This is my 8th marathon and I was looking forward to this scenic course. It was ranked #1 in the world. This year it was very hot (34C) even for me (I come from Singapore). This year also saw the biggest number of participants, about 17,500. The race started at 2 p.m. When I reached the first drink station, I was surprised that they were not prepared for the large number of runners. This happened for almost all stations. The drinks were also very warm, which did nothing to cool us in this hot weather. There was no gel station, which I thought is standard for major marathons. The run brought us through Stockholm City twice (quite similar route). The bridges were a killer, especially the second time. The spectators were wonderful. They came out in droves and cheered us on. The bands along the route did much to lift our spirit.

I agree with the course beauty. Regarding race organization: 2 p.m. start is a bit late; how can the start be held that late? Nowadays the probability of heat is very high; it was 30º this year. In addition, the course is not appropriate for first-time marathon runners either, because of the difficult profile, mainly at the last term of the course. Is it so expensive to provide bottles instead of cups? You cannot run while drinking from cups, and you have to pour it into your own bottle in order to drink during following 3 KM up to next water station (sometimes you lose many time doing it), a big crowd stopping at the station for drinking. Well, actually, Madrid is the only place I remember bottles were provided. Apart from it, the race is very well organized and the Swedish people are very friendly along the course - their support was great. I recommend this race, but not for getting a good finish time.

From my point of view everything went ok. Didn't have any problems and people were very helpful before, during and after the race.

The race was great, all in all, and the route was nice and challenging. And most of all, people (runners, spectators, organization) were very friendly.

I will surely run it again and also recommend the event to others.

Next to the world's big-city marathons, this is a marathon one must run. It's well organized and has a great course. Don't underestimate the difficulty of the course. While in Stockholm, also enjoy the beauty of this Scandinavian city.

It is a nice course. I lost my chip somewhere after five kilometers so I recommend attaching the chip with two binders and not just one. Only thing I did not find so great were the pacemakers. Some of them ran faster then they should have and arrived a quarter of an hour too early at the stadium.

Wonderful course, very well organized, with just two steep but short hills (when entering to the Vasterbron Bridge). Very scenic, perfect weather and lovely crowd. The finish at the 1912's olympic stadium is a must, just unforgettable. The city is amazing, beautiful, colorful and fun, with many nice museums, islands, impressive buildings. I strongly recommend that race to anyone who wants to live a great marathon experience!

The 2PM start on the Saturday suited me, because I could sample Saturday night out in Stockholm. Nice city but preferred Florence.

The local support was excellent, far better than the Italians.

Course was good, though I prefer not to run two laps. I found the course fairly flat with only a few inclines. Temperature picked up about 5pm.

It's great to finish at the stadium though I would have preferred them to take the track up after the marathon.

Transfer the Swedish support to Florence and you'd have a superb marathon....

Upsides: Great organization considering so many in race. Brilliantly marshalled. Beautiful course in a delightful city with broad skies and invigorating air. Friendly runners. Lots of water/food/sponges - even showers! The expo was small-ish but good. Tons of support for a European marathon. Nice touch was having your nation's flag on your race number. Fab finish in the old Olympic stadium.

Downsides: Cups not bottles - hate them! Crowded feed stations. Course not flat; a few nasty inclines to test you out. Pasta party a bit poor (not veggie). 2pm start a bit late; time dragged a bit till the off.

Overall, though, a must for all dedicated marathon runners.

Enjoyed the race but felt it could have been better organized.

A top marathon in a beautiful city.

A couple of tips for anyone considering this marathon:

1. The 2pm Saturday start is unusual. Make sure you have brunch as well as breakfast before the race.

2. A PB is probably out of the question as there are number of steep climbs on the course.

3. Book the hotel in advance as there is a lot happening in Stockholm over marathon weekend (Swedish National Day).

Highly recommended, although I don't agree that it's the number 1 destination marathon as per the 'The Ultimate Guide to International Marathons' book.