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Marathon Details - Longford Marathon

International Marathons > Ireland > Longford > Longford Marathon

Longford Marathon

Longford Marathon & Ultra Marathon, Relay, Half Marathon, 5K

Longford, Ireland

August 25, 2024

http://www.longfordmarathon.com

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Race Details

A flat course, with fast times guaranteed.

Contact Information

Name:	John Sheehan
Address:	Longford Marathon Lower Main Street Longford Ireland
Phone Number:	+353 43 49682
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (13)

Course 4.7

Organization 4.6

Spectators 3.8

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Number of comments: 13 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

Patrick Padden from Boston, MA (8/28/2014) "Like no other that I've done" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Longford Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 If you just like to run, you owe it to yourself to run the Longford Marathon. Training in greater-Boston with temps in the 70s and 80s, and then running a VERY small and VERY rural race with temps in the 50s and low 60s is the perfect cap to the summer. The people are (typical Irish) friendly, the countryside is wonderful, the course is pretty flat, and the only things missing are the crowds and hassles of a bigger race. I've done NYC and Boston multiple times as well as smaller (2000+ runners) races, and enjoyed them all, but if you want a great running/marathon experience, take an Ireland vacation and include Longford as part of your itinerary.
A. S. from Miami, FL (8/26/2014) "Friendly, small town marathon" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Longford Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my second visit to Ireland after Dublin, and I was impressed with the organization and the friendliness of the race. The course was mixed between highway, backroads, and some hard gravel trails. Worst part of the race was the headwind the last 6-8 miles. The crowd support was also mixed but supportive, long and lonely stretches; the weather was perfect for a race (50-60F) so a lot of people were outdoors and also traveling to a local football match. It was very easy to get in and out of the race, and I actually caught a 5pm flight that day leaving from Dublin airport after a quick 1.5 hour drive! This would be a great race with friends or family and I would repeat it if I were ever in the area again.
L. S. from Vicenza, Italy (9/13/2012) "Unforgettable!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Longford Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The Longford Marathon was an experience I will never forget! While I have only positive things to say about the organization, the course, etc. but I have to echo the sentiments of another reviewer, its the people that make this one so special! If you are marathoner, you probably already know how great the running community is. Now add to that the warmth of the running community in a small Irish town, and your truly have 'the friendly marathon in the heart Ireland.' The Longford Marathon weekend includes much more than the race itself. It kicks off with a Friday night run, includes a Saturday morning run and breakfast, a Saturday night pasta party, post race refreshments and a post race party. And let me tell you, the local community welcomes you as if you are an old friend. After just a weekend meeting the locals and fellow runners from around the world, I felt as if I had known these people for years. In fact, I traveled to the race alone as my husband is currently serving overseas. Though technically I had no one waiting for me, I crossed the finish line and immediately saw one of the local runners I had met the day before. She gave me a hug and congratulated me! The best part is, none of this is motivated by some desire for monetary gain. All of the race proceeds go to benefit St. Christopher's, a local charity for special needs individuals. The Saturday morning run was hosted at St. Christopher's where students' artwork is on display. I even met of one young student who attends St. Christopher's at the post race refreshments. I was reminded that running is a gift and the least we can do is use it to benefit others who may not be able to enjoy that gift so freely. This race comes at a great time in the running calendar. I trained all summer in hot weather, but the temperate climate of Ireland is ideal for a marathon in August. This year was considered hot as temps were in the 60s, which still felt pretty good to me. The course is not difficult, but dont expect pancake flat like Chicago. Just enough inclines and declines to break up muscle monotony, as well as some beautiful Irish countryside. Bottom line, it was a PR course for me (by 4 minutes) - maybe it's the luck of the Irish? T-shirt is technical. Race medal is great quality, as is the goody bag. I rented a car in Dublin and it was an easy drive over. Stayed at the Viewmont House, which I highly recommend. The Viewmont house restaurant serves incredible food as well. Also, If you're looking for a great place to meet even more wonderful people look no further than Foley's Pub - its a great place for more post-race refreshment! And in case I haven't said how great the people are, just to reiterate: I somehow lost my race medal on my way home. The race organizer's sent me an extra and wouldn't even let me pay for postage.
E. C. from Dublin, Ireland (8/30/2010) "Brilliant day" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Longford Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Thoroughly well organized, wonderful course, marshals, medal, goody bag, and a T-shirt of high quality. But MOST important are the PEOPLE; they were so warm, so thoughtful, so encouraging. It's lovely to be going along and have one of the race organizing committee running his own marathon to slow down and chat for a few moments (even knew my name!). THAT'S what makes it special! FULL MARKS
Jim Hamilton from East Kilbride Scotland (7/6/2007) "One of my favorites" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Longford Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I've run the half in Longford four times and will be back again this year. If you get the chance, run this one.
brendan maher from galway, ireland (4/10/2007) "good fun" (about: 2005) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I ran the half twice and I'm planning to do the marathon this year; it's a great day with great facilities, easy to get to and leave afterwards - pretty ideal really. The people make every effort too. I think I'll be doing it every year because it's so hassle-free. Although... one year, there seemed to be a shortage of water at one station, and I'm sure I saw one guy in a field beside it come running with a bucket of water from a river. Ah, only in Ireland!
Mick Carrol from Saltash Cornwall (8/29/2006) "A very friendly, proper marathon for runners" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Many thanks for organizing a very good run. It was well marked the runners were friendly and all were helpful the whole weekend. I enjoyed the breakfast run and food along with the pasta party. This was a proper marathon for runners. I came over with a group of my club members from Cornwall - we are the Tamar Trotters - and we were made to feel at home. Well done to Liam and everyone. Many thanks! - Mick
Martin Peters from Vicenza, Italy (8/28/2006) "Great, but lonely marathon" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Longford Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Very well organized, and everyone is very friendly and helpful. The course is very well marked every mile, and the route is easy also. They have a pasta party the night before. Overall I thought it was a great marathon. I flew over from Italy for the weekend and was glad I went. Lots of traveling for the marathon but worth it. Only warning is that the spectators are few/none. If you are someone who needs spectators to motivate you DO NOT do this marathon. I loved it because as soon as the half marathoners turned back, the course was quiet and empty (except for the cows in the fields), and the water stations were good. It was a run in the country. For next year: Book your hotel early because the town is small and everything gets booked out. Would do it again!!!
J. H. from Thurles (8/10/2006) "Longford mishap" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Longford Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 The Longford Marathon in 2005 was my first marathon in 26 years - I ran marathons in my 20's and returned in my late 40's to running as a master. The general organization of the Longford event was great. However I suffered a huge personal disappointment. I made a wrong turn on the course and went on straight when I should have turned somewhere around the 23-mile mark. This point was marshaled for the event, but unlucky for me the marshal was missing when I arrived. It was also signed, but, at that stage in a marathon, especially for an over-55 runner, focus slips a little. It is difficult when the sign is at the far side of the road (in combination with my poor distance eyesight). Plus the leading athletes were out of sight already around the bend. I was devastated to have gone so far and I was on target for a time under 50 minutes. The culmination of two years background work and one year of focus towards the race, with a few thousand miles and much mental preparation... all gone to waste for that day. So to make up for this I made a last-minute decision to try the Dublin Marathon which I completed in 147 minutes - a very pleasing time for me. However, due to late registration, I could not run under my own name or age, so consequently couldn't claim any recognition. I look forward to Longford this year anyway. I have put in as much or more effort and have quite high expectations for my performance. As I mentioned, I otherwise totally enjoyed the course and the event in Longford. (John's story, but written by his partner.)
N. G. from County Antrim (6/21/2006) "A very pleasant and welcoming marathon" (about: 2003) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Longford Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The organization was second to none; I think that this is down to the whole community of Longford being behind the event. They had real interest in making the participants feel totally at home.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]



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Patrick Padden from Boston, MA (8/28/2014) "Like no other that I've done" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Longford Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 If you just like to run, you owe it to yourself to run the Longford Marathon. Training in greater-Boston with temps in the 70s and 80s, and then running a VERY small and VERY rural race with temps in the 50s and low 60s is the perfect cap to the summer. The people are (typical Irish) friendly, the countryside is wonderful, the course is pretty flat, and the only things missing are the crowds and hassles of a bigger race. I've done NYC and Boston multiple times as well as smaller (2000+ runners) races, and enjoyed them all, but if you want a great running/marathon experience, take an Ireland vacation and include Longford as part of your itinerary.
A. S. from Miami, FL (8/26/2014) "Friendly, small town marathon" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Longford Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my second visit to Ireland after Dublin, and I was impressed with the organization and the friendliness of the race. The course was mixed between highway, backroads, and some hard gravel trails. Worst part of the race was the headwind the last 6-8 miles. The crowd support was also mixed but supportive, long and lonely stretches; the weather was perfect for a race (50-60F) so a lot of people were outdoors and also traveling to a local football match. It was very easy to get in and out of the race, and I actually caught a 5pm flight that day leaving from Dublin airport after a quick 1.5 hour drive! This would be a great race with friends or family and I would repeat it if I were ever in the area again.
L. S. from Vicenza, Italy (9/13/2012) "Unforgettable!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Longford Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The Longford Marathon was an experience I will never forget! While I have only positive things to say about the organization, the course, etc. but I have to echo the sentiments of another reviewer, its the people that make this one so special! If you are marathoner, you probably already know how great the running community is. Now add to that the warmth of the running community in a small Irish town, and your truly have 'the friendly marathon in the heart Ireland.' The Longford Marathon weekend includes much more than the race itself. It kicks off with a Friday night run, includes a Saturday morning run and breakfast, a Saturday night pasta party, post race refreshments and a post race party. And let me tell you, the local community welcomes you as if you are an old friend. After just a weekend meeting the locals and fellow runners from around the world, I felt as if I had known these people for years. In fact, I traveled to the race alone as my husband is currently serving overseas. Though technically I had no one waiting for me, I crossed the finish line and immediately saw one of the local runners I had met the day before. She gave me a hug and congratulated me! The best part is, none of this is motivated by some desire for monetary gain. All of the race proceeds go to benefit St. Christopher's, a local charity for special needs individuals. The Saturday morning run was hosted at St. Christopher's where students' artwork is on display. I even met of one young student who attends St. Christopher's at the post race refreshments. I was reminded that running is a gift and the least we can do is use it to benefit others who may not be able to enjoy that gift so freely. This race comes at a great time in the running calendar. I trained all summer in hot weather, but the temperate climate of Ireland is ideal for a marathon in August. This year was considered hot as temps were in the 60s, which still felt pretty good to me. The course is not difficult, but dont expect pancake flat like Chicago. Just enough inclines and declines to break up muscle monotony, as well as some beautiful Irish countryside. Bottom line, it was a PR course for me (by 4 minutes) - maybe it's the luck of the Irish? T-shirt is technical. Race medal is great quality, as is the goody bag. I rented a car in Dublin and it was an easy drive over. Stayed at the Viewmont House, which I highly recommend. The Viewmont house restaurant serves incredible food as well. Also, If you're looking for a great place to meet even more wonderful people look no further than Foley's Pub - its a great place for more post-race refreshment! And in case I haven't said how great the people are, just to reiterate: I somehow lost my race medal on my way home. The race organizer's sent me an extra and wouldn't even let me pay for postage.
E. C. from Dublin, Ireland (8/30/2010) "Brilliant day" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Longford Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Thoroughly well organized, wonderful course, marshals, medal, goody bag, and a T-shirt of high quality. But MOST important are the PEOPLE; they were so warm, so thoughtful, so encouraging. It's lovely to be going along and have one of the race organizing committee running his own marathon to slow down and chat for a few moments (even knew my name!). THAT'S what makes it special! FULL MARKS
Jim Hamilton from East Kilbride Scotland (7/6/2007) "One of my favorites" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Longford Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I've run the half in Longford four times and will be back again this year. If you get the chance, run this one.
brendan maher from galway, ireland (4/10/2007) "good fun" (about: 2005) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I ran the half twice and I'm planning to do the marathon this year; it's a great day with great facilities, easy to get to and leave afterwards - pretty ideal really. The people make every effort too. I think I'll be doing it every year because it's so hassle-free. Although... one year, there seemed to be a shortage of water at one station, and I'm sure I saw one guy in a field beside it come running with a bucket of water from a river. Ah, only in Ireland!
Mick Carrol from Saltash Cornwall (8/29/2006) "A very friendly, proper marathon for runners" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Many thanks for organizing a very good run. It was well marked the runners were friendly and all were helpful the whole weekend. I enjoyed the breakfast run and food along with the pasta party. This was a proper marathon for runners. I came over with a group of my club members from Cornwall - we are the Tamar Trotters - and we were made to feel at home. Well done to Liam and everyone. Many thanks! - Mick
Martin Peters from Vicenza, Italy (8/28/2006) "Great, but lonely marathon" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Longford Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Very well organized, and everyone is very friendly and helpful. The course is very well marked every mile, and the route is easy also. They have a pasta party the night before. Overall I thought it was a great marathon. I flew over from Italy for the weekend and was glad I went. Lots of traveling for the marathon but worth it. Only warning is that the spectators are few/none. If you are someone who needs spectators to motivate you DO NOT do this marathon. I loved it because as soon as the half marathoners turned back, the course was quiet and empty (except for the cows in the fields), and the water stations were good. It was a run in the country. For next year: Book your hotel early because the town is small and everything gets booked out. Would do it again!!!
J. H. from Thurles (8/10/2006) "Longford mishap" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Longford Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 The Longford Marathon in 2005 was my first marathon in 26 years - I ran marathons in my 20's and returned in my late 40's to running as a master. The general organization of the Longford event was great. However I suffered a huge personal disappointment. I made a wrong turn on the course and went on straight when I should have turned somewhere around the 23-mile mark. This point was marshaled for the event, but unlucky for me the marshal was missing when I arrived. It was also signed, but, at that stage in a marathon, especially for an over-55 runner, focus slips a little. It is difficult when the sign is at the far side of the road (in combination with my poor distance eyesight). Plus the leading athletes were out of sight already around the bend. I was devastated to have gone so far and I was on target for a time under 50 minutes. The culmination of two years background work and one year of focus towards the race, with a few thousand miles and much mental preparation... all gone to waste for that day. So to make up for this I made a last-minute decision to try the Dublin Marathon which I completed in 147 minutes - a very pleasing time for me. However, due to late registration, I could not run under my own name or age, so consequently couldn't claim any recognition. I look forward to Longford this year anyway. I have put in as much or more effort and have quite high expectations for my performance. As I mentioned, I otherwise totally enjoyed the course and the event in Longford. (John's story, but written by his partner.)
N. G. from County Antrim (6/21/2006) "A very pleasant and welcoming marathon" (about: 2003) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Longford Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The organization was second to none; I think that this is down to the whole community of Longford being behind the event. They had real interest in making the participants feel totally at home.

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Marathon Details - Longford Marathon