Absolutely loved this marathon. I have run 5 in the past year: In 2007: Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Raleigh. Hamburg in 2008. Hamburg ranks just a notch behind Berlin for my favorite. Flat, fast course with enthusiastic spectators. Hamburg city is "ok." It is extremely expensive, but worth every penny, as I achieved a coveted BQ.

The expo was busy but well organized - the biggest I have been to anyway. There is a huge area dedicated to the marathon start so there is no issue with trying to find a space to warm up or get changed, etc. The bag drop was excellent and well signposted, and the start was good, but we expected it to be a little cramped due to the number of people running. Support was excellent: people lined the route all the way round and were very enthusiastic. Horns, whistles, pots and pans - anything the people could get their hands on - were used to make a noise for the runners. Refreshment stops were plentiful and needed in the hot weather, but not much notice was given prior to these; sometimes it was difficult to get across the crowd of runners to get to them. Hamburg is a great city to visit as well. This was the best marathon I have done yet. Well done, Hamburg!!!

I ran in Hamburg based on other runners' comments and I was delighted with the course, the spectators and the city. The course was flat, with time spent in the city and out around the lake. The organization was first-class, with a high-quality expo and drink stations aplenty along the route. The spectators were excellent and made a real effort to support everyone.

This marathon was really great. The crowds were unbelievable - they lined the entire course, and for the most part were loud and excited. The course was very nice, running through historic neighborhoods, nice residential areas, and along the water. Organization was good. This is a very fun marathon.

This marathon is superb, and I don't want everyone to know about it. A beautiful route, great organization (the expo was a little chaotic) and incredible support. Where else can you cross a finish line and be presented with a medal, and a beer? A bit pricey, but well worth every cent.

When I arrived in Hamburg, I was surprsed at how beautiful and friendly the city is! Todays marathon was top-notch. Most of the week, the weather was predicted to be cool and cold - with rain predicted at the beginning of the week. This morning we had blue skies and warm weather (high of around 70 degrees F). I was worried as I ran Chicago and Paris (both unseasonably hot and ill-prepared for the increased requirement for water). Hamburg organizers were ready, with extra water stops all along the route (I planned for water every 5K, but it was actually available every 2.5). Well organized, with plenty of water for everyone.

The course is just as described - beautiful, and mostly flat (very gradual inclines at parts). Crowd support was nothing short of terrific!

-Deborah

It was a huge surprise; I did not expect such a great race, with incredible support all over, a beautiful city, and a wonderful course. Flat and fast. I just had some problems trying to find the starting corral; the organization members did not have all the information the day of the race.

Hamburg is a must for anyone considering a big European marathon. Having the expo in the center by the start finish is huge. There is a tour of the course available by bus. Course is fairly flat; superb with no really bland bits (last 1 1/2 K is uphill). Support all along the route was loud and large. Staggered starts means that even for a 16,000-runner field, there's no congestion. Free non-alcoholic beer at end of run also a nice touch. Marshaling was top-notch, as were feed stations. For a big city, Hamburg has lots of greenery, canals, lakes and the river also, so it's very pleasant to visit.

Hamburg is a fantastic city to visit, and the marathon did not disappoint. The course has got to be one of the flattest and fastest in the world - I really didn't notice any inclines at all! The support is tremendous and at some points the crowds are just 3 meters apart with all the whistles and cow bells it really is a "Tour de France atmosphere." I can't fault the organization. In the sub-3 hour pen, we even had space to warm up. Free beer afterwards and free massage just rounded off a fantastic experience.

The spectators make this marathon one of a kind. It is a must! I heard in 2005 they had 600,000 fans. I don't know what the statistics were for this year (2006) but they line every last kilometer. At times, it was like running through tunnels of people. The fans have noise-makers in one hand and beer in another (or a cigarette!).

The course was flat, flat, flat! Good for a PR. The weather was perfect!

The expo was too big and very crowded, but at the same time plenty of good stuff to buy. I thought it (expo) was a little unorganized for such a large marathon. It could have had more signs to point you in the right direction when picking up your bib and chip.

Good beer at the finish - what more can you ask for?!