Put this race on my schedule mainly because it it was easy to get to. I was really looking forward to some sort of a spectacle given the gambling city's reputations but instead, it turned out to be one of the most humdrum races I've ever experienced. No spectators in sight - unless you count the three shuffling showgirls in front of the Galaxy Macau - which I really needed during the monotonous 2 loop course. Once the half-marathoners peeled off, the course got really quiet. In a way, the quietness was probably a highlight, at least, at the beginning. Predawn, casino lights ablaze, garbage bags rustling as the runners... it was quite a mystical moment.

The most excitement, albeit undesirable, might have been during baggage check, which was a complete fiasco. No lines, just a brutish scramble to get to the front of the mass.

The amenities were few. Water and sports drinks sitting on tables (rather than handed to you), paper cups littered around the stations unattended, no gels or bars. The post-race refreshments consisted of some meager water, bananas and chocolate bars. Although I'll use the race bag and display the swanky finisher's medal, I'm not sure I would want to be spotted in the public with the souvenir tech singlet.

Ran it once and once is enough.

As others noted, the course is flat, aside from the huge suspension bridge that marathon runners go over 4 times. Zero crowd support due to 6 a.m. start and doing much of the run in Coloane, which is all composed of casino construction sites. The start is crazy, with everyone packed into a small running track and unseeded by time; the 5K, half, and full runners were all mixed up, with lots of pushing as it gets sorted out. I hate to think what would happen if someone fell. Also, my Garmin showed the 2010 marathon as about 4/10 of a mile long, though I have nothing else to confirm that.

I ran this in 2009 (my 8th marathon). The weather was a bit humid and the air was pretty thick, but it was a well-run affair.

The course is two loops of a lollipop shape. The stick part of the lollipop shape passes through some casino construction areas that are not terribly interesting, but might get better as the area continues to develop. Spectators are few and far between here.

After crossing over the pretty-steep Taipa Bridge (cross it 4 times total!), you complete the round lollipop portion. More spectators are here, encouraging you with, "Jia You!" (It sounds like "geeyah yoh" and means, "Go!!" or more literally, "Add oil!" This section also has more interesting buildings, and you run right by a casino entrance (with the music blaring, which was cool).

Like the previous poster, I would have appreciated some sports drink, and the water/sponge stations were not all that frequent.

At the finish, we got the coolest, plushest commemorative towel ever, and volunteers gave me a huge handful of Kit Kats. We also got a singlet and a shoulder bag.

The 27th Macau International Marathon was my 35th marathon/ultra-marathon since I started marathoning in 2001. Comparing with the rest of the marathons I have run, I must say that it has a great course. It's entirely flat and mostly scenic, especially when you run along the bridge. However, the part running up the slopes could be a killer for some. I had to walk the last part between 37K to 38K because the uphill part of the bridge going back to Taipa Island was simply too long. However, overall, you can't fault the organizer for planning such a great course.

As for the aid station, runners interested to do the marathon should be aware that they only provide plain water and sponges. There was no sports drink, gel, fruits, etc. Be prepared to bring your own hydration if you need something more than just plain water. I carried a 500ml sports drink and rationed it and was able to last me until 40K. :)

Distance markers were very accurate, displayed at every kilometer. I was able to check my pace and able to strategize to reach the 30K before the cut-off time of 3 hours 30 minutes. Yes, there is an intermediate cut-off. And it is achievable if you run a constant pace.

There were very very few spectators along the course, especially when you were running on the bridge as it was only accessible to vehicles. But I was fortunate enough to meet a kind spectator who gave out drinks (sports drink in a small cup) and chocolates! We cannot expect all marathons to have great atmosphere or thousands or spectators along to course to encourage the runners and Macau happened to be one of such marathons.

At the end of the race, runners have bananas, drinks, chocolates to fuel themselves. Those who met the cut-off time of 5 hours (for full) and 2 1/2 hours (for half) will get a medal and big towel. Only the full marathoners get a finisher tee. Note: there is no event tee for the race.

Nevertheless, I would strongly recommend this marathon to anyone who have not visited Macau before. Just remember to train for the bridge (hills) and have your own hydration plan. The number of participants is small (about 1200 for half and 600 for full) so you won't have to jostle with fellow runners, etc.

My comments are based on the half marathon (the marathon is the same, but two loops of the course).

Was very surprised at this event - it's not a huge marathon but it's well supported and very well organized. Start and finish at Macau Stadium, plenty of hotels within walking distance, and good facilities (seats, bathrooms, etc.) at the start. Well marked course, with KM markers every single KM... very rare. Very flat except for the bridge and tunnels. Number pickup was brilliantly organized, with lots of volunteers on the course, and great medal at the end.

Only thing I didn't like was lack of energy drink - I didn't see any, although no problems with water.

Macau is only 11 miles tip to tip, as the crow flies, including the bridges, and there are 480,000 people squeezed onto these two tiny islands, so fitting a marathon course in is not an easy thing.

This being only my 7th marathon, I'm a far cry from being a professional, but I've been training in Macau for almost a year, and I was very happy with the Macau Marathon course. They kept it as flat and as scenic as possible, and had great KM markings and ample supplies (up until the last 3 water stops, but that's why we should always carry our own right? :)). A lot of fun with at least 1 dedicated road lane at all times, very well staffed and organized, quite a small marathon but a real blast. Yes, the course repeats itself, but it goes over the ocean four times, past MGM Grand, the Macau Tower, through the Porte Cachere (the valet thingy) of Galaxy (how cool is that!), past Crown, Grand Waldo, City of Dreams, Shangri La, Venetian, and Macau Studio City, plus the course goes right up and over the airport drive-up (think 5 feet from the terminal doors; how many marathons can boast that!?!). Certainly no American TSA here! Come on, that's a course that you could only find in Macau!

Little to no fans to speak of except for near the stadium, and being on the Jumbo-tron as you do your last 350 meters around the stadium is a thrill for families in attendance. With a cheap entry fee you get TONS of goodies (shoulder bag, full-sized beach tower, - very nice - technical jersey, posters, and a huge medal (larger than Disney I think!). You can't beat the entry fee of $38 US. I'd do it again!

This is my 2nd marathon in Macau.

Each year, the course is different but must go through Macau and Taipa and finish in Taipa. This year, the course has changed to a 2-loop race (run the half-marathon course twice). It is through Macau and Taipa via the new West bridge. The bridge is windy. Scenery is OK but not very special. Pretty small-city feel. There are not many people in the city. No food/sports drink is provided until the end of the race.

You'll run with a lot of cars passing close to you in most of the city sections. It's not as dangerous as I think because many police and staff (more than 100 people throughout the course I think) are responsible for controlling the transport. Thanks for their dedication to ensure the safety of runners. But car exhaust really makes it hard to breathe. Maybe the race is small (only around 400 full-marathon and 1000 half marathon runners). I guess this is the main reason the roads cannot be completely closed for runners.

There are occasional fans throughout the course to cheer you up. The last 1 KM near the Sports Stadium is filled with a lot of people, including spectators/fans/families/friends/officials to support you. I feel great when running into the stadium for the final 300 M. The stadium is beautiful.

Overall, though the organization can be much better, I see the organizer, sponsor and offical staff have already put their best efforts for the race. It's a nice and enjoyable marathon.

This was my 49th marathon but will not be the most memorable. Macau was a kind of a myth for me but is an ordinary city with lots of casinos. No fans whatsoever! Only few family members at start-finish. Long stretch on bridge + run in industral areas. Marathon is well organized and quite large. Water stations every 2.5 km are well manned (no sport drink).

Chip timing and 1/2 marathon same day. If you are in Macau or close by at that time and want to do the marathon, do it but do not plan on oversea trip for it. The marathon part is as good as many American or European marathons (minus lack of sport drinks and gels), but location is not that applealing. Race staff was very nice and helpful.