! I would highly recommend the Dublin Marathon and will definitely do it again. | |
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S. B. from Drogheda, Ireland
(10/28/2003)
"Very enjoyable" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 I found the experience really enjoyable. The atmosphere was excellent, helped by some very vocal American support. The course was kind (almost an exact reverse of the 2002 course) and the weather perfect - a little warmer that usual for this time of year. The minimal expo and the lack of an accurate timing mechanism (no chips!) were the only downsides to an otherwise perfect day out. | |
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Ian Budd from Shropshire, England
(10/28/2003)
"First-class!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 A great marathon weekend in Dublin. Weather was perfect... cool, sunny and dry. Route was fast and well marshalled. Plenty of water and Lucozade. Good camaraderie. Whilst not the greatest number of spectators.. they made up for this with much enthusiasm. Decent medal and good quality tee. I'd also recommend the Shelbourne as probably the swankiest, best-placed pre-race hotel yet.. Great race.. I'd greatly recommend for '04. | |
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R. I. from Washington DC, US
(7/11/2003)
"Dublin? Give it a miss...." (about: 2002)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 I have run marathons in several cities, and there has always been a charm associated with Ireland and the Dublin Marathon. Therefore, it was one I had always wanted to do. I arrived with high expectations, but having run it last year, I am sorry to say i will NEVER set foot in this city again! Where do I begin? I could forgive them the terrible organization that other runners have alluded to, or the lack of water along the course, but I have never experienced and will not forget the sight of children throwing stones at the runners around the 16 mile mark!! At another part, I saw a car being burnt out!! Even on the night before the marathon there is a certain menace in the air through the streets of Dublin. It's just not a nice place, and I'm sorry to say that's largely due to the locals. I nearly cancelled the rest of my trip through Ireland after this experience, but I'm glad to say I didn't. The welcome one associates with the Irish was alive and well outside Dublin, and my faith in the country was somewhat restored. I wish I had nicer things to say but I will NEVER run this marathon again, would strongly advise anyone against it, and will stay away from this city as long as I live. Next year I'll do NY... | |
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Robert Wolhar from Rehoboth Beach, De USA
(5/12/2003)
"Excellent Spectator Support" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I finished the 2002 Dublin Marathon, my first marathon. Expect mild, possibly rainy weather. I ran the entire marathon with a windbreaker over a t-shirt and shorts, and it was so chilly that I never thought of removing the windbreaker. It rains in Ireland almost every day, but we lucked out because it didn't rain in 2002 -- but be prepared for rain. The spectator support is excellent. It will exhilarate you, energize you... The race is run on a national holiday, so everyone is off of work and most people are on the streets encouraging runners with cheers of 'Well done' and 'Looking good.' I managed to generate extra energy each time as I slapped the open hands of hundreds of Irish children lining the streets with outstretched arms and smiling faces. They made me feel like a celebrity. Many runners ran in the middle of the street and missed this opportunity -- and they didn't finish. Take full advantage of this spirit-lifting boost; run along the curb and look for Irish children with outstretched hands and slap them, even crossing the street to do so if none are on your side of the street. As you slap each hand, take in the youthful energy that they are giving you and offer a 'Thank you.'. You will make their day and they will make your day. You will surely finish! The Dublin Marathon bases its reputation on spectator support. Based on my first marathon experience, and from what I have read and heard, it is the best. For a first time marathoner, this spectator support will provide you with extra energy, extra adrenalin to enable you to finish -- it did for me. I do not know how to compare this with marathons with splendid scenery such as Hawaii, multiple bands, rock groups and music at every mile, moderate temperatures and humidity, straight and flat courses, or even all downhill courses. But those amenities cannot possibly compete with the enthusiastic outpouring love, warmth, support and encouragement from thousands of people who are truly joyous that you have selected their city to challenge yourself in a marathon test and they are doing everthing possible to assure that you pass. If you are an individual who is able to draw energy from those around you, to gain strength and endurance from an overwhelming outpouring of human love and support, then you will enjoy and finish the Dublin Marathon. Good Luck. | |
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P. D. from New York
(4/1/2003)
"A nice city marathon" (about: 1998)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I ran this marathon in 1998 and I ran my fastest time here. You won't have a problem with the weather here in October as it tends to be ideal running weather. The expo and the start I had no problems with either. What made this also more enjoyable was that the field was a lot smaller than some other city marathons that I previously did that had nearly 5 times the entrants. Finshing at the GPO was also fine and my wife (who is from Galway, Ireland) had no problem negotating the city to see me along the way. There was a rather large American contingent in this race, both participating and spectating, so it may not have a complete feel of an Irish race. Decent run overall. If you have any Irish roots, that would make it even a stonger lure to make the trip over to do it. | |
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R. U. from United States
(2/2/2003)
"Could use a little more help with organization" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 Okay, okay...enough already with the comments about the walkers being in the way of the runners. A lot of the participants were in fact doing all they could to cross the finish line, much less stay out of the way of the elite runners. It's true that there could have been better planning to prevent severe havoc from arising between runners and walkers, but truly, i don't think that starting the walkers later would have solved anything. Doing so would have only furthured our frustration in having no water, gu, or lucozade at the rest stops, and having absolutely no support in trying to run/walk a marathon amidst full on traffic as the police didn't even bother to stop traffic for people who weren't finishing sub 4:00. we had to brave unfamiliar traffic and do so without water or aid. my suggestions are to definitely improve upon the poor organization, but if you're a first timer, this is a great course! | |
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I. P. from Naples, FL
(1/2/2003)
"I Loved It! :-)" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I Have to say that for my first marathon it was 'simply one of the best experiences of my life'! I had read the comments from 2001 & 2000 and was truly expecting a big lack on water, toilets, etc. But, this year it was very organized and we had everything as they promised. I did it with the 'Joints In Motion Team' of the Arthritis Foundaton and it was simply great. I was with the Florida Team (Tampa/Bradenton) I even liked the Lucazoide they gave - it really gives you amazing energy. My only dissapointment was the plaque-looks very cheap(they really should do better on those) and the power bars were unchewable...other than that - it was all good! The weather was perfect not too cold, not too windy! The Dublin Locals were great supporters and I really am looking forward in doing it again in 2003. If you are a first time marathoner do this one! You'll simply love it! Oh, I was really impress with the food in Dublin, Ireland! | |
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A Runner from Saskatoon, SK, Canada
(12/16/2002)
"Plaque, Water and Guinness" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 A great course, lots of water, great fan support!! The plaque is a little to be desired, but I ran with the Joints in Motion and they gave us a medal. Great course and plenty of water. The only drawback was the fact that the aid station was at 21.5 not 21, a mishap on my behalf as it was stated on the course map. The city is friendly, and great for tourists to visit. An expensive place to visit as I ran Vegas in Feb and it was much cheaper, and it was a easier course by far. |
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