Well supported and good fun (about: 2010)
Course: 3
Organization: 4
Fans: 4
A. G. from The Hague, NL (4/30/10)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Enschede Marathon
First time I've run this event. It boasts of a long (42 year) history and that shows in terms of the slick organization and (for a relatively small town) high level of community support.
Everything was fit-for-purpose rather than impressive. Very easy car parking (with a special rate for runners), numbers pick-up, walk to the start and overall organization. Judging by both the volunteers and enthusiastic support (in volume if not numbers), it feels like this race attracts a lot of community support.
The course had apparently been altered this year to a double-loop of 21K. So it no longer crosses into Germany. It was sufficiently attractive and interesting. Only grumble is that, as the half starts about two hours after the marathon, one does encounter a lot of slow runners during the second loop.
The weather this year was sunny and hot (got up to abut 24 C), but there were regular water points every 5K or so with more frequent sponge points that really helped. Isotonic and bananas also available.
Overall, a great little Dutch alternative to the larger Rotterdam and London runs that normally (but not this year) clash with the Enschede Marathon. Definitely worth considering.
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