If you're looking for a low-key, flat, well organised marathon then you could do a lot worse than Budapest. With around 6,000 completing the full marathon the wide streets are ideal for a problem free run. While I had concerns that the 30K, 10K and in particular relays races would get in the way of other competitors the organisation was so good there were no issues at all. The course itself is pretty much pancake flat with the exception of a few bridge crossings which are very moderate. To keep the flat course consistent organizers have had to incorporate quite a few twists and turns including a few 180 degree turns around cones but this is a small price to pay for a fast marathon. The crowds are minimal for large sections of the course but to be honest that suits me just fine! Access to the start/finish is very simple by either bus or underground. A huge changing tent is available for competitors too which is a nice touch. as for the city, as a first time visitor to Budapest I was hugely impressed. Incredibly friendly people, exceptional architecture and a phenomenal amount to see and do....all at very low prices too! Great, great race and a terrific place overall.

Because of municipal elections called for in July, they decided to change the date 6 weeks prior to the marathon. The first email notification I received was not apologetic. As a result of numerous complaints from runners who had to make last minute travel plan changes they changed the start time from 9 to 11am. Race day was unusually hot and very sunny so running in the mid day sun was not fun and the change of the start time was not a benefit! I went to the expo the day before the race and it was minimal. Not one vender was selling gear with Budapest on it. The race technical t-shirt was nothing special. On race day there was no water available except for purchase. To buy water from a vendor required getting a hand written receipt that consumed a lot of time. There were more vendors present, but still no Budapest shirts or gear was available. The course was nice passing many of the sights of the beautiful city. The course is flat and manageable, but offered no relief from the hot sun. Crowd support varied but was minimal near the finish where it is most needed. You crossed the finish got your medal and a bag that contained water and non-alcoholic beer. Budapest is known for its thermal baths and a nice one was near the finish, but you had to pay full fee and wear a cap to swim in the large pool. The Chimney Cake Festival and Octoberfest was also near the finish, but no accommodations were made for the marathon participants. Most participants either run the relay or other shorter events and not the full marathon. The pre race city run was changed to the day after the marathon. It was a small low key event. Budapest Marathon was ok, but not one I'd do again.

The marathon was moved from Sunday to Saturday about a month and a half prior to the race! The race started at 11:00 in the morning(!) on a warm day. I arrived to the expo on Friday afternoon and not all the booths were complete. I was very disappointed with the organization compared to other marathons I participated in.