Enschede Marathon

The spectators made this very enjoyable. Their encouragement was awesome. The volunteers were exceptional helpful, kind, and supportive. There was one at km 37 though that grabbed my arm forcefully which I found rather annoying.

First time I've run this event. It boasts of a long (42 year) history and that shows in terms of the slick organization and (for a relatively small town) high level of community support. Everything was fit-for-purpose rather than impressive. Very easy car parking (with a special rate for runners), numbers pick-up, walk to the start and overall organization. Judging by both the volunteers and enthusiastic support (in volume if not numbers), it feels like this race attracts a lot of community support. The course had apparently been altered this year to a double-loop of 21K. So it no longer crosses into Germany. It was sufficiently attractive and interesting. Only grumble is that, as the half starts about two hours after the marathon, one does encounter a lot of slow runners during the second loop. The weather this year was sunny and hot (got up to abut 24 C), but there were regular water points every 5K or so with more frequent sponge points that really helped. Isotonic and bananas also available. Overall, a great little Dutch alternative to the larger Rotterdam and London runs that normally (but not this year) clash with the Enschede Marathon. Definitely worth considering.

This marathon runs partially through Germany and has a great atmosphere on both sides of the border! With over 100-thousand spectators the 2004 version was a pleasure to complete. The course is flatter than other marathons in Holland (and this should account for something!)