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☰
Rotterdam Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Rotterdam Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 3.9 
Organization 3.6 
Spectators 4.4
Number of comments: 68 [displaying comments 51 to 61]
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m. H. from Rotterdam , The Netherlands
(9/8/2004)
 "Great marathon in a great city" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 4-5 Rotterdam Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Fast course with a lot of spectators. Sadly they put up the limit to 13,000 people, so it gets too busy especially at the start. Nevertheless, one of my favorites - but then again, I live in this city! | |
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P. H. from Hong Kong
(4/24/2004)
 "Nice city marathon - good crowd" (about: 2004)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Rotterdam Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Despite the fact that I missed my personal target of 3 hours, 45 minutes miserably, I enjoyed being there. The organization and the crowd were good. Yes, the course is flat, but the wind did at least kill me - but the wind blows for everyone and the 4/4/04 winner set a new course record - 2:06 something. So - I was not fit enough. | |
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C. D. from Bergen, Norway
(3/31/2004)
"Well organized, great fans" (about: 2001)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Rotterdam Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 In 2001 I ran the Rotterdam Marathon. Rotterdam truly is a marathon city, with great spectators almost pushing you forward and a well organized race. The start is quite hectic though, with too little space in the first 5 km. Water every 5 km was enough for me, but for slower runners could be a bit scarce. Time every 5 km is better than NYC. Course in Rotterdam was not too special, but the first 3 km, the 24-30 and 35-42.2 are great. All in all, a great race. | |
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D. K. from Texas
(8/6/2003)
 "Just ho-hum.... " (about: 2003)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This was only my second marathon, but I have to say that I got very little enjoyment from this race. The spectator crowd was large, but I didn't feel much support from them. The course wasn't that interesting and for being hailed as 'flat..flat...flat', had some little hills, especially over the two large (though admittedly very cool) bridges. Wouldn't be worth noting except that it is supposed to be so FLAT!! The run through the park at 25K-35K was the best part, and really probably the only part of the race I truly enjoyed. Water stations are too far apart and, unlike other events, they only had water or sports drink. If there were bananas or the like, I never saw them. Finally, though we all wore chip timers and received our times based on actual start and stop, the 'official' race time is still from the time the gun goes off. In a race this crowded, that is pretty significant. It was 6 minutes until I crossed the start line and I could have used those 6 minutes at the finish!! Either use the chip technology as it was intended or don't bother! Overall, if I were searching for a race to do in April because I just felt ready, I'd go, but I don't think I'd get much pleasure from the effort to actually train for this one. | |
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M. W. from Dublin, Ireland
(5/28/2003)
"Well organized, great atmosphere!!!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This may have been only my second marathon, but I really enjoyed it. Every time I felt like giving up, the crowds kept me going. They really know how to keep one's spirits high in Rotterdam. It was also really well organized, although it was practically impossible to run for the first 8 KM (5 miles) as the roads were quite narrow and there were too many people trying to run around corners together. Other than that, I would give this a big thumbs-up and come back again. | |
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S. V. from Belgium
(4/18/2003)
"The right mix, and I love the new medal." (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Having made my debut here in 2000, this was a rerun for me in 2003. The course is very flat, although not always exciting. Kilometer marks are correctly placed, and the 1,000,000 spectators and supporters are there for you - visibly and audibly - at every single point of your race. Since 2000 I've noticed a couple of minor improvements to what was already a superb event - SportExpo closer to the Start, more orderly finish area... This year's medal, in the shape of the city's landmark Erasmus bridge, is a unique piece in my collection. This one is definitely recommended for first timers and experienced runners alike. | |
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A. M. from New York
(4/15/2003)
 "Water, please!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 It was too hot, too crowded, with the clocks only every 5km (3.1 miles), and what was the worst, the water stations also are 5km apart. For a runner of my speed (approx. 4 hour Marathon), it means getting hydrated only about every 28 minutes. On a hot day like in 2003 it was way not enough! The course is indeed flat and fast (though not spectacular at all) but only if you are in the lead group, otherwise you are packed between the other runners throughout the whole course. | |
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P. W. from Amsterdam, Netherlands
(3/24/2003)
"Fastish course, but spectators disappointing" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Hmmm.. everyone seems really pro about this race, but I found that the crowds were not as amazing as everyone is making out. To put it in perspective I am comparing it to NYC so it would never compete with those crowds. Instead I would describe it as a fastish course although it still has too many big turns and I would even say Amsterdam is faster. The atmosphere is good, but not amazing. The organization is superb though so I would rate it as one to do. Tip: if you DO want to get people to cheer you BIG TIME then wear the local football team top! | |
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A Runner from Banyoles, Catalonia
(6/17/2002)
 "My first marathon. Absolutely perfect." (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Not a mile without the support of fantastic spectators. All of the city was involved in the event. The organization was perfect all three days. As the course does not have hills, it's very comfortable. It's an urban course but it crosses many green parks, so it is more pleasant. Great, to be run again. | |
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A Runner from NYC, USA
(4/28/2002)
"NY Runner- truly enjoyed this marathon." (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The city of Rotterdam is Spectacular. The Fans during the race were so supportive and encouraging. The scenery was awesome too. However the course was too narrow & crowded at times. Along with several of the water stations being dis-organized. Overall the crowd support has made this a wonderful experience. |
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