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Marathon Details - Great Limerick Run

International Marathons > Ireland > Limerick > Great Limerick Run

Great Limerick Run

Regeneron Great Limerick Run & Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 6 Mile

Limerick, Ireland

May 4, 2025

http://www.greatlimerickrun.com

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2024 2023 2022 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Top 3 Finishers

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Address:	Great Limerick Run, 3 Hartstonge Street, Limerick
Phone Number:	061-609 627
Fax Number:	061-310 888
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (14)

Course 3.2

Organization 3.4

Spectators 3.0

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Number of comments: 14 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

G. H. from London, England (5/6/2024) "I love Limerick but very poor organisation." (about: 2024) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Great Limerick Run COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 5 The first half is nice out to UL with a nice river path back into the city. From half way it got tough for me. The half marathon runners flooded the course really throwing you off your stride which didn't thin out for at least 4/5 miles. The second half is hilly and into housing estates. The finish is nice but the lack of organisation is shocking compared to other city marathons. No massage or proper rest areas. You had to walk at least 800 meters through huge crowded areas of people drinking on the street to get to your bag. A lot of the areas were blocked off and no proper directions to the bagging areas which was right by a 10k start which went just as the marathon ended. Officials seem to have no knowledge of where to go or able to help. The expo is also very poor no vendors, miles outside the city and they ran out of t-shirts. How can you run out of t-shirts when you know how many entered the race? Seriously guys you can do better. I love Limerick and the charity aspect is great but too many events on one course and the organisation is shocking. Sorry.
D. P. from UK (5/12/2023) "Varied & interesting course, very well organised" (about: 2023) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Great Limerick Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Really enjoyed this marathon! The course was very varied; the bit around the university campus was very scenic and serene, and the latter segment around the leafy suburbs was fun. The bit after the half way point is reasonably hilly! Good support from locals on the 2nd half of the race. The start point was in a lovely Georgian square and was very easy to get to and very relaxed. There were lots of water stations (incl. Lucozade) and toilets all along the course, and loads of volunteers along the route. The course starts and finishes in the city centre and goes back through it twice during the course, so it's a great course for spectators, and there are lot of hotels within walking distance, as well as easy parking and public transport. The atmosphere around the city was really great. It would be great to have more info (regarding logistics) on the website (the race instructions were helpful but were only issued 5 days in advance), and bib pick up in the city centre would be great (though I had the bib posted out to me anyway). Overall I'd recommend it and I'd definitely do it again.
James Hamilton from Howell MI (5/10/2023) "Charity was the focus, not the run" (about: 2023) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Great Limerick Run COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I was expecting a little more than what this race had to offer. Although, the main point of this run was charity. I think the organizers were more focused on that aspect of the run, not the actual run itself. Packet pick up was not so great. Very little parking so it was difficult getting in and out. I think they did well managing traffic given the set up. It was quick in and out. No expo, no vendors. I was hoping for something. The course was ok, very nice in some areas and blah in others. There were a few out and back points which I find annoying. Also, I think they should have routed us by the castle if they put it on the finishers medal. Course was relatively flat on the first half but there were some hills towards the end. Aid stations were good, I liked the tiny water bottles instead of cups. I was able to carry one a long and sip frequently. Then get another once I was out. I didn't see a lot of food at the aid stations, but the spectators were giving so much out I wasn't even looking. The half marathoner's and 10k runners were blended midway through the course so we could all finish at the same time. Although this thinned out the start line, it was a lot of foot traffic mid race. I found myself trying to get around groups of walkers and slow runners mid race. They could have had them run a separate lane for their first two miles to spread it out a little. Spectators were scattered thru the entire race. It thinned out in a few places, but I was pleasantly surprised by how many people came out. Finishing area was ok, plenty of food but few choices. Finisher medal was very nice. There was a massive crowd getting out of the finishing area, made it hard to find my party coming out.
J. L. from California (5/3/2023) "Hilly and not scenic course with poor planning" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Great Limerick Run COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 Summary: The marathon felt like an afterthought to the 10k, with little else to redeem it. Packet pickup: The pickup location is at the University of Limerick, which is outside of the city center where all the hotels are. It was not convenient for a visitor to get out there for a total of about 3 minutes, and there's nothing to see around there. The shirt is very plain and is the same for all events, so it doesn't say marathon on it. Race start: It started at 9am. It was easy to get to the start area from a hotel in the city center, and the small field made it all very easy. Course: Not enjoyable. It's hilly and not scenic, and there are a lot of twists and turns, including turning right immediately after the start line. Some of the out and backs seem avoidable (e.g., run downhill for ~100m, go around a roundabout, then run back uphill and take a road you could have taken on the first pass). The 10km split timing mats were not in the same spot as the flags marking the distance. The worst part of the course was that the half marathon does the back half of the course, and the 10k race does the last 10k, but the timing is done so that unless you're right at the pointy end of the marathon, you will get trampled by the runners in the shorter distances. It's not fun being overtaken by thousands of 10k runners. I got clipped so many times even though I stuck to the edges, and with 200m to go, one 10k runner (1hr+) actually put out her hands to deliberately push me out of her way. Aid stations: Not enough for a hot day. The marathon being secondary to the 10k is clear with there being 4 aid stations in the last 10k, and 7 in the first 32km. The water came in sippy bottles which was nice so you could carry it. Spectators: Lots at the finish area, but otherwise sparse. I appreciated the few spectators who specifically cheered for the marathon runners amongst the sea of 10k runners.
M. H. from Co Clare (5/11/2016) "Most enjoyable marathon" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Great Limerick Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my 1st running marathon, I have done a few walking ones so i was delighted to find the course quite flat I loved it all and saw parts of Limerick I have never seen before Limerick be proud volunteers be proud I had so much fun but didn't like the 10k runners at the end to join the marathon runners (I was slow runner) felt a bit panicky as they were only starting their race and I was nearly finished mine!! but other than that would recommend this marathon I loved it!!
Eamonn Baxter from Galway, Ireland (5/13/2013) "my first marathon, it was brill" (about: 2013) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first marathon and I crossed the line at 3:51:52, not bad for a 49 year old and did all my training on a treadmill, I only started to run 51 weeks prior to the marathon, I ran my 1st 5km (darkness into light) on the 12th of may 2012 in Galway. Loved the whole course, the last 4 mile was tough but I wanted to get that sub 4 and I did. Thanks Limerick from 'The Treadmill Man'. :-)
g. g. from Limerick Ireland (5/21/2011) "Tough run, great day!" (about: 2011) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Great Limerick Run COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I found it a tough enough course - really tough going back into the city after 20 miles and having to head out of town again. The one complaint i have is that some of the mile markers were way off. But a great race on great day. Great for Limerick!!!
G. M. from Cratloe, Ireland (5/12/2011) "Small, friendly marathon; some improvement needed" (about: 2011) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The marathon course was on the tough side of fair; there were plenty of hills, a fine breeze (especially in the first half), and no great spectators, but I really enjoyed the race. The t-shirt and medals could be improved. Will be back next year. I had a ball.
M. C. from County Kerry, Ireland (5/1/2011) "Not a marathon-centered event" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Great Limerick Run COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 Too many miles on a shoulder with only cones for protection. No scenery to speak of. There were 3.5 miles between water stops, but water bottles helped make up for that. Lame, cotton, generic t-shirt for mile/half/marathon.
C. B. from Dublin (via Tipperary) (10/11/2010) "Moving in the right direction" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Great Limerick Run COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 My local marathon - so great to run it. Lots of pros and cons. Few spectators on much of the run and it rained for a bit. Past Thomand Park - legend.... Ran 2:56 and finished just outside of the top 10.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]



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G. H. from London, England (5/6/2024) "I love Limerick but very poor organisation." (about: 2024) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Great Limerick Run COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 5 The first half is nice out to UL with a nice river path back into the city. From half way it got tough for me. The half marathon runners flooded the course really throwing you off your stride which didn't thin out for at least 4/5 miles. The second half is hilly and into housing estates. The finish is nice but the lack of organisation is shocking compared to other city marathons. No massage or proper rest areas. You had to walk at least 800 meters through huge crowded areas of people drinking on the street to get to your bag. A lot of the areas were blocked off and no proper directions to the bagging areas which was right by a 10k start which went just as the marathon ended. Officials seem to have no knowledge of where to go or able to help. The expo is also very poor no vendors, miles outside the city and they ran out of t-shirts. How can you run out of t-shirts when you know how many entered the race? Seriously guys you can do better. I love Limerick and the charity aspect is great but too many events on one course and the organisation is shocking. Sorry.
D. P. from UK (5/12/2023) "Varied & interesting course, very well organised" (about: 2023) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Great Limerick Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Really enjoyed this marathon! The course was very varied; the bit around the university campus was very scenic and serene, and the latter segment around the leafy suburbs was fun. The bit after the half way point is reasonably hilly! Good support from locals on the 2nd half of the race. The start point was in a lovely Georgian square and was very easy to get to and very relaxed. There were lots of water stations (incl. Lucozade) and toilets all along the course, and loads of volunteers along the route. The course starts and finishes in the city centre and goes back through it twice during the course, so it's a great course for spectators, and there are lot of hotels within walking distance, as well as easy parking and public transport. The atmosphere around the city was really great. It would be great to have more info (regarding logistics) on the website (the race instructions were helpful but were only issued 5 days in advance), and bib pick up in the city centre would be great (though I had the bib posted out to me anyway). Overall I'd recommend it and I'd definitely do it again.
James Hamilton from Howell MI (5/10/2023) "Charity was the focus, not the run" (about: 2023) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Great Limerick Run COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I was expecting a little more than what this race had to offer. Although, the main point of this run was charity. I think the organizers were more focused on that aspect of the run, not the actual run itself. Packet pick up was not so great. Very little parking so it was difficult getting in and out. I think they did well managing traffic given the set up. It was quick in and out. No expo, no vendors. I was hoping for something. The course was ok, very nice in some areas and blah in others. There were a few out and back points which I find annoying. Also, I think they should have routed us by the castle if they put it on the finishers medal. Course was relatively flat on the first half but there were some hills towards the end. Aid stations were good, I liked the tiny water bottles instead of cups. I was able to carry one a long and sip frequently. Then get another once I was out. I didn't see a lot of food at the aid stations, but the spectators were giving so much out I wasn't even looking. The half marathoner's and 10k runners were blended midway through the course so we could all finish at the same time. Although this thinned out the start line, it was a lot of foot traffic mid race. I found myself trying to get around groups of walkers and slow runners mid race. They could have had them run a separate lane for their first two miles to spread it out a little. Spectators were scattered thru the entire race. It thinned out in a few places, but I was pleasantly surprised by how many people came out. Finishing area was ok, plenty of food but few choices. Finisher medal was very nice. There was a massive crowd getting out of the finishing area, made it hard to find my party coming out.
J. L. from California (5/3/2023) "Hilly and not scenic course with poor planning" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Great Limerick Run COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 Summary: The marathon felt like an afterthought to the 10k, with little else to redeem it. Packet pickup: The pickup location is at the University of Limerick, which is outside of the city center where all the hotels are. It was not convenient for a visitor to get out there for a total of about 3 minutes, and there's nothing to see around there. The shirt is very plain and is the same for all events, so it doesn't say marathon on it. Race start: It started at 9am. It was easy to get to the start area from a hotel in the city center, and the small field made it all very easy. Course: Not enjoyable. It's hilly and not scenic, and there are a lot of twists and turns, including turning right immediately after the start line. Some of the out and backs seem avoidable (e.g., run downhill for ~100m, go around a roundabout, then run back uphill and take a road you could have taken on the first pass). The 10km split timing mats were not in the same spot as the flags marking the distance. The worst part of the course was that the half marathon does the back half of the course, and the 10k race does the last 10k, but the timing is done so that unless you're right at the pointy end of the marathon, you will get trampled by the runners in the shorter distances. It's not fun being overtaken by thousands of 10k runners. I got clipped so many times even though I stuck to the edges, and with 200m to go, one 10k runner (1hr+) actually put out her hands to deliberately push me out of her way. Aid stations: Not enough for a hot day. The marathon being secondary to the 10k is clear with there being 4 aid stations in the last 10k, and 7 in the first 32km. The water came in sippy bottles which was nice so you could carry it. Spectators: Lots at the finish area, but otherwise sparse. I appreciated the few spectators who specifically cheered for the marathon runners amongst the sea of 10k runners.
M. H. from Co Clare (5/11/2016) "Most enjoyable marathon" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Great Limerick Run COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my 1st running marathon, I have done a few walking ones so i was delighted to find the course quite flat I loved it all and saw parts of Limerick I have never seen before Limerick be proud volunteers be proud I had so much fun but didn't like the 10k runners at the end to join the marathon runners (I was slow runner) felt a bit panicky as they were only starting their race and I was nearly finished mine!! but other than that would recommend this marathon I loved it!!
Eamonn Baxter from Galway, Ireland (5/13/2013) "my first marathon, it was brill" (about: 2013) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first marathon and I crossed the line at 3:51:52, not bad for a 49 year old and did all my training on a treadmill, I only started to run 51 weeks prior to the marathon, I ran my 1st 5km (darkness into light) on the 12th of may 2012 in Galway. Loved the whole course, the last 4 mile was tough but I wanted to get that sub 4 and I did. Thanks Limerick from 'The Treadmill Man'. :-)
g. g. from Limerick Ireland (5/21/2011) "Tough run, great day!" (about: 2011) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Great Limerick Run COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I found it a tough enough course - really tough going back into the city after 20 miles and having to head out of town again. The one complaint i have is that some of the mile markers were way off. But a great race on great day. Great for Limerick!!!
G. M. from Cratloe, Ireland (5/12/2011) "Small, friendly marathon; some improvement needed" (about: 2011) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The marathon course was on the tough side of fair; there were plenty of hills, a fine breeze (especially in the first half), and no great spectators, but I really enjoyed the race. The t-shirt and medals could be improved. Will be back next year. I had a ball.
M. C. from County Kerry, Ireland (5/1/2011) "Not a marathon-centered event" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Great Limerick Run COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 Too many miles on a shoulder with only cones for protection. No scenery to speak of. There were 3.5 miles between water stops, but water bottles helped make up for that. Lame, cotton, generic t-shirt for mile/half/marathon.
C. B. from Dublin (via Tipperary) (10/11/2010) "Moving in the right direction" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Great Limerick Run COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 My local marathon - so great to run it. Lots of pros and cons. Few spectators on much of the run and it rained for a bit. Past Thomand Park - legend.... Ran 2:56 and finished just outside of the top 10.

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Marathon Details - Great Limerick Run