My only previous marathons were 10 years ago, and having read reviews on here, I approached this one with some trepidation over the heat and hills. For the latter, I do not recall anything daunting, whilst the abundant supply of water and energy drinks help cope with the warm weather (about 15C to 22C). The spectators were just great and noisy, and I am sure what they were shouting was positive encouragement. Only downside for me was trying to find the expo on Saturday - the instructions supplied were poor and this part of Spain is not too strong with English. With my knowledge of Spanish limited to pointing, it took some tramping around to find it.

Overall I really enjoyed the Madrid marathon despite the last 5 k taking for what seemed like an age due to my little old legs complaining of fatigue.
got a PB and a bit of a tan in the process.

Nice course but quite hilly, and the temperatures were quite high, but as this is run at the end of April, that is it to be expected. Well organized and lots of water stations. Good support throughout, especially as you run through the "Puerta del Sol" right in the center of the city. Also nice flyover by jets at the start which was a nice touch. Goody bag was a bit poor with really just a running vest and keyring and a few magazines. Nice medal, which comes with a little stand, rather than the usual round-the-neck routine. Overall, a very nice city and a tough but satisfying marathon.

It was a very hilly course, it was hot, and spectators lined the course, which was awesome. They were yelling, "Guago or Wago," - "Looking good or good looking," which just made you give it that little extra effort. Wonderful organization, from expo to pasta dinner to finish line. The cold watermelon just hit the spot after the race. Thanks MADRID!

Madrid's a great place to visit, but not to run a marathon!

Having said that,the race is well organized and well supported, with a nice finish in the Retiro Park.

Just don't expect a PB!

Tough trip around Madrid, some nice sights on the way, and only a few dull spots on the course. The reviews all said, "Hot and hilly" - and they were not lying. But there were plenty of water and hydration stops, and we received attentive care, with spray and extra Vaseline at various points. It was a bit confusing getting about at the expo, and the finish was tricky for me, as a non-Spanish speaker, but that's my problem, and not the course organizers'. Spectators lined the course from start to finish and cheered everyone on. If only I knew what they were saying!

Madrid is hot city and hilly too - no way to escape from it. The organization is by far the best I've known so far. Very nice, noisy pasta party, and they offered to let us take some pasta away from the dinner. There was a very good runner bag and a great expo. The course is hilly but the support of the spectators is AMAZING! They never stop pushing for each marathoner - they yell and cheer. Unbelievable!!! No lack of water or health care during the entire race course. I´ll be there in 2008!!!

Excellent race, good course and pleasant atmosphere. I saw plenty of the architecture and the city which is strikingly clean and green. The course does have hills but from reading prior reviews I'd expected mountains! Best tactic would to run an easy first half and be prepared for the later hills just prior to 21km, the final 10km and gathering heat. Water stations are good and plentiful. Good shade due to high buildings and trees. Lack of loos on the course may be off putting for female competitors. Actually not enough female competitors and surprisingly few international runners. Good laugh at the start when the 3hr.30 pace balloon floated away and everyone sighed also the guy next to me who kept shouting out for 'Pedro' and 'Jose'! Web-site needs major improvements. Stay on and party for a few days. Thanks Madrid!!!

This was my first marathon and, after training through a cold, wet, windy Scottish winter, was looking forward to running, but, after reading previous reports of the heat, with some trepidation.

The day turned out be be a real buzz and I'm still on a high from it. My regimen got me through to the end just four minutes off my training time.

Armed with my own electrolyte drink and energy gels and topped up with the regular bottled water and course energy drinks I got to the end relatively unscathed.

The Spanish competitors and spectators made it a noisy and colorful affair, with both sets constantly shouting back and forth, and all the while I was concentrating on breathing in the hot air.

Perhaps it is because it was my first marathon I had a great time and found the course hilly but enjoyable. I am a bit disappointed about the comments from the previous correspondent about loos, etc., feeling that he might be looking for an over-sanitized race. The "get on with it" spirit was great throughout the field.

I have nothing to judge this race aginst but had a great trip to Madrid and would recommend it - train for hills and load up with food and water throughout the race for the heat.

Back to cold Scottish/British races until I can get away again.

What a GREAT marathon! This was only my second marathon and I was running together with my husband. Despite the challenging course we both got a PB (by 10 minutes as targeted). The hills made this race certainly interesting but the nice thing was that after a climb there was always a decline.... The course was very versatile: modern parts of the city, old town, major sites, residential areas and, of course, the excellent finish in the relaxing Retiro Park - what a great place to do your stretches and refuel after the race! The crowd was the best I have ever experienced. Of course it helped to be one of only a few women (450 out of 8200 finishers) - and with all the cheers I got I felt like a superstar! There were plenty of water stops and medical facilities on the way, but a lack of porta-loos (probably because the majority of runners were men...). An amazing goodie bag before the race and a great refueling bag afterwards - there were even fresh watermelons and beer available (I stuck to the watermelons...). My only criticism is the lack of pre-race information (exact location where to pick up your race number etc.).

To sum it up: what a memorable day in a beautiful city, and I would certainly recommend this marathon!
A big THANK YOU to everyone who helped to make this event so spectacular!

Love Spain, love Madrid, but honestly this is a mediocre event. Communication on the website regarding packet pick-up could be much clearer (i.e. give an addess, metro stop, etc.). There was a serious lack of porta-potties on the route. Make sure you bring your own food, as there was none on the course. The water stops were plentiful. Madrid is a beautiful city with lots of great architecture, but the marathon course seems to avoid all this. All in all, it was just an "ok" run. This could be a significantly more interesting run, but it failed. I'm looking forward to running Barcelona next year.