Great marathon in the most beatiful city in Europe... You can see the start here: http://youtu.be/RDT4LoURuNg

I ran this marathon in 2010. The course is basically a two-lap run in and around the city. It includes a few kilometers of running on the coast within eyesight of the rolling waves on the beach, which is nice. The crowd support is boisterous and fun. A pleasant surprise for me was running into the stadium right on the track at kilometers 5, 15(ish) and at the finish.

Negative points: you had to pay for the long-sleeve t-shirt, though you get a 60% discount; the medal is a plexiglass cutout; and you don't get any solid food before kilometer 28, at which point there are bananas and raisins, and also a gel pack. These points were minor for me.

The temperature was COLD (what else to expect in November). The Spaniards impressed me; there were many people in a t-shirt and shorts in 5°C weather. San Sebastian is in a rainy region as well, so expect at least a bit of rain.

The racers are FAST - 90% of runners come in under 4 hours and 60% under 3:30. With about 2,500 runners, you don't need to worry about anyone getting in your way.

All in all, a great marathon. I loved it and would definitely go back.

I think this is a great marathon. I can recommend it for the course and for the organization, but the best part was the amazing crowd support that accompanied you throughout the run. It was a fantastic experience that I hope to repeat sometime.

Two-and-a-bit laps of a flat and twisty course in the coastal town of San Sebastian. Some parts are exposed to the seafront, while others are sheltered by the city's buildings, finishing in the Real Sociedad football stadium.

Small (but high quality) field: they have a 4.5-hour cut off, and 15% of runners finish inside of 3 hours.

Poor expo. Poor organization at the finish. I finished around 500th, and they had run out of foil blankets. Cheap medal. There were some cones and other "obstacles" along the course.

If you want to run a fast time, San Sebastian is a great course: it's very flat, there are drink stations (water and Aquarius) roughly every 2.5 KM, and some great pacemakers (2:30, 2:45, 3, 3:15, 3:30). Note, though, that it's a race for fast runners, as over 20% of the 2,700-strong field went under 3 hours in 2007 (!), and the cut-off point for finishing is 4:30. Admittedly, the course could be more interesting (it's 2-and-a-third laps of an out-and-back circuit), but it does take you along the coast, into the old town, and finishes in the Anoeta Stadium (home to the Real Sociedad football team). What's more, it avoids San Sebastian's numerous hills - and the crowds are really uplifting. Even if information on the website is sparse and communication is not simple without Spanish (or Basque), the organization on race day was excellent, with frequent water stations and excellent post-race massage. And with the 30 euros entry fee, you got all sorts of "freebies" (fleece jacket, bottle of wine, cheese, medal, food at end). I had a great day: thanks to the pacer and a large group of 3-hour runners (as well as some hard training!), I ran a PB of 2:56. How can I not recommend it?

Ran in Nov. 2007, nice flat course but not very scenic. Great crowd and nice city, much better than expected. Please note that there is no gel provided except at 28km point. Visit Bilboa Guggenheim museum - amazing, if you have a chance (40 min away). Limited English and weak web site makes it a bit difficult but if willing to work it and discover the Basque region it's quite nice and people very friendly despite limited English (some French)

The course is flat, and despite the rain this year, the temperature was perfect (12ºC to 14ºC), and little wind. It is a great marathon if you want to set a PR. Volunteers gave their best effort, but the quality of the organization needs a lot of work. Not much information is given at the Velodromo when you pick your number, you have to ask all the questions, and the answers are not necessarily accurate. The water stations are just that: water stations (no power drinks at all except in one station and at the very end), and they are too spaced (every 5km). Seemed odd that they had as many sponge stations as water stations.

It is very chaotic once you reach the end, and those who entered after 4 hours received very little assistance. The facilities were overcrowded (pre- and post-race), and you have to be careful to label your bag with your race number before you check it (don´t forget this!). Spectators were very enthusiastic at certain spots, although the part across Zumalacarregui was empty. Overall, nice marathon, but plan ahead your race and logistics if you want to be well hydrated through the race.

I ran my first marathon there in 2002. Organization must inprove, as the course was partially opened to road traffic. The city and the course (flat and partially along the sea) are great. Public was enthusiastic, also with non-elite runners (I did 3:43).

I ran it in 2002 and I had a great time. The city is one of the most beautiful I've visited and the people are great. However, organization wasn't so good. It must be said that it was the new organizer's first year (not the race, I think it was the 25th edition). Regarding what has been said about the traffic, I must remark that the circuit was closed to cars in most parts, although it's true that there were certain points were it wasn't (one lane for runners and another one for vehicles). Also it is not a race for novices, because the finish line is closed in 5 hours, and even after 4 hours there is very little assistance at the end.

I haven´t run here yet, but look forward to doing so, and the previous comments (roughly) in English:

A good race to improve one´s PB and to enjoy the city.

The course goes along the sea and is run twice. In 2002 the weather was good with no wind. The organization was quite good, except for the big defect of the traffic not being closed off (1).

A wonderful race for lowering one´s record, as the course is practically flat, and can be recommended.

(1) New organization in 2003 may improve on this point, but perhaps it's better to check first, if this causes concern.