This was my very first marathon and I'm very happy I chose to run it in Dublin. The course was great - much flatter than the terrain on which I trained, which was very nice. The weather was terrible, but despite the frigid conditions there were still plenty of fans to cheer us on. I'm sure there would have been many more in nice weather. It was a great start for what I hope to be many more marathons!

If you are looking to run a marathon that is a good flat course, this is for you. Don't expect too much fanfare from spectators. The Irish are much more reserved than Americans. Overall, very well organized. Challenging weather, wind chill, and rain made for a very tough run. Approx 42% of the runners are American.

I want to preface this by saying I appreciated this experience and would do it again. My entire stay in Ireland exceeded my expecations..however, I disagree with the others who say the marathon was well-organized. I think that may depend on when you finished. Absolutely nobody helped me at the finish. I had no idea where to go, my 'dry' clothes got wet since the bags we used were not sealable, one of my teammates couldn't find her finisher's bag for a half hour in the cold. I was unable to find any volunteers to help me at the finish; many of them were children, who undoubtedly got cold and left. Other than one kid handing me a finisher's plaque (which, in my delirium, I ended up losing), I remember no one helping. One thing that may be taken into consideration for next year is how many runners are mentally out of it at the end due to dehydration, lack of nutrients, etc. Personally, I was extremely disoriented and I heard from many others later that they were equally confused. Allowing coaches behind the finishing line would've been very helpful.
I really appreciate those who were there along the course, it was miserable weather and I know all who were working were volunteering. A big thank-you to all who were there.
The fans (very brave) who were there were great. The highlight was one Irish boy who ran in the middle of the street waving an American flag and yelled, 'Go Americans! America is the place to be!' This was around mile 17 or 18 and much needed.
I initially thought the water bottles were a fantastic idea, but since it was cold and difficult to hold on to the bottles (also very heavy after about mile 10), I think I would rather have smaller water cups every mile or 2 than a big bottle every 3 or 4. I noticed most of the water was wasted, since most runners would take only a few sips from each bottle then throw them to the side of the street.
One more suggestion: I waited nearly 3 hours at the Expo to get my bib and chip. I think it would be a good idea if there were several lines, or if the participants who were part of teams had one or two delegates to pick them up in bulk.

There were only 7 water stops, no power drink, no gels, no music, no scenery and very little support. Most of the roads were open to traffic which forced runners/walkers to stay on the sidewalk. The race has potential but people need to put more into it.

For my first marathon it was a whole new experience for me, but I have been bitten by the bug and look forward to my next outing in Belfast next May.

Despite uncontrollable Mother Nature, marathon organizers did a superb job. The course was interesting, water bottles (tho wasteful) were nice, volunteers, as always - very friendly and supportive. I prefer a medal over a plaque - but, the plaque is nice too. Also, I had hoped to see more of a variety of marathon souvenirs at the expo.

Loved the Marathon setting, very well organized, though did not like the reporting of results. Race timed by chips and position was given by when you crossed finish, which could have been up to 5 minutes different from chip time. Even the non-elite runners would like to have their time and position recorded accurately. Other than that I would go back and do it again if I had the chance. Spectators were great; always cheering up to the last. The hospitality of the organizers and Irish is unsurpassed.

The wind and rain detracted from what would have otherwise been an enjoyable experience, at least to the extent that running 26.2 miles can ever be considered enjoyable. The course is a flat, fast, and moderately scenic loop that stays within the City. If the weather had been more pleasant, I imagine that the spectator turnout would have been better. The water stations, finish line, and start line were well organized, staffed, and equipped. The water bottles at the water stations are a better alternative to cups and/or sponges, in my opinion. Unfortunately, there was only water at the water stops, no sports drinks.

If you did the London and did not enjoy being hemmed in by people - do the Dublin marathon. The contrast is fantastic. In Dublin you can get on and do your stuff at your own pace - without being pushed or being constantly frustrated by people blocking your path. It's a great race.

If you did the London and did not enjoy being hemmed in by people - do the Dublin marathon. The contrast is fantastic. In Dublin you can get on and do your stuff at your own pace - without being pushed or being constantly frustrated by people blocking your path. It's a great race.