I used to live in Dublin and I like the place. The marathon expo was fairly good, with lots of encouragement from the stage speakers. The marathon itself is very well organized, though a few toilets in the first few miles would be a big help. There were lots of spectators, even on a cold day like we had. I will be back in 2009; it's a really good marathon and a nice city to visit.

My 3rd marathon and first Dublin experience. This was far and away the best organized and run marathon, and even though it is the only "big" one I have done, there was no problem with getting to the start, getting bags afterward, etc. They cap it off with a good expo and great finishing shirt that I will actually use in the future. The course itself was perfect for me - gently undulating almost all the way, so it was easy to stay interested. I cannot recommend this highly enough.

This was my first ever marathon. There was a well organized registration the day before and the start was easy. Plenty of porta-loos (thankfully!). The run through Phoenix Park was breathtaking (no pun intended). Of course, the last 6 miles were hell, but the encouragement from a truly appreciative crowd made all the difference. I would definitely do this one again.

This was my second Dublin and again it was my most enjoyable so far. After running Amsterdam the week before, I set out just to enjoy it and ended up setting a PR by over five minutes. That's my second PR on this course. As some have said, the water stations aren't every mile, but as they give out bottles, it is no big problem - you can carry the small bottle for a bit if need be. I think the stations are every three miles; not many people should need more than that. With cheap flights into Ireland and great value hotels, this one will go on my calendar for '09 straight away.

Pros
> Easy entry process and decent rather than spectacular website.
> Expo was well organized and easy to get to.
> Great weather; cool but bright, with no breeze worth talking about.
> Great atmosphere. Really vocal and encouraging spectators right along the course.
> Honest, fair course; mostly flat, with a couple of hills thrown in to weed out the pack!
> Water stations were well staffed and Ballygown mini-bottles were just the business.
> Also, great to finish very close to the start point in the dead center of the city, as it's a "circular" course.
> Really enjoyed the Phoenix Park (had expected this to be a bit boring) and Nassau Street (nearly finished!) sections.
> Very nice medal and top for finishers.

Cons
> Not the cheapest marathon around!
> Could do with greater toilet facilities.
> Took 4 minutes to get through the start.
> After about a minute, our speed had reduced to a walk due to a bottleneck at Holles St. Very annoying.
> Maybe it's just me, but I missed a number of mile markers early on!
> Only 2 splits/choices at start - over and under four hours - and they were not policed. I suggest policing them and increasing the number of splits to include one for under 3:30, under 4:00, under 4:30, and over 4:30. If not that, they should introduce wave starts.
> The repatriation area was a bit chaotic.
> They need to improve the marketing, as this is a great event that needs to be sold better.

Overall, it was a really well organized and enjoyable event; I would love to do it again.

Well, my 20th marathon just had to be in my home town where my marathon career started in 1997 - that was when I said I'd only do one marathon in my life!

This year I helped at registration, and I must say the volunteers were very well catered for, and was much appreciated by us all who were handing out numbers. Having helped at local runs during the year, I have to say WELL DONE to the organizers for appreciating the time given by those who are not running, and those that help and run like myself.

As it's my "home" marathon, I try to remove it from my favorites list; however, 2008 WAS my favorite marathon so far. My only gripe was the time bands not being adequate, but I believe this is to be addressed for 2009 (and likewise, the narrow "bottleneck" at about half a mile from the start).

In recent years there were problems in the baggage area of people going in both directions on a narrow street. This was addressed in 2008 with a one way system, which was a FANTASTIC idea. It relieved the pre-race commotion! Likewise, 2008 seemed to have ample toilet facilities at the start and along the course, bottled water, energy drinks, gels, and sweets were handed out by the marshals, in addition to the many children along the route handing out oranges, and small chocolate bars. First aid was well advertised, with gazebos sheltering the volunteers.

I know the course inside out, as I train in the areas from mile 15 - 23 and in the Phoenix Park, so it needs to be commented on by a visitor to Dublin as it's only fair - I'll comment on a course of a marathon of which I'm a visitor.

Let's say... it's the best Dublin that I've done (now 9 times) - I thoroughly enjoyed the day and will definitely be back!! It's improving with every year. I have yet to compete in a "perfect" marathon, but Dublin '08 was close enough for me!!!

This was my first, and I had a blast. The course gives you a great way to see many parts of Dublin, and having studied a bit of Irish history in college, it was a treat to start the run heading right up the middle of O'Connell Street. The course had a good variety of scenery - parks, churches, interesting old houses. The marshals were great, and though the crowds were non-existent in a few spots, in other areas there were plenty of enthusiastic well-wishers - "Well done, lads!"

The website could be improved a bit by adding a page with a schedule of events - I had to hunt around the website to get all of the details as to when I was supposed to do what, and where.

Also, the course map was rather hard to decipher; in the future, it would be better to have a map of the course that is laid out on a map of the city streets.

On the plus side, there was great support from the volunteers handing out water, gels, and sports drink. Also, plenty of loos for those in need. And, I was please to find a marathon NOT on a Sunday.

I look forward to hopefully running this one again in the future.

I'm originally from Ireland, and living in the US. It meant so much to me to have the opportunity to run this marathon, and I was not disappointed. The organization, people, and course were all fantastic. The course was not dead flat; rather it's rolling, with some hills, but not tough if you train on hills. No rain - that's a bonus. Even though I didn't run my fastest marathon due to health issues and injury, I had the most wonderful experience, and I would highly recommend the Dublin Marathon as a potential PR course. Enjoy it if you decide to run it.

What a perfect way to see a new place. This was my first race in Europe, and I highly recommend it. I ran a slower pace, as I did Chicago two weeks prior and we spent two days buzzing around Dublin before the race, but I got it done and had fun. That was my goal. The temperatures were quite different between the two places, with a constant chilly wind in Dublin. Phoenix Park is nice, and much of the course goes towards the edge of Dublin and includes many residential areas. The road surface is a bit rough, with large rock embedded in the asphalt. It is not serious, but different from US road surfaces and something to be aware of when selecting shoes for the race. Water stops are less frequent so you need to look at the course map and plan ahead. Small bottles are passed out, which is a nice touch. The size of the event was just right, and the crowd was enthusiastic, especially as you re-entered downtown late in the race. There are a few bottlenecks early, and then the course spreads out nicely.

We spent several days driving through the western part of Ireland after the race. The scenery is stunning, and the people are friendly. It was a great way to have a vacation with my wife and still get a marathon in.

This was my first time to Dublin and first international marathon coming from the US. I loved the area and the people; and marathon day couldn't have been smoother.

The expo was well represented and organized well.

The race volunteers, spectators, and fellow runners were overly friendly and enthusiastic.

I enjoyed the course, the beginning starting near Trinity College and continuing out to Phoenix Park, and back into town. It was nice to run through neighborhoods with families out on the streets offering oranges, gummy bears, and drinks.

The water bottles were a HUGE plus!!

Highly recommend this marathon for the great, friendly atmosphere and other than gently rolls hills, a fairly gentle course.