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Dublin Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Dublin Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.3 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.0 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.2 
 
 
Number of comments: 267 [displaying comments 131 to 141]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 12 13 14 15 16 .. 27 > ]

 

K. H. from Barcelona, Spain (9/5/2005)
"Small time marathon, big barrel of fun!" (about: 2000)

1 previous marathon | 1 Dublin Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


The Dublin marathon was my first marathon and it was also in my hometown. I found the crowd to be great and really encouraging. I had trained all Autumn in the cold, wet conditions of Dublin for the race so when it was actually sunny on the day I felt I had an automatic head start. As I had trained on my own for this in the ill-lit streets of the city the fact that there were spectators at all was a revelation. They were cheerful and helpful, throwing drinks and sweets your way along the route. Others have commented on the organisation of the race, but this is Ireland and athletics is very small fry in terms of sporting interest and sponsorship. Get out there, run your arse off and enjoy the city. I for one had never gone through some of the 'rougher' areas of the city before the Marathon but it was great to see them up close, am I'm saying that as a Northsider!

 

m. c. from New York City (6/21/2005)
"needs work" (about: 2000)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Dublin Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 2


I ran this as my first marathon in 2000. I would have like to have seen more of the city. I did not like the long stretch of highway. Also the weather is usually pretty rough this time of year, so it's a gamble. The weather also kept most spectators away. Maybe at this point I'm a little spoiled by other, more spectacular marathons (Rome, New York, etc).

 

E. C. from Dublin, Ireland (4/21/2005)
"had a few bad years" (General Comments)

11-50 previous marathons | 6+ Dublin Marathons
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 3


Hi, I've completed 7 Dublin Marathons - I haven't done one for 2 years and hope to be back again this year. Why did I stop? I found that the organization of the race wasn't of the same quality that it had been, and having experienced London and Belfast and their organizational skills, I dropped my local run... jog... walk... struggle... crawl to the line. Will try 2005 and see if it has improved!!

 

p. b. from Letterkenny Co Donegal (4/12/2005)
"enjoyed the run" (about: 2003)

11-50 previous marathons | 6+ Dublin Marathons
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 5


This was the last marathon I ran because I picked up a injury since, but I hope to run this year's race.

 

V. M. from New Smyrna Beach, Florida, USA (11/30/2004)
"Awesome Experience Running with The Giants" (about: 2004)

First Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


This was my first full marathon ever and I had a wonderful time. The race took us on a tour through the sometimes hidden medieval world of Dublin. I kept envisioning life for the Irish in those early days. I could almost see the many Irish passing through the same roads by foot, bike or horse.

My parents are both from Ireland, but I was born in the States. Irish history was and still an important factor that has defined my character. So for me, running in Dublin (for my turning point - birthday) was a way of connecting with my ancesters. I know, it seems a little too deep for a marathon website, but it's true! The Irish are survivors and there was nothing that was going to stop me from running that race and completing in good time. Heck, 3 Florida hurricanes tried!!! :-)

It was a wonderful race, and what made it even more special was the people throughout the city that supported the runners. The singing and the dancing and the beautiful Irish spirit was ever present from beginning to end.

 

C. R. from Toronto, Canada (11/26/2004)
"Great Destination Race" (about: 2004)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Dublin Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


The course was tougher than expected, but also more interesting and varied. Running through Phoenix Park was tremendous (the largest urban park in Europe, according to a seemingly knowledgable taxi driver (aren't they all?)).

The only knock against the organization was the start. Original plans to have runners start from various chutes based on expected finishing times was dropped just prior to the race, with the result that the start was chaotic. It took me 5 1/2 minutes to cross the starting time. In fact, I didn't know the race had started until 2 minutes after it did. The result was 5 miles of passing people that should have started much later.

The crowds were not huge, but they were vocal and friendly.

I'll be back to run this one again, and this time I'll plan to spend much more time in Dublin and the rest of Ireland.

 

Deirdre McIntyre from North Wales (11/25/2004)
"An inspiring first marathon!!!" (about: 2004)

1 previous marathon | 1 Dublin Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


Well, what can I say? After not ever having trained for more than a half marathon I faced the task of my first marathon somewhat daunted. I needn't have been. The Dublin course was wonderfully challenging with plenty of ups to keep the legs awake and the brain focused. The scenery, especially the park, was a physically and mentally a great breather. The crowd was motivating and friendly throughout. Having a little 'big scale' race experience I do think that perhaps a bit more entertainment could've been put on along the wayl it helps keep the mind off the body's pain! The music was a real boost.

The long sleeve T-shirt was excellent and it's one that can actually be worn outside the gym! Medal was also of superior quality. Shame race was on a Monday (I know it's the bank holiday over there), but I missed the post-race celebrations because I had to get back for work on Tuesday. Although I suffered a bit through lack of training I can't believe the buzz it gave me to cross the finish! It's certainly one I'll be doing again... and hopefully the first of many marathons!!
Thanks.

 

Mick Quen from Heidelberg, Germany (11/16/2004)
"Feed me please" (about: 2004)

2 previous marathons | 2 Dublin Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 1  FANS: 5


I'm a big runner. I need to eat during a marathon. I don't know what happened to Dublin compared to when I ran it in 2001. It definItely took a turn for the worse.

You only recieved food from the support stations once, if you classify one PowerGel as food at mile 14. They only had 3 Gatorade stations during the race and a very meager goody bag at the finish (1 water, 1 gatorade, 1 ProteinPlus PowerBar). They reserved space blankets for elite runners and runners needing medical attention. I was very disappointed in these changes from 2001 where you were very well taken care of (fed and hydrated) on the course and at the finish line (space blankets.)

They did well with water stations every 3 miles. I recommend the breakfast run to everyone. The spectators are great as the Irish always are.

 

k. c. from Washington DC (11/14/2004)
"Walker Friendly?" (about: 2004)

1 previous marathon | 1 Dublin Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 5


Loved the course -especially coming through Phoenix Park with the Wicklow Mountains in the background. Friendly people, lots of encouragement!
I signed up for this marathon (my first) because it is supposed to be walker friendly. During the year I spent training I learned to racewalk, so I actually finished much faster (under 6 hours) than I had first thought, but a friend, who was planning an 8 hour finish, found NO COURSE MARKINGS as she approached the finish - resulting in a 2 mile detour that had her finishing at 8:30 instead of 8 hours - and no offical finish. Bummer after all that effort!

 

Sue Moir from New Brunswick ,Canada (11/13/2004)
"Awesome" (about: 2004)

2 previous marathons | 1 Dublin Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


Came to Dublin with the Arthritis Society to run the event; it was an experience worth doing again. The course was a dream with a tailwind here and there, when it was not a headwind. The cheering crowds were inspiring to say the least, and to top it off was the party after, wow!!! Thank you, hope to be back in 2006.

 

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