For the first time in years the Leiden marathon consisted of a single loop through the countryside that surrounds this historic university town. Because the marathon start is combined with that of the much larger half marathon the first few k's can be crowded. After 10k the half marathon runners return to Leiden and the 700+ marathon runners are on their own. The course leads through a pretty quiet and very flat countryside. The disadvantage of such a course is that it gives free range to the wind. Unfortunately this year there was quite a strong wind, which made it difficult to run a fast time. In most of the handful ofvillages we passed through only a handful of of inhabitants had come out to cheer us on, but in Zoeterwoude (10k) and Oud Ade (32k) there was something of a carnival atmosphere. Even with the new course the best part of the Leiden marathon is still the familiar last kilometer through the city centre. Great crowd support, lots of music and the town itself and its canals provide a wonderful setting. Maybe because the number of participants had risen, organisation was not as impeccable as in previous years (for instance many of the toilets were full long before the start), but over all still good. A real improvement would be to arrange for more differentiation in the starting corrals, so that the flow of runners is spread more evenly. Nevertheless, a great, friendly marathon for those who want to get to know the Netherlands. (especially if there isn't so much wind on race day)

This is the second time I have run this marathon. Although it is a pleasant two-loop course with adequate water points and sufficient support, the first 21kms are far too congested. I'm not sure I would run the event again. The congestion behind my frustration is caused by a combination of four things: the tight roads and lanes; starting the marathon (500 people?) and half-marathon (5,000?) together; allowing very slow business runners to start at the front of the pack, and; using pace-makers for the full and half marathons - even with doubles fr the same pace! (e.g, 2hour group for the half and 4hours for the full). The result is that the first 20kms or so make it impossible to gain any pace and one instead has to adopt the pace of the crowd ahead. While this is otherwise a great little event, with the Leiden community doing a great job of support and cheering, the frustrating first loop is a deterrent to experienced marathon runners. I believe it could be easily resolved with staggered timings, maybe letting the marathoners start 15 or 30 mins ahead of the half-marathon. It could also be helped by putting the business runners at the back of the pack. Another idea is to use time corrals. I wanted to be in the mid section of starters but, after 5-10mins of pushing through hordes of people, gave up the effort. Finally, the number of pacing groups could easily be reduced, so minimizing the number of packs on the tight roads. So, a plea to the organizers- please, please organize some better 'runner traffic management' for 2012 and make this event as good as the town and people of Leiden deserve. And make sure the publicity for next year's race reassures runners of an improved starting system. You're doing an injustice to a potentially great mid-size race.

This was my first half-marathon, ever. I found the organization to be very efficient and friendly. When I had a small problem, one of the staff personally walked me to the right person and solved it quickly instead of just pointing me in the general direction. Very good service. Good racer support on course too; they had water, sports drink (not too sweet), oranges, bananas, and those funny-looking sponges in the shape of a runner. Weather went from raining to humid to sunny to windy. The course was typical for Holland - flat, with just a few small inclines. It ran through town, and also around fields full of horses, cows and sheep. When you looked up from your own shoes, the scenery was very nice. Spectators were all along the course as it wound through some residential neighborhoods and footpaths. Everyone was very supportive and friendly. It's definitely worth the trip; I would recommend this race to all comers.