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Apr 29, 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 31 to 41]

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E. C. from Dublin Ireland (5/16/2008) "much improved from 2002" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Belfast City Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 I decided to give Belfast one last shot at enticing me back to this race after the chaotic scenes of 2002 when I was pushed out in to the road by members of relay teams and in to the path of an oncoming car. For me, that was the end. However, I became aware that there was a new race committee and therefore thought... ok... I will give it one more go.... My 2008 experience was so much better than any of my previous 5 BCM's... the course was better, the organization was better, the medal was better, the support on the route was better, but much more needs to be done to make this a race it could be. We'll start with registration - a marquee some miles outside Belfast city center. As it was raining, some people had to wait outside in the rain for some time before getting their numbers (luckily I was early and was in and out in 2 minutes). There is no expo of any sort, so dragging competitors out here was for what reason? The people at registration couldn't have been more helpful - encouraging and polite (huge change for the better here); the race package had number in it, race program, and a few fliers; the t-shirt was ok, but have had far superior quality t-shirts for much smaller events.... As far as I could see, there was little to no support from "sponsors" - a great shame. BCM allows you the option of buying a fleece - coming into the summer months?? A waterproof jacket would be far more enticing, and any sort of merchandise with BCM logo would be better than absolutely nothing! The start was, as I expected - chaotic... so, I decided to start at the back, out of trouble and let the walkers block the runners farther up in the field. This is due to lack of marshaling time corrals, which were attached to lamp posts. Having been in this situation before, I can say: start at the back. The course was challenging but pleasant, and much improved from previous experiences. The people of Belfast were incredibly kind and supportive. My main gripe was that there were no static clocks along the course, as there was no timing on the course. How could the elite-to-fun runners check on their split times? There should be static clocks at the 10K half and 20 mile markers. I did get one gulp of sports drink this year, which was good; however, the main sponsor could be more prevalent (a water company). We had the use of standpipes for water. I noticed as the miles ticked by that there were fewer and fewer cups left at water stations, and the last one had run out. I thought of those people still on the course in the heat 3 hours after me with no water... again.... Over the finish line I received my medal from a very pleasant volunteer and a bottle of water (wow) - nothing else. They have improved the relay changeover points so that they do not interfere with marathon runners, but if BCM wants to get recognition of being a MARATHON, they should really reconsider the relays. Yes, there was more emphasis on marathon runners this year (a good change), but the organizers boast 16,000 competitors, leading people to believe that all are completing 26.2 miles (when in reality, it's 4,000 - at most). It's debatable whether I will do this again next year. Instead of relays, they should hold a 10K and half on the day, and there should be better controls at the start line (with stricter time bands enforced). Yes, there have been improvements, but there are better marathons out there to be tried and tested. It's a shame, as this could be a good marathon; unfortunately it still needs simple issues to be addressed. Do it if you want to. The people of Belfast are VERY WELCOMING. I am just not a fan of relay legs!!!!!!!
A. L. from Co. Antrim, Ireland. (5/14/2008) "Great day out (relay) but lots and lots to improve" (about: 2008) First Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This was my first marathon experience; I ran the first leg of the relay, and whilst we thoroughly enjoyed our day out and raised a lot of money for our charity, the actual race didn't feel professional at all. I will summarize: * Not enough loos at the start - runners seemed to have to start and nip behind various walls a few yards up the road. * Couldn't hear a single word the starter had to say. * Mile markers could have been a little bigger and I understand that some of the later markers were written in chalk on the road/path. I'm not too sure how accurate they were. Perhaps someone else can confirm. * Water stop after about 1 mile and then about 2.5 and then none until after I finished my 6 miles. There should have been water stations at 2 and 4 miles. * Impossible to drink from plastic cups whilst running. I skipped the first water station as I couldn't get near it without having to stop. What about some Deep River Rock squeeze bottles? I understand that the Dublin Marathon has 250 ML bottles of Ballygowan at each of 9 drinking stations. * I may be wrong, but was there just water station on one side of road. * First part of the marathon went out along Sydenham bypass - long and boring, sparse/no support and fumes from lorries and cars along the way. * Helpers at relay checkpoints didn't seem to know anything about bags, etc. * Can't believe walkers started with runners. * Felt embarrassed to watch walkers coming strolling over the same finish line as the marathon runners. Watching the leading men and women giving it their all and having the walkers "stealing their glory" just wasn't right to me. (No offense to the walkers - they should have had a different start and finish.) * Walkers got crisps, bottles of water and a medal when they crossed the finish, but relay runners (other than the final runner) got nothing. * Having spoken to a girl who ran the marathon, I understand that the changeover points were total chaos for them to get through. Running a marathon needs total concentration, and to be disrupted in this way is inexcusable. There have to be lanes at changeover points to keep relay runners away from marathoners. * Can't believe that the marathon runners (other than perhaps the frontrunners) had to dodge traffic. Can a route not be found where roads can be closed for a few hours? * Surely a route can also be found that doesn't involve running along motorways or deserted docks, etc. It was a real pleasure to be cheered on by the public, but it seemed the route chosen wasn't spectator-friendly. These are the feelings that I have. Like I said, we had a fantastic time and I would definitely go back to raise some money and do another relay next year, but unless there are drastic improvements, I am not going to pick Belfast for my first marathon.
David Reid from Belfast, Northern Ireland (5/12/2008) "Amateurish-organized marathon" (about: 2008) 2 previous marathons \| 2 Belfast City Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I ran the 2005 marathon, and I have similar feelings about that one and this one. First of all, at the start, I don't know why they put walkers in front of the runners. When I was jogging down the road, I had to dodge lines of walkers all walking together. Surely, the organizers should put the walkers behind the runners at the start. That would just make sense! I ran the course in 2005, and whilst I am happy that that 2005 route has been changed, they still have kept the narrow tow-path by the M5/M2, leading into Duncrue Estate. I thought the smells around this estate were very unpleasant. When I was looking at the map before the race, I was looking forward to an energy station at 22 miles - but there were no energy drinks there! What a letdown! I am going to run the Great North Run and the Dublin Marathon this year and see how they compare in organization. I will probably run Belfast again, after all of these negative comments! But they have some work to do.
s. T. from Belfast (5/9/2008) "Great support, but not so generous with the water" (about: 2008) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Belfast City Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 I enjoyed running the marathon, as I thought it was very challenging. However, there was a serious lack of water stations and I hated those stupid cups, as I find it very hard to run and drink from them at the same time. I also had to ask for a medal! I loved the support from the bands and spectators though. :)
S. M. from Waterloo, Belgium (5/8/2008) "Great Day" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Belfast City Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I have to disagree with the previous posters. All credit to the organizers for putting on a great race. Tough but interesting course. Plenty of water stations. Good vocal (though sporadic) support.
I. B. from London, England (5/7/2008) "Poor course and organisation" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Belfast City Marathon COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 This is the email I have sent the organisers: Having run in this year's marathon, I wanted to provide my thoughts on the race (based on 20+ years involvement in athletics), which I hope you accept in the spirit of supporting the development of this event: 1. Pre-race: Number collection: Why could this have not been held in Donegal Square itself as part of a running expo (that could be used as means to raise funds to support the event) rather than in a tent miles away from any part of the course? Toilet facilities: given that there were 4,000 runners (plus spectators) at the start, the number of portable toilets was wholly inadequate. Bag drop-off: I felt nervous about giving my bag to a man standing inside an unmarked white van - there should have been signs displaying the fact that this was the official baggage transfer. 2. Race: Course route: Antrim Road: If you want to encourage fast time, then why have a 3-mile uphill section in the race? Surely an alternative route could be found that excludes this part of Belfast, especially as the support was fairly minimal? As a suggestion, why not have a 2-lap course around the centre of Belfast, such that you can offer a half-marathon race as well as the full one? Industrial estate: Similar to above: This was a soul-destroying part of the course with minimal support. Last 3 miles: This was very poorly marshalled with little space given over to runners vs. pedestrians (who seemed quite content to walk in front / across competitors) and vehicles. A number of the marshals were simply sitting on garden walls when I passed them whilst cars tried to come out onto the road across the runners. Mile markers: I don't know if someone had stolen them, but the mile signs seemed to be non-existent after the first 10 miles or so. As a suggestion, why not try and get companies to sponsor individual mile sections so that more visible mile banners can be displayed (if you were concerned by the costs of having proper markers)? Half-way point: As a morale-booster, it would have been very pleasing to pass a banner highlighting the halfway point. Energy stations: As a positive, it was very good that there were more than the advertised number of energy drink stations. Medical support: With the exception of the relay changeover points, I saw very little first-aid support on the course, especially in the last few miles when there is a greater need for such aid. 3. Post-race: Finish area: Space: The space around the finish line was simply too small, especially given the size of the park Medal: The woman standing with the medals seemed completely disinterested in actually handing me a medal when I was walking passed her and there was certainly no smile or "congratulations." Leaving the finish area: Having to squeeze between two metal fences is not a positive way to leave the Belfast Marathon. Physio / Massage: Opening times: Why did the physio area open at 11am, i.e., before the first marathon runner cross the line and then close before the last 200 runners had finished? As a suggestion, it would make far more sense to open a little later and finish later, if it's not possible to get more physios.
S. M. from Ireland (5/6/2008) "Sadly, still plenty of room for improvement" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Belfast City Marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 I ran this marathon in 2005 and promised myself never to do it again due to the bad course, little support, lack of mile markers and energy drink stations. But after much pleading from a friend, I decided to give it a second chance. To be fair, there have been some improvements: the course has improved and there aren't as many industrial estates/car parks/back streets from what I remember. The spectators can be few and far between in places, but they are enthusiastic. Plus the showers at the end were great. Now for the bad points: firstly, the bag drop at the start point; There was nothing in the way of signs or directions to help direct you to it, and I ended up having to ask other runners for help. Granted, there was a street name given in the race pack instructions but no map, which is alright if you know Belfast, but for a stranger it was one more problem. It turned out to be a single open- backed van with nothing to say it was the bag drop. Again, the mile markers were a bit of a lottery, right from the start. I reckon about a third were missing. I gave up trying to find them after 20 miles. It was a nightmare if you were trying to pace yourself. There was also no halfway split or marker. Thankfully, there were plenty of water stations, but with plastic cups being filled by buckets from fire hydrants. This was a bit surprised considering the main sponsor is Deep River Rock water; maybe I've just been spoiled in Dublin were all water is in 250ml screwtop bottles. Also, after you cross the line, I think something more than a bag of crisps would not be out of the question, based on what I've experienced with other marathons. But I did enjoy my day, and the support from other runners and relay runners was good. But to sum up, it is not an "International Marathon" by any means, and I would not recommend it to a serious runner looking for PB. It is more of a big relay race; marathon comes second. This is sad because there is potential there. Here's hoping...!
J. R. from Belfast (5/6/2008) "Poor start, poor finish, ropey middle." (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Belfast City Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I thought allowing the walkers (4,5,6 abreast, arms linked) to start in front of the runners was diabolical. The lack of water stations from Gideons Green to the smelly industrial estate was poor. I know that part of the route is narrow, but maybe the route needs to be changed instead of cutting out the water stations. Having done the relay previously, I knew the finish would be quite shambolic with pedestrians, children and people with prams wandering aimlessly at the entrance to Ormeau park. Having just run about 23-24 miles, I didn't really have the energy to run around pedestrians. Oh, and I had to ASK for a medal!
paul darby from london england (5/6/2008) "Chaotic start and finish" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Belfast City Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 I just completed my first Belfast marathon, and after reading various comments, I wondered what I had got myself into. Most of the comments were spot on. It felt like a giant relay race with a marathon thrown in for good measure. I was dodging walkers all the way, especially on the towpath where I found many of the finished relay runners walking back. The industrial estate was soul-destroying and the finish was chaotic, with everyone finishing and just one table for the marathon medals. It was very slapdash! I found the course good and challenging, and the support top-class, but why start walkers with the main start? I can safely say it's one I've ticked off my list, but I won't be back !
g. f. from edinburgh (5/6/2008) "Pity, really." (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 Firstly, I ran the relay and this was great with our team really enjoying the experience. The mass participation aspect in the shape of the relay for citizens of Northern Ireland is something that the organisers can be justly proud of. Sorry to be negative, but: Could the number collection site not be closer to the city centre? I thought I was being taken to the Republic! Where were the mile markers? The finish area post line was very cramped, and water seemed to be in short supply. I'm sorry, but at the end of a run (let alone a marathon), the last thing I want to eat is a bag of crisps. Surely this was an ideal opportunity for a tie- in with a fruit retailer? Crowds were great on the last leg around the park edges, but it's a pity that the course could not have replicated the same vibe through the whole course. Our team hopes to be back, but is reluctant because Belfast just does not seem set up for catering for us unless we just want to sit in the hotel to drink and eat. We did find a very interesting pub with a good atmosphere that stopped food service quite early at 7pm. Very similar situation to Edinburgh's hogmanay celebrations up until about 10 years ago when the city realised that there was nothing for tourists once the main event had finished. Belfast has so much going for it and needs to be supported but it could be so much better. Thanks to all those who kindly gave up their time and energy to put the event on. Cheers.

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