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London Marathon Runner Comments

Back to London Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.5 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.7 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.9 
 
 
Number of comments: 101 [displaying comments 71 to 81]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > ]

 

Nick Lisle from berks, england (4/21/2005)
"Amazing" (about: 2005)

11-50 previous marathons | 2 London Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I've done a couple of FLMs, BUT my favorite part is MARSHALING at mile 11. I've done this run and enjoyed it, but I enjoy my side of it the best. IT'S AMAZING to get so much pleasure from not running a race but giving so much back to them. :O)
 

B. T. from Windsor, UK (4/17/2005)
"Fantastic crowds with superb organization!" (about: 2005)

First Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my first marathon. I was amazed at how much the crowd cheered you on. It also seemed that just about every mile there were drummers or bands or someone doing something to keep you pumped up and running!
How could it possibly get any better than this?
 

David Green from UK (4/6/2005)
"Adrenaline" (about: 2003)

1 previous marathon | 1 London Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


You just have to have a go at this race, it's unbelievable.
 

C. P. from Basingstoke, England (4/6/2005)
"Big, entertaining, but too crowded (i.e. slow)" (General Comments)

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


London is essentially a massive charity event which is great but the organization team squeezes as many runners as possible (approx. 35,000) on a course which is too narrow for this. The result, a frustrating and slow marathon for the fast amateur runners - certainly not the race for a PB. However, it must be the easiest one for a beginner. The atmosphere and the support are indeed second to none. The route is also a great way of discover this magnificent city. My advice: do it once for the fun.
 

paul hayes from liverpool (3/10/2005)
"it was one of the greatest days of my life" (about: 2002)

1 previous marathon | 1 London Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Everything was perfect, from start to finish. Thanks guys!
 

d. o. from London, England (1/26/2005)
"Fantastic for the faster runner" (General Comments)

6-10 previous marathons | 3 London Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I ran London three years consecutively: 2001 - 2003. For the faster runners the course is great, very flat (gradual downhill for the first three miles), accurate mile markers, frequent water stations, etc. Organization and facilities are also superb, particularly for those quick enough to qualify for the championship start. Crowd support is also great.

For slower runners - enjoy the experience, but the crowds on the narrow roads may get in the way.
 

Ann Cocksedge from Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (10/3/2004)
"The best marathon I have ever run" (about: 2004)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 London Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I have run many marathons over many years but have never experienced such spirit from both runners and supporters.
 

N. H. from Chicago, IL (4/29/2004)
"Cannot wait to do it again" (about: 2004)

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


Awesome!

*Outstanding crowd support (they are FABULOUS)
*Well organized
*Great city and sights
*Great weather (except for the rain!!)
*Runners in costume (VERY entertaining)
*It is crowded (it is the largest marathon after all)But that did not bother me at all.
*I was a little disappointed in the race t-shirt and the fact that it only came in one size...(oh well)

***I would (I will) do it again.
 

J. C. from Hertfordshire, England (4/20/2004)
"Brilliant support" (about: 2004)

2 previous marathons | 2 London Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Weather was lousy, spectators were great.
 

R. H. from London, England (12/5/2003)
"Great organization does not mean a great marathon" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Warning: London is all about making money. It is the biggest charity event in the world, so remember that if you are a speedster. If you aren't running for a charity - try a different marathon. No kidding. There are a lot of first-timers and slow runners and information is about impossible to get, not to mention an entry form if you aren't 'Good for your age' or running for a charity.

The website is worthless and so is the expo. Nothing is free at the expo and the bag they give you afterwards is crazy. I was thinking, 'Are you kidding me?!' I just ran for over 3 hours! Give me food I can eat right away. Make sure you bring something you can eat right away afterwards b/c there isn't a place to cook the pasta and sauce and rice they give you in your bag. No fruit sans apple and no bagels or ice cream or anything. Crazy!!! And why ask me what size shirt I want if you aren't going to give me a choice anyway?! Cheap, large and white - no creativity!

Also roads are narrow; I saw a lot of people wipe out on the islands in the middle of the roads - so heed my warning because there aren't any signs to warn you. Run near the edges, but be careful of the waterstops as they are very slippery since they give whole bottles and people just dump them. Also, I never saw any gels or fruit on the course. Only water and Lucozade (UK version of Gatorade). The cobblestones were covered with carpet, so they weren't that bad. Definitely put your name on your shirt. Crowd support is unmatched. I probably wouldn't do it again, but good luck to you.
 

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