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Connemara International Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Connemara International Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.9 
Organization 4.5 
Spectators 3.4
Number of comments: 33 [displaying comments 21 to 31]
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Thomas Bubendorfer from Killorglin, Ireland
(3/28/2006)
 "A runners' marathon" (about: 2006)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Connemara International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 It's difficult to describe the Connemara experience. It's just so different from any big-city event. Instead of running past spectators along the road, you are in splendid isolation, with hardly anyone here to see you apart from the volunteers at the watering stations. The organization is relaxed but it worked well. This year the hotel at the finishing area was closed, and the organizers had to erect some tents instead. They were dark and smelly, and a poor substitute to the facilities that the hotel would have provided - but what can you do! Most runners just take those kind of things in stride. The bus transfer to the starting line, and to and from Galway City, worked perfectly for me. The scenery is spectacular and the volunteers are enthusiastic - now, if someone could raze that hell of a hill between miles 22 and 24, I'd be perfectly happy! This was my favorite marathon so far, and I'll definitely be back for more. | |
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k. r. from carrigaline,county,cork
(2/5/2006)
 "HEAVEN AND HELL" (about: 2004)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Connemara International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Having read the comments from others, we all agree it's a great, wonderful race - very scenic. And then, when you reach mile 21/22 (approximately), it's like the last scene in The Perfect Storm. George Clooney thinks the worst is over until he sees this mother of all waves facing him - or in my case, that bloody hill. All I can say is: Count me in this year, again. | |
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Pat Phelan from Ballymacarbry, Ireland
(10/16/2005)
 "Be alone with yourself" (about: 2004)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Connemara International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This is a run in the country, and if you like to look around and see where you are and think about things outside of running, then you will have a happy day here. The gentle climb away from Lough Inagh at the start leads you up onto a low-level plateau where the splendour and majesty of the Connemara hills sweeping up and away from you on all sides will leave you with little doubt that you did the right thing by entering this race. If solitude is your thing (and you run anywhere near 3 hours) and you have no fear of being alone with your thoughts, then keep on running. You will be on your own. If you have been disappointed by the scenery in the opening few miles, then the descent along the fjiord side of Killary Harbour to Leenane at halfway should rid you of any doubts you harbour about what's the most spectacular marathon course you've ever run (I'm planning to give Big Sur a review in 2006). There are some hills, but when you go for a run in Connemara, you'd be disappointed if there wasn't. Sheep won't bother you, so long as you don't bother them. Its difficult to see where you get out of the valley you're running in after mile 20, but the high pass soon becomes apparent. Savour this last decent hill, 'cause it's all downhill to copious pints of Guinness after that. And you will see people again at the finish. | |
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deadly buzz from Dublin
(9/28/2005)
"Very scenic course..." (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 3 Connemara International Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I ran this marathon three times. It's worth doing for its amazing scenery, and great support from the spectators. It's quite tough, with gruelling 1.5 mile climb near the end, so may not be the place to get a PB. Only negative points would be the traffic on the roads while running, and last year, some poor organization at the end during post-race refreshments and finish area congested with cars and spectators. These gripes aside, I'm sure the Connemarathon will improve and gain in popularity year-on-year. I recommend it as a refreshing alternative to big-city marathons. | |
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Nick Pascoe from Plymouth, England
(4/2/2005)
"Great scenery and a challenging course" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Connemara International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This race will grow as the scenery is stunning and the route provides a fairly balanced challenge. Probably not one for those who hate hills! But it is not a toughie, although the last hill is a bit of a slog, particularly at the 22-mile point, but the finish is downhill from that. Could do with closing off that last section of road to the traffic as it is a narrow finish area. The organization was fairly laidback but functional and the facilities at the end were good, if you could beat the rush and get past the doormen. How many races have bouncers to the post-race bash? All the same, I'll be there next year. | |
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Owen O' Connell from Dublin, Ireland
(4/6/2004)
"Connemara Cracker" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Connemara International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran the Connemarathon for the first time a few weeks ago. It has all the makings of a marathon that is going to become huge. The scenery is fantastic, the course is hilly and tough, but well worth running it. The only drawback was the roads didn't seem to be closed off, as cars were passing us out on a fairly regular basis. I gave spectators 3 stars because spectators were encouraged not to go onto the route. Overall, the Connemarathon is a race that is challenging, yet rewarding. Come and run it and see for yourself. | |
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Steve Barry from Dublin, Ireland
(4/3/2004)
 "Something completely different" (about: 2004)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Connemara International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran the half marathon this year and can't recommend it highly enough. The experience of running through the peace and beauty of Connmara is wonderful. The organization was great, and the isolation of the event created a lovely atmosphere among the runners. | |
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JIM HAMILTON from EAST KILBRIDE SCOTLAND
(6/10/2003)
"WOW! RUN THIS RACE." (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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. | |
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Donna Hurley from Spruce Head, Maine USA
(4/13/2003)
"Half Marathon is a must" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 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! | |
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Mick Rice from Galway, Ireland
(4/9/2003)
"A Great Day and a Unique Race" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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. |
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