Budapest is a lovely city with wonderful people, and the marathon is a great excuse to visit; less lovely is the course (as previously noted, repetitive loops, some running next to cars), although the volunteers were top-notch and peppy, with well-spaced aid stations throughout the race. The organizers also did a good job marking the different runners (marathon, 30K, relay) to help with pacing, although there were virtually no LEDs or clocks throughout the course - the best you can do is look for a clock on a city building.

Also, the spectator support was underwhelming. Maybe I'm spoiled from running big, heavily attended races in the US, but it's jarring to run past so many crowds that are nearly silent (clearly, waiting to cheer just one person on), or spend most of the race in fairly quiet parts of the city.

Too many out-and-backs on the course; it needs some changes.

Runners for all distances formed in the start area at the same time, but the events had different start times. This may not have been anticipated by the course staff and there was no visible control over the process. Race number bibs were identical for all race distances. If the non-marathoners had a different color bib it could have alerted many of us marathoners, who got trapped and held in-place with runners doing a shorter distance, to suspect that we were being separated from our group. Many of us noticed the surge of runners being halted prior to reaching the start line. Looking ahead. The start line was completely empty. The marathon group had disappeared. Many of us marathoners pushed our way through the crowd in front of us, sprinting to the start line. After running hard for several minutes we eventually caught the marathon group's sweep vehicle.

This course is considered flat, but one needs to do some hill training to be able to conquer the numerous ramps and bridges. Anticipate wind along the river. Many have complained about the strong winds, but if the temperature rises, as it did in 2007, the wind can help provide a little relief. Shade from the sun is extremely limited since most of the course is along the river. Distance markers along the course were too infrequent in my opinion. The massage tents were so congested that I chose to continue on to the pool area where the race bags were secured. While at the pool I discovered the massage staff provides free massages to the marathoners. The warm pool water was nice. I recommend this marathon to those considering it.

I enjoyed the race, which showed Budapest off wonderfully at times. However, the course was repetitive in that it went along the river for far too much of the length. It got boring and there was no shade to be had. This might not normally be a problem for an early autumn run, but it was unpleasant that day.

Also, for a lot of the race there were cars next to the single lane closed off for the race. Running with cars zipping past is not a great experience. And there was an utter lack of timers. I did not see a race clock until about 200 M before the finish. Maybe I just failed to see them, but I think not.

If you want to run a fast international marathon, but want to avoid the mega-thon experience, try this one. Very well organized. The course is mostly flat with some short and gentle hills on and off bridges and a couple of overpasses. Beautiful views of the city as you run along the Danube and over 3 of the city's bridges.

The gave a nice goody bag before the event and superb post-race "presents," as they call them. It was warm this year, but on a cool day, this is a fast course. Heat could have been avoided with an earlier start, but they start at 10:00 a.m. to allow local area runners plenty of time to arrive. They cater to foreigners - nearly half the finishers came from outside Hungary - offering a visit to one of the historic thermal baths as a changing/baggage storage area and for post-race relaxation.

The city offers abundant cultural and historical experiences - it's a great place to visit. Race logistics are very simple and entrants are allowed to have their own personal fluids placed at the aid stations.

Don't get me wrong... Budapest is well worth a visit. Just not for a marathon. Countless bridge ramps, running next to cars and boring long stretches spoil the fun. There is so much to see in Budapest, but why does one have to run next to the Danube most of the time? About 2/3 of the course is next to the river. Additionally there is a ca. 8 KM-long stretch, which has to be run twice.

The expo was a joke, there was one stall selling shoes and overpriced garments. The organization was ok and friendly. The goody bag was good and the massage excellent! Beware of the weather. If it's hot like this year (25-28 Celsius), prepare for it accordingly. There are hardly any shady stretches.

I ran the Budapest Half-Marathon last week and was impressed by the organization and the track.

I will be back for the 2007 marathon and encourage everyone to consider registering. I ran the 2006 marathon and it's been by far the best experience of all the 5 marathons completed to date.

Highly recommended!

Congratulations to the organization; they had to overcome rescheduling the marathon from the 1st to the 15th of Oct. because of political problems. Kristina and her team of volunteers should get a big round of applause. THANKS. It's a beautiful city for a marathon with great fans....

Yes, I cannot fault Budapest. I got a lot for my money, and it was most enjoyable. Without being too crowded, there was lots of music and support from the city in general! Thanks!

An absolute must-do marathon. One of the top European medium-sized marathons, if not the best! Tons of goodies (a beer also!), free spa bath pass for after the run, superb course, good, large finish area by city park, everybody most helpful and friendly in
a beautiful city. Relay runs at same time and these runners can help you keep going. Having cups instead of bottles for water is the only downside. This year it was cool and a bit drizzly, but be prepared for very warm weather, which can occur.