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Jun 2, 2024

Belfast City Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Belfast City Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 3.1

Organization 3.0

Spectators 3.5

Number of comments: 76 [displaying comments 51 to 61]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 > ]

s. m. from belfast (5/9/2007) "good day out apart from not enough energy stations" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Belfast City Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 There actually were two energy stations, but it was short at Gideon's Green just up from Rathcoole Estate Entrance; but they were only giving small plastic cups of Powerade and one at Maysfield. The walkers did create a problem, but they do add to the overall feel of the marathon. And the support for the 26.2 mile runners was fantastic. Thank you, Belfast - especially for the jelly babies!! My only gripes are the lack of energy stations. Please have more from around the 10 mile point. And stop people from being able to cross the runner's path on the last 600 meters of the course. And why were medals being thrown at weary runners by snappy young girls?!!
D. R. from North Down (5/7/2007) "Belfast Marathon 2007." (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Belfast City Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Overall there has been a great improvement in the organization of the Belfast Marathon, however I would like to raise the following points: - 1). Why were the Walkers allowed to mix with the Runners at the start? This only frustrates Runners trying to pass them at the start. 2). Why was there only 1 Energy Station, when it clearly states on the course map there would be 2? There was no Energy Station at Gideon's Green for Marathon Runners. 3). Why was there no Water Station between Gideon's Green and the Fortwilliam Roundabout? 4). Why have the cobblestones been introduced at Corporation Sq when they have been done away with in the London Marathon? I hope the points above will be taken into consideration and I must congratulate the Belfast City Council on making the Belfast Marathon Event Organizer a Full-Time Position.
s. m. from Belfast, Northern Ireland (5/4/2006) "Massively improved marathon - well done!" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 4-5 Belfast City Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I have run this race many times and think it is important to recognize a fantastic effort and great improvement this year compared to last year. The course was very interesting, with all the hills in the first half, which meant negative splits for many. The relay runners added to the atmosphere and this year were well controlled at the hand-over points. The organization generally has improved, although my main gripe is that there needs to be segregation of runners from walkers at the new finish in Ormeau Park - I am sure this will be listened to by the organizers. Also this year the mileage markers were clear and accurate and water stops were plentiful (although no sports drinks). Despite the hills and a tough wind, I managed a PB (3:06), along with many others.
H. S. from Dublin Ireland (5/2/2006) "Well organized marathon; I enjoyed it very much." (about: 2006) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Belfast City Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was a well organized marathon; I enjoyed it very much. Great support from the volunteers, organizers and spectators. However, found the course a little bit too hilly. Furthermore, I would recommend for the next Belfast Marathon to barricade the last mile to the finish, in order to avoid people entering the course from all direction in front of the runners.
martin gorman from ireland (5/2/2006) "Belfast Marathon 2006" (about: 2006) 4-5 previous marathons \| 3 Belfast City Marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 1. Walkers and fun-runners were mixed in with elite runners at the start, as there were no time band placings. 2. No sports drink stops - only plastic cups. 3. The marathon walk joins at the 20th mile on a narrow towpath, so you have to dodge in and out around walkers. 4. The finish is a mess. It finishes in a park with the public and the walkers wandering around the last mile. And there was no clear marshaling at this piont to tell you where to go.
P. M. from Baile Raghnaille-(randalstown) (5/2/2006) "CONGRATULATIONS Belfast Marathon" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Belfast City Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 A big, big improvement on last year's event. There was a great course that was well marshaled, plenty of water stations, and great support along the route. The relay was a success too. A great family day out - the children had a ball. I really enjoyed it and will be back next year.
E. C. from Dublin Ireland (4/27/2006) "NOT my favorite" (General Comments) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Belfast City Marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 I've run Belfast 4 times, last time in 2002. It's possible that I won't do it again. The organizers did put a huge effort in to the race but it lacked that professional feel. The course as it stood was quite boring, and yet if you know Belfast and the area - there are some stupendous views around Belfast Lough with not too much of an incline. I'd suggest that the course officials look at that asset. The relay changeovers are a NIGHTMARE; I've been forced out on to the road in front of traffic whilst relay runners push and shove their way through. Changeovers should be off the street.... Having to run on the pavements is a chore and trying to pass other pedestrians on their daily business is hell. I won't be doing it for the forseeable future. Maybe NI could find somewhere else for their main marathon - plenty of space out there, wonderful countryside....
S. W. from Northern Ireland (10/24/2005) "Really annoyed!!!!!" (about: 2005) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Belfast City Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 I was actually running in the relay and my stop was the area of the bomb scare. I feel that the people did a reasonable job in guiding us away from that area but could have informed us better about what was happening. It was very confusing. Due to this confusion I was not able to find my team member who was to pass on to me and so she had to run my leg as well!!! Feeling I wanted to run I had to get transport to the next relay stop and run that leg. This wasted a lot of time. This was my first time running in this type of event and will definitely run next year - I just hope that it will be better organized. I agree that there should have been more energy and water stations and mile marks. Although I did not run the full 26.2, I didn't know how far I had run until halfway through my leg. More music stations should be put in place; they really spurred you on.
James Hislop from Coleraine Co.Derry (8/4/2005) "VERY disappointing" (about: 2005) 3 previous marathons \| 2 Belfast City Marathons COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 It's my 2nd Belfast Marathon since moving to Northern Ireland and having run last year as my 1st marathon, I was excited to see what improvements they have done since 2004; and I was very disappointed! The comments on this year's race are true. It was poorly mile-marked, there were not enough water/energy stops, and it was congested at relay points and there were very few toilets. The race needs a new commitee which has interest of the city at heart; it needs to attract a BIG sponsor (Adidas, Reebok, Asics); it needs to pay for international runners and for us to persist and register for next years Belfast City Marathon, otherwise the race will become extinct. Together we CAN make it better. I ran Edinburgh in June 2005 and I would recommend it to everyone. Belfast take note and check it out.
L. G. from Ireland (6/5/2005) "Needs a lot of improvement" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Belfast City Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 I also wore a GPS device and it measured the course at over 27 miles!! I understand that the bomb scare didn't help, but I have a feeling that most of the problems associated with this marathon would have been present anyway. Complaints: 1. There was no mat at the start to register the ChampionChip (I think there was one at the halfway point). 2. I was disappointed that there was no expo or really anything at the packet pick-up facility. I've seen more hype and energy for a 10k race. 3. What happened to the mile markers? Seriously, I have never run a marathon so poorly marked!!!! 4. Not enough water stops. 5. One energy drink station at mile 18 is not enough!! You should have it a bit earlier in the race and more of them. 6. Bad idea to have the last few miles of the marathon run through an industrial area, therefore nearly guaranteeing no spectator support the runners when they really need it!! 7. Very badly congested at relay changeover areas... the course should be roped off in these areas, so that groups of people are just not standing in the middle of the course blocking the flow of runners. 8. At one point, runners were stopped so as to allow cars to make a left turn!! Very frustrating from a runner's point of view!! Normally, during a marathon you don't expect to have to stop for traffic!! 9.Spectator support was very sparse. Surprising, in that this was the 24th year of this marathon. However, would like to mention that a few of the spectators were great and cheering for everyone. :) Suggestions: 1. Have some type of expo at pick-up facility. With the amount of people doing the marathon and relay, I would imagine stores/vendors would be interested in marketing to them at an expo. Also, it would just add an aspect of excitement and energy for the marathon. 2. Encourage spectators more! Encourage local boys/girls clubs, charities, etc. to participate in cheering for runners by having a 'best cheering group' contest and donating money to the winning club. 3. Have mile markers for EVERY mile! 4. More water/energy drink stops 5. Have more bands/music along the course. The few that were this year made a huge difference in runner morale!

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