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Rio Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Rio Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.6 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.0 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 2.7 
 
 
Number of comments: 40 [displaying comments 21 to 31]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

 

Allan M. from South Africa (7/27/2009)
"Runner's Dream Experience" (about: 2009)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Rio Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


Going to a foreign county is an experience, and going to run a marathon could be a daunting experience. The organization of the 2009 RIO Marathon, from registration to the finish, was an AWESOME experience. Congratulations to the race committee.
 

P. R. from Ireland (7/13/2009)
"Beautiful scenery along the way." (about: 2009)

1 previous marathon | 1 Rio Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


I ran what was my first-ever marathon in Rio and really had no idea what to expect. Having just run 20 miles 10 days before the marathon, I wasn't sure whether I would be able to complete it or not. Although my knee started to give me trouble at 30K, I managed to run as far as 35 and walked until 41 before I jogged the last KM. All of that aside, this was a spectacular course - very flat and manageable, particularly for a first-timer! Running along the beaches was great, as we benefited from the sea breeze. There were plenty water stops along the route; however, when I asked for a spray/gel to ease the pain in my knee at one of the medical stops, they just looked at me and shook their heads. There was great support on route particularly all along Ipanema and Copacabana Beach. The sheer noise (and, at times, speed) of the traffic going through one of the tunnels near the end was a little daunting. The facilities at the finish line were top-notch and a great welcome awaited all who completed the run. All in all, I would highly recommend the Rio Marathon, which has a great route, great organization, great people and a great atmosphere.
 

Franklin Margaritha from Curacao, Netherlands Antilles (7/4/2009)
"Good marathon to run." (about: 2009)

2 previous marathons | 1 Rio Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The Rio Marathon has a flat course with a nice view. On the first part of the route, there is no traffic. And when you start getting traffic, it is separated with rope from the runners, so they guarantee your safety. I did not use the bus to the start. Baggage handling and refreshments were okay. Good support from the spectators lining the course, and the quantity was acceptable. So highly recommended.
 

S. H. from Santiago, Chile (7/1/2009)
"Fantastic views, great organizers, no fans" (about: 2009)

1 previous marathon | 1 Rio Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 1


I was a bit scared after reading the other comments, especially since this was my first, but I found it to exceed my expectations. The expo was relatively big, and the organizers were all extremely friendly and helpful. The only fault with the expo was the lack of high-quality gels to buy, and maybe they could provide some more running-specific information instead of info on fitness in general.

The course was AWESOME. Some of the best views in the world. Two large hills towards the end, but otherwise flat around all of the beaches of Rio. They had plenty of water, Gatorade, and even a few gel stops along the way. Locals also offered beer and fruit!

My only complaint would be the lack of any fan presence whatsoever, not that there is anything the race can do about that. Closer to the finish we were running through crowded beach areas where other runners and bikers were using our lane.

But all in all, very pleasantly surprised. We were lucky to have an overcast day, though it was still very humid and a bit hot. I would definitely recommend the race though for the atmosphere at the start and finish lines, and because the Brazilian runners and organizers were an incredibly fun and supportive bunch!
 

L. H. from London,England (6/30/2009)
"Is there a more beautiful course to run?" (about: 2009)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Rio Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


Coming all the way from England, I have to say that I wasn't disappointed - from the race packet pick-up onwards, I found the whole event very well organized. There were very helpful, fluent, English-speaking people at the race packet pick-up to assist you, and nothing was too much trouble. The course was as beautiful, as was promised, and water/aid stations were exactly where they said they would be on the map. Not all marathons get this right! I would definitely do it again if it were not for the distance. I only wish I hadn't got cramps in my bloody calves at the 39K point. GGGRRR!

Lee Hickman, GB
 

G. M. from Parana (6/29/2009)
"I love it" (about: 2009)

2 previous marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


I ran the half-marathon last Sunday. The course is amazing and the weather was ok. I will be back to run the marathon. I didn't like the marathon expo. It was crowded, and with few options for runners.
 

T. M. from Philadelphia (6/29/2009)
"Great run!" (about: 2009)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Rio Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


A terrific way to see the city. Well organized from the expo to the finish. Frequent water and medical support, and encouraging fans. You won't do your PB here, but it's not to be missed!
 

T. M. from Rio (7/9/2008)
"Never again" (about: 2008)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Rio Marathon
COURSE: 2  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 1


Yes I was one of those who thought the Rio Marathon would be a great marathon... and it could have been. But I'd have to forget running along 10 KM with a traffic jam to my left for the first part...
and having no spectators at all along the course... and having all of the tents folded and gone before the last official runner arrived... and the bus with bags gone too....

Regarding the water, Gatorade and gel supplies, all were there, as promised.


But running Ushuaia is more fun....
 

K. K. from New York, US (6/20/2008)
"Great race; too bad my chip didn't register" (about: 2007)

1 previous marathon | 1 Rio Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 4


This race was great. The course is amazing. The view is incredible. Too bad my chip didn't register.
 

Andrew Gordon from London (4/8/2008)
"Good marathon; very hot" (about: 2007)

3 previous marathons | 1 Rio Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


I did this marathon in 2007. I enjoyed it, and the early start meant that the majority was done before it got really hot (saying that it was 34 degrees when finishing_. Plenty of water along the route, though not too much Gatorade. They give massages at the end, which was really relaxing.
 

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]


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