The 2005 Dublin Marathon was a great experience in a wonderful country! The weather was a challenge as it rained for about an hour and a half but then it cleared up and there was sunshine and rainbows. People were out in the streets cheering us on even in the rain and the little Irish kids shouting out our names and giving us gummy bears was really neat. The course is for the most part flat and while it is not especially scenic it is a good course to run. Plus, the opportunity to see Ireland before and after the race makes it an unforgettable experience. I strongly recommend the Dublin Marathon for 2006. Cheers lads and lassies.

Well organized but somewhat 'barebones' compared to the average US marathon. The race director, fellow runners and the crowd were all super people.

The weather was not optimal during the 1st 90 minutes of the marathon but really improved later to a beautiful sunny day.

Would recommend more real music and to take the course through the interesting parts of Dublin. I was surprised the course did not show off the customs house or the liffey. Phoenix park is a lovely facility.

Would run this course again

After runing my first marathon in Honolulu in December '04, it was questionable whether another venue could compete. Notwithstanding the multiple weather variations inside of 5 hours in Dublin last week, I rate my Dublin race as equal if not better than Hawaii's.

The course was just breathtaking. Dublin is simply gorgeous. The crazy and changing weather patterns made it all the more challenging. That marathons are largely a mental test was only emphasized by the cold rain and windy conditions.

I am very excited to have visited Dublin and to have shaved off 30 minutes from previous race time. I would highly encourage the Dublin Marathon to any runner who appreciates challenging the body and enduring the mind.

5 Stars: *****

This was my first and it was awesome. Through my training I've found it hard to push myself, but the people lining the course were brilliant and pushed me all the way. There is a good atmosphere - good camaraderie among the other runners. I will be going back next year.

I live 9 miles away so I was able to park right beside the finish/baggage area and back home by 2pm. This was my second year and third marathon. The course is good, but hard from 18-21 miles as there are gradual climbs.

I would recommend it to anyone. I spoke to some French guys after the race and they were very impressed with the fans....

This is a fairly low-key event, but actually the whole thing was well organized, everything just seemed to be in place without much fuss. One point though: Some of the course is on the hard shoulder of a motorway with traffic roaring ahead.... Other stretches are on busy roads as well, and the drivers and police do not seem very sympathetic to the runners....

Apart from that, I was quite happy with the run. Great bit in the Phoenix Park. Some of the locals told me they had never ever been in the areas after mile 10. Lousy weather at the start, but I guess that comes with the location. At least we could warm ourselves by running; the volunteers just stood there. Excellent team of volunteers, by the way.
Nice medal + T-shirt.

May do again next year, if it fits with my other plans.

The ideal race for a P.B.

This marathon was amazing!! The course was gorgeous, a beautiful blend of nature with the endless green fields at parts and all the old buildings of Dublin. It was pouring rain at first preceded a huge bright rainbow in perfect view for at least 10 miles. WOW. So worth the rain. I thought the weather was perfect and the people still came out to cheer us along. WEAR YOUR NAME ON YOUR SHIRT IF EVER YOU DO A MARATHON, it was amazing hearing everyone scream for me!! This being my first marathon was certainly a positive, exhilarating memory!!

The course and the camaraderie of fellow runners are the best parts of the Dublin package. The course is interesting and varied, with the run through Phoenix Park being a highlight.

Water stations are every three miles (well supplied) and there is some limited availability of sports drink on the course.

Plus points on organization are chip timing, a nice medal at the end and a good quality long-sleeve t-shirt. However, the start needs to be better organized with better filtering by predicted time. Clearing the line took a long time and runners were dodging walkers for miles.

The crowds were not huge, but they were vocal and friendly, particularly in the early and late stages.

Overall it is a good package that needs limited fine-tuning. I'll be back to run this one again. I'll also recommend the good time that can be had in and around Dublin before and after the race. Just don't have too much hospitality the night before the race....!

The Dublin marathon was my first marathon and it was also in my hometown. I found the crowd to be great and really encouraging. I had trained all Autumn in the cold, wet conditions of Dublin for the race so when it was actually sunny on the day I felt I had an automatic head start. As I had trained on my own for this in the ill-lit streets of the city the fact that there were spectators at all was a revelation. They were cheerful and helpful, throwing drinks and sweets your way along the route. Others have commented on the organisation of the race, but this is Ireland and athletics is very small fry in terms of sporting interest and sponsorship. Get out there, run your arse off and enjoy the city. I for one had never gone through some of the 'rougher' areas of the city before the Marathon but it was great to see them up close, am I'm saying that as a Northsider!