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Marathon Hamburg Runner Comments
Back to Marathon Hamburg Information & Reviews
Course 4.7 
Organization 4.6 
Spectators 4.8
Number of comments: 38 [displaying comments 11 to 21]
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Eugene Nyunt from London, England.
(5/31/2011)
 "Hot in every respect." (about: 2011)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Marathon Hamburg
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I thoroughly enjoyed my experiences through the streets of Hamburg this year. The course is incredibly picturesque for a big city event and it's really well organized - for one thing the pens were well marshalled, without the pushing I've seen elsewhere. The expo was small and manageable but slightly strange, being located in a fairground site which seemed a lot bigger than necessary. As for the crowd support it was absolutely incredible - lots of people and absolutely enthusiastic too. For the first time ever I had my name called out on multiple occasions. There were also impromptu refreshment tables set up by residents along the 'nicer' parts of town. Watermelon slices definitely did the trick on such a hot day. | |
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C. P. from New York
(5/27/2011)
 "Good marathon to run" (about: 2011)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Marathon Hamburg
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Hamburg is a very convenient mid-sized marathon. You can literally get off the subway at 8:55 and be in your coral at 9:00. Some of the first miles are a little tight, but it's all VERY flat. There is water every 2.5k, and water and Powerade every 5k. Every water stop also has a large tub of water for dipping hats, sponges, etc. Mileage markers are, of course, in kilometers. Hamburg residents come out to watch, and some set up very elaborate picnics along the route. Germans seem to be big on noisemakers. U.S. people will be surprised to find out that the Expo features literally no marathon merchandise. No hats, no tee-shirts - nothing. Other things such as sneakers are nearly double the price that they would be in the US. Point is, you won't be buying much. Btw, you get zero with the price of registration. There isn't a free tee-shirt, and the goodie bag really has nothing in it. Baggage check is super convenient. The old chip system is used, but no affixing items are given, so you are expected lace it on your shoe. The last thing a marathoner wants is to get down and untie laces after the race. | |
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J. W. from Manchester, England
(5/25/2011)
"Never fails to please" (about: 2011)
11-50 previous marathons
| 3 Marathon Hamburgs
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is my third time running this marathon, and the residents of Hamburg never fail to come out in droves to support the marathon runners. It's like a 26 mile long party! It was sunny and warm this year, and there were long stretches without any shade, so the going was a bit tougher than in previous years. Still, there were ample water stations, and the organization was fantastic. It's a flat course for the most part, so this isn't too challenging in terms of terrain, but the weather certainly made up for that this year! | |
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c. o. from los angeles, ca
(6/29/2010)
"fantastic marathon, beautiful city" (about: 2010)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Marathon Hamburg
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Word was that the Hamburg and Berlin Marathons would be the best in Germany. I haven't run Berlin yet, but Hamburg rocked. It's a very old merchant city that's quite rich and scenic. The course is flat, and all of the streets are wide and well cared for. The Germans don't do potholes at all. I have never seen a more enthusiastic crowd. They were all along the course, packed multiple rows deep, screaming loudly and firing me on. Some had breakfast tables set up and ate while watching us. it was surreal, a real party. The day was hot, but there were many drink stations. I have no complaints about my run 2010. Seriously, try this marathon if you want a great experience. I do hear, though, that they want to change the date by a week or two, so confirm if you already registered. | |
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j. h. from Stuttgart Germany
(5/3/2010)
 "800,000 Spectators- WOW!" (about: 2010)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Marathon Hamburg
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race was so much fun because of the beautiful City of Hamburg and its wonderful residents. There were over 800,000 people lining the streets, cheering the runners on from start to finish. The race was extremely well organized - something you would expect for a race in GERMANY! The course was flat and picturesque. The after party was the best I have experienced. GREAT JOB, race organizers. As a runner, you make it easy to concentrate on running and not getting bogged down in other details. | |
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B. F. from Stockholm, Sweden
(9/25/2009)
"Highly recommended" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Marathon Hamburg
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a great marathon. I have only previous experience from Stockholm but this marathon is better in so many ways. First, the crowd is amazing. A local paper said there were over 800,000 spectators and I truly believe that. But it was not just the sheer number of the spectators; they were also very supportive. Many were screaming, "Du schafft est" ("You will make it"). The course is also great - running along Lake Alster and the river is great. | |
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J. S. from Weilerbach, Germany
(5/19/2008)
"Great race to BQ: Fast and fun. But bring wallet!" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Marathon Hamburg
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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. | |
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B. S. from Belfast
(5/8/2008)
"Great organization; great race. Worth a go." (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Marathon Hamburg
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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!!! | |
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Gordon MacCulloch from Edinburgh, Scotland
(4/29/2008)
"Excellent Marathon" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Marathon Hamburg
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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. | |
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T. P. from Nuernberg, Germany
(4/29/2008)
"Great crowds and scenic course" (about: 2008)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Marathon Hamburg
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 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. |
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