Maastricht Marathon

Nice change from big city races, modest number of marathon runners (666 the year I ran!), very scenic course which is mostly flat. Not a race to run if you like large crowds and lots of razzmatazz but I much prefer this sort of event. The route runs along the river for large stretches and there are only really lots of spectators in the small town of Vise where the start and finish are located. Organization quietly efficient. We stayed in Liege and got an early train to the start. I'd love to run this one again.

I really enjoyed this marathon. It is a very nice race to achieve your personal record, beyond the fact you will run along two countries (Belgium and Holland). The course is about 95% flat and the weather is the ideal to run a marathon. On the day of the event also happened other races (5k, 9k and half-marathon), but for the marathon just about 500 runners were aligned at the start. Since it is not a crowded race you are able to set a good pace from the start. The marathon runner should just keep in mind that most of the time he will run almost alone in the middle of some very quiet areas. I think that is why the organizers call it 'the most bucolic marathon in Belgium'. Overall this race is a great experience, and worth it.

This was my first half marathon. I really enjoyed the experience. The race organizers were very helpful despite the language barrier. The course was very rural and beautiful. Though it had a few more hills than I expected, I would definitely run it again.