This race is a real gem. It is a totally different experience from any other race I have run in. The organization is first class. From entry form to finish line, there is help available if you need it.
The website has a chat forum with even more help and advice from other runners.
I have already entered for next year?s marathon, and would advise anyone thinking about entering to do so quickly. The course winds through some awe-inspiring countryside. It is not easy, but well worth the effort. I ran London two weeks after Connemara, and if both races were on the same day, I would be heading for Ireland. Come and run this race, and you?ll understand.

I have just returned from Ireland after running the Connemara Half Marathon. It was by far one of the best runs I have ever had! The scenery and course are breathtaking and challenging. The bus ride, pre race breakfast and post race dinner were 5-star quality. I would highly recommend this as a race vacation destination. Kudos to Race director Ray, who is by far one of the best ever!

I ran this race as a pacer for the 3:30 group this year and had an absolute ball. I suppose I'm not totally objective as I helped out with some of the organisation but its no exageration to say that the race was a great success. The setting for this race is the real star and the chance to race through it should not be missed.

This is easily the best marathon I have ever run. The course is spectacularly beautiful (though tough, with three major hills), and the organisation is above first class - every last detail, and more, has been thought of.

This marathon is very much off the beaten track, so spectators are few and far between, but I gave five stars for a fantastic sense of camaraderie among the runners. They really helped each other along - more so than I have seen in any other race.

If you fancy something a bit different, then I cannot recommend this race enough.

Just completed the 13.1 miler for 2003. The 26.2 miles was beyond me this early in the year so a friend recommended this event as an alternative. The website www.connemarathon.com was an excellent resource pre-race. The day itself was perfect. We were very lucky with the weather. Partially cloudy early on, cleared to blue skis by the afternoon. The field for the half-marathon waited at Leenaun for the leading group of the marathon to pass and we set off at 12pm on the dot.
First mile uphill out of the village. Had to remember to take it easy in spite of the adrenalin. Settled into running with a good mix of ups and downs until you pass through Maam Village about 9 miles in. Miles 10 & 11 are serious, mostly uphill and winding and the relief of finding a plateau at the beginning of mile 12 is huge. The last 2 miles are long as are all closing miles but the hardest part is done at this stage. The only spectators on the course (besides locals) will greet you on the finish line at Peacockes Hotel.
Scenery in this part of the country is awesome - 20 degrees hotter and it could have been the Nevada Desert.
If you are looking for as little distraction as possible and some unforgettable landscape, go run either distance in 2004.

Last year I ran four marathons (Boston, Dublin, Longford and this one Connemara). While each of the other races had their charms, this was my favourite by far. The setting for this race has to be seen to be believed. Sweeping mountains and majestic views over glass lakes. This is true wilderness with a marathon that passes through it. The organisation is also top notch with everything from free bus transfers from the nearby Galway City, breakfast and generous race refreshments included in the race fee. I wouldn't run this race if you're looking for the hustle and bustle of a big city marathon like New York or London, support from spectators is thin on the ground (I've given 'fans' five stars above because of the numerous sheep on the route! They were most supportive :-)) . However, if you want to run through some of the most stunning countryside there is, this one might be for you.