This is a relatively flat course and the weather was better this year (headwind but no rain). There were not enough water stations. It is dominated by the Joints in Motion and Leukemia Society so they get most of the support. Overall it was fun but I would have liked a medal instead of a plaque!

I'm surprised to see some lukewarm comments about the 2000 version of this race. The weather was bad that year but it was an exception. I ran this race again for the third successive year and had a ball. With a major sponsor on board (Adidas) the race is going from strength to strength. I for one can't praise the race enough. Perhaps if you're expecting some of the frills at other races you might be disappointed but the race itself is a model of organisation and that's what it's all about for me. Come and enjoy yourself.

I ran Dublin in 2000 as my first marathon. The weather was pretty bad (cold, rainy) but the course itself was scenic and relatively flat. It was a nice race, but you definitely take a gamble with the weather. The fans were out in the beginning and the end of the race, but pretty sparse at other points. I thought this was about par for the course until I ran Chicago this year and was blown away by the crowd support there. Keep in mind, this marathon is run over a bank holiday weekend when a lot of people leave Dublin for vacation.

I did Dublin in '00 and it was an adventure. Cold, windy and raining. The organization, amenities and support were poor, so you have to realize, that if youre going to Dublin to run a marathon, this city is not known for its marathons, so you get what you get. This is not LA, NY or Boston. There is no Gatorade, Gu or bagels. But it is a challenge. The people are wonderful AND there is Guinness!

Weather was awful in'00 but better in '99. Course is undulating but fair. Water only at drinks stations means you are more likely to hit the wall. An early start means the number of spectators is limited (although the weather didn't help in '00!) The race is full of very friendly participants, a huge number of Americans come over to run, jog and walk (Apparently it is the largest 'walking' marathon in the World). Come along for the beer and 'craic'. Organisation might appear to be a little amateur but is excellent when you consider the resources and manpower available. I vowed never to do it again - but here I am in July training for it once more......

There was no publicity, hardly *any* spectators, no staff, direction, or organization. I was trying to find my starting pen, and like many others I noticed, I couldn't find anyone to help me. We started late and when I finally saw a volunteer who suggested we start running forward, he didn't know anything either- he just wanted to push us along. Now, this is Ireland, so if you want to have a good time, it's fine for the pubs and such... but this is not a marathon you should expect organization for. Just don't get your hopes up high. But I did note: last year, it was sponsored by an Irish radio station. This year, it's supported by Adidas, which could make a huge difference. I would go again, but only for the excuse of seeing Ireland again.

Dublin 2000 was my 2nd marathon and a ton of fun. Compared to the masses of 30,000 of the NYC Marathon I much preferred Dublin's more manageable, but festive, size (9,000). The course is quite flat and great for PR's. While the weather this year was pretty ugly - winds, rain, cold, etc. - that was half the fun. Don't run Dublin expecting San Diego weather. A large % of runners (perhaps 50%) do this race through Leukemia Society or Joints in Motion, the Arthritis Fndt., so you might want to go that route to feel completely dialed in. In regards to other people's comments about waiting in line at registration or not having the right type of gel available at the expo, etc.... they're being overly critical and basically were not prepared. If you live on the east coast of the US this race is particularly well suited for a long weekend. I strongly recommend this race. Work the pubs well post race!!!

This was my first marathon, but it seemed unusual that the expo and the starting line should be so far apart. I had to do much unnecessary walking on Saturday and Sunday before the Monday race. The starting areas were poorly marked, especially for such a large group (9000 runners). The mile markers were sporadic until the halfway point. After the race, runners were allowed only one candy bar and Lucozane (citrusy Irish Gatorade); no fruit whatsoever. Whoever had the idea of 20 oz water bottles at the pit stops needs to be drug tested. And (finally) there were no finishers' t-shirts...only plaques and a pen. I hate to be so negative, but I was disappointed by many aspects especially after I saw the marathon atmosphere at the Omaha Marathon. One important positive: The fans were wonderful. They were at many junctures of the race, clapping and saying, 'Well done! Well done!' That provided a lift until I hit the wall, then it seriously annoyed me.

What can you say about the weather? BRUTAL! But the people were awesome. My wife ran it also and enjoyed it as well. Need to get sports drinks at the water stations, and maybe more station. I am not sure about tea and candy at the end, would rather have sports drinks and better food but overall very enjoyable.

WOW!!! We LOVED IT! We are Americans living in Dublin so you'd think the weather wouldn't bother us. But ohhh the wind and lashing rain really knocked these first time marathoners around. The rock music at the finish was awesome and the hot tea was a nice Irish touch at the end. The pre-race gala's lack of spaghetti feed and lack of Lucozade power drinks were the only problems. The Irish Fans showed their love of hospitality. We will run another Dublin marathon but would like to try one in a warmer climate as well (look out San Diego)