Connemara International Marathon - Race Reviews

Beautiful environment in Connemara. The hills weren't that difficult, in fact I liked the hilly trail. All roads were asphalt, there was plenty space to run. There is a half marathon, full and the ultra. The atmosphere was great. I stayed at Peacock's in Maam Cross (the nearest place to the start) and just less than 100 meters from the finish. Just Ideal.

Ran this as my first marathon as I wanted to do something different than follow the crowds to London. Great course through some of the most spectacular scenery Ireland has to offer, we were very lucky with the weather and had perfect conditions this year (I've heard the horror stories about the wind and hail in 2016). Not many spectators but I enjoyed battling the course myself with my own willpower keeping me going. Don't run this marathon if you hate hills as there are two major climbs at mile 13 and mile 22 plus a lot of smaller sometimes steeper 'testers'. Great medal. Highly recommended

Very tough marathon in a very beautiful part of the world. Weather did not cooperate but what are you gonna do. True runners run for sure! Not many spectators but I didn't care. Met some great people before and after! Feel free to contact me. Feel like I have to run it again to redeem myself. Lol. Seriously!

Beautiful scenery but extremely badly organised.

I knew it would be a challenge with all those hills and the fact it was my first marathon but I wasn't expecting 25-45 mph winds which were never at our backs and driving rain, sleet and even hail!! However the cold and weather made the scenery even more dramatic and spectacular. Tip: you are bussed to the start and will have quite a wait - bring an old jumper to stay warm! Clifden is more convenient than Galway to stay. There aren't really any spectators on the route but any that are there deserve a medal!!

Wow!A great day comes to its end. I honestly must say that this 59th marathon was so great and unforgettable! Thanks a lot to the organization team and all of the volunteers, they all did a great job! A perfect alternative to city marathons, too.

A fantastic experience! This was my first ultra and it must be the best ultra to start with. In which other ultra-marathon can you feel so exhilerated - even when walking, even knowing that you've hit the wall you promised yourself not to? Maybe for an experienced ultra-runner there are a few, but for me, this was - yeah, I can't think of more superlatives. And the marshalls seemed to be aware that support is just as important for the last runners (I was among them) as it is for the quickies! Wonderful! And the sheep! I'm sure they were egging me on, laconically saying, 'MA-A-A-A-A-A-A-D, you're all MA-A-A-A-A-A-A-AD!!!'

This marathon is about as far removed from the big city marathons as you can get when it comes to spectators- and in my opinion, that is part of its charm. In the rugged isolation of Connemara in the West of Ireland, the sheer majesty and beauty of the mountains and valleys more than make up for the lack of spectators on the route-words just can't do it justice! The run itself is brilliantly organised and can't fault it in the slightest and the marshals really knew their stuff. Buses ferry runners to and from the start and finish areas from towns in the area and an after party is organised later that evening. If your running the Ultra you are allowed to have 3 items left at 3 points along the 39.3mile route- eg sports bars, drinks food. At mile 22 (mile35 for the ultra) you begin a 2 mile climb up a hill that is known as 'The Hell of the West'. Once you get to the top, just off the road on the left hand side, there is a plaque dedicated to the memory of a runner who died on that spot while running the half marathon in 2006 to raise funds for his local charity. I would recommend the Connemarathon without hesitation-be it the half, the full or the ultra and certainly hope to return to the Hell of the West in the future.

If you want to sample the scenic beauty of the rural West of Ireland, then don't miss this run. Absolutely stunning if the weather is good, which it was in 2010. The organization was excellent and the support along the way (while scarce) was great. The course is tough and caution (pace wise) is advised in the first half as the second half is much tougher. Finish it off with a night in Galway or Clifden and you will be back for more.

This course is remote, so this race is great for those who don't need a lot of spectator support. Considering the location, the organization is terrific. Runners and bags are all efficiently transported. The hills are tough, but it's well worth the effort for the scenery. And this year it was even sunny!

Spectacular course of continuous rolling hills (and two steep ones) with stunning vistas of lakes, fjords and mountains. The finish of the race was absolutely amazing - viewing a meandering line of runners (mostly half-marathoners) climbing a two-mile grade over a mountain pass  and realizing that you had to run up it. It was a relatively warm day for Ireland 20C (68 degrees) and there were lot of people suffering from the heat. This was mitigated to some extent by the excellent water stops and the individual water bottles handed out to the runners - a great idea that should be picked up by more races. Organization was superb: busing ultra runners, marathoners and half-marathoners to separate locations, seeing that all aid stations were fully stocked, and then returning the runners to three separate cities. All in all, a fantastic experience and a nice break from the typical road race format.

For all runners tired of participating in overly-crowded, big-city marathons, this is a great alternative. An extremely beautiful landscape, a handful of runners (even fewer in the ultra) and nearly perfect organization. A breathtaking experience! I will definitely be back (probably for the ultra to make this wonderful experience last longer).

I ran the half marathon. The course is beautiful - period. The organization is excellent - especially considering that nearly all participants are bused to the starting line and from the finish line. Volunteer support is great. Little touches such as having open water bottles are very much appreciated. The fans are sparse but encouraging and enthusiastic. If I could never run another race, I'd be happy with this one.

Great run. Great organization. Great co-runners. Great support. Great hospitality. Etc., etc. I ran in 2007 and only injury prevented me from coming back this year.

Breathtaking scenery... the first half of the run was amazing. No spectators - unless you count sheep! Problems started at the halfway mark... they started the half marathon (with 1000's of runners) 13 miles into the marathon course. This meant I went from pacing myself with 3 or 4 other runners to being stuck behind 1000's of slow runners. Also there was cars queued along the narrow country roads - this meant I was dodging between slow runners and cars, which was dreadful. I'm normally generous in my reviews but would seriously advise you not to enter this run unless they start the half marathon at the same time as the full run, or afterwards.

I ran the 39.3-mile ultra in 2007 after completing the marathon in 2006. The race is held in spectacular scenery, far away from the nearest city. If you want loads of spectators on the roadside, this is not the race for you. And if you are looking for a PR, this most definitely is not the race for you. But if you want to run in a beautiful setting and enjoy an incredible atmosphere, give this one a go. The "Hell of the West," a 2-mile climb 4 miles from the finish line, will stay in your memory for good. Special praise has to go to the organizers. Despite the nightmare of having to ferry over 3,000 participants to and from the race on rural backroads, they try their hardest to make the experience a great one for every single runner in the field, and they're very good at that.

I loved this race, although it's about 80% uphill. Yeah, I know that's not possible but since the Hell of the West (2.25 uphill climb) comes at mile 22, it feels all uphill. The logistics of moving 3000 runners around roads barely wide enough for cars was a feat in itself. The spectators who were there were great, but it's mostly sheep and open fields so if you need external encouragement, you're doomed. The course is rolling hills, out in the middle of one of the most beautiful places in Ireland and one of the least populated. We ran along the fjord (the only one in Ireland) and over the mountaintops and alongside fields, and the sun shone. What more do you need in a marathon?

A great, friendly race in another beautiful part of the country. One at which to relax and take in the breathtaking scenes of streams and mountains of Connemara. It also passes through the setting of one of my favorite films (Leenaun). The field is one of the best, and the first one I look for on the calendar. Long may it continue to be successful and enjoyable.

I have run 11 marathons to date, including New York, Berlin, London and Dublin. In my opinion Connemara is the ultimate race, especially if you wish to enjoy spectacular, breathtaking scenery. Granted the course is testing and support from spectators is very sparse. I was most fortunate to run the Ultra (39.3 miles) and I cannot recommend it highly enough. If you wish to escape into the open countryside for a memorable running experience, this is a must on your running calendar. Ray O'Connor and the organizing team offer a choice of races: half marathon, marathon and ultra. Avoid disappointment and enter early. Enjoy your run!

The first half of the 2006 Connemara Marathon was great. With only 500 in the marathon I found my stride quickly. It seemed to be rolling hills, great temperature for running, and had a tailwind off and on. This allowed me to get my hopes up before hitting the hills and weather elements of the second half. The course was challenging, but not too difficult. The hardest part was the wind and the rain. I won't fault Ray (race director) for the weather though, especially not in Ireland. I do think there should have been less automobile traffic on the course even though I realize you can't shut down all the county for the race, but still there was too much traffic on the course. The other problem was the lack of food on the course. Water points were good, but there needed to be more energy drinks and much more food on the course. Fortunately Dublin 2004 taught me to carry my own food, but runners shouldn't have to carry all their own food. In summary I would do this marathon again and I would recommend it to others, but there is definitely room for improvement here too.

It's difficult to describe the Connemara experience. It's just so different from any big-city event. Instead of running past spectators along the road, you are in splendid isolation, with hardly anyone here to see you apart from the volunteers at the watering stations. The organization is relaxed but it worked well. This year the hotel at the finishing area was closed, and the organizers had to erect some tents instead. They were dark and smelly, and a poor substitute to the facilities that the hotel would have provided - but what can you do! Most runners just take those kind of things in stride. The bus transfer to the starting line, and to and from Galway City, worked perfectly for me. The scenery is spectacular and the volunteers are enthusiastic - now, if someone could raze that hell of a hill between miles 22 and 24, I'd be perfectly happy! This was my favorite marathon so far, and I'll definitely be back for more.

Having read the comments from others, we all agree it's a great, wonderful race - very scenic. And then, when you reach mile 21/22 (approximately), it's like the last scene in The Perfect Storm. George Clooney thinks the worst is over until he sees this mother of all waves facing him - or in my case, that bloody hill. All I can say is: Count me in this year, again.

This is a run in the country, and if you like to look around and see where you are and think about things outside of running, then you will have a happy day here. The gentle climb away from Lough Inagh at the start leads you up onto a low-level plateau where the splendour and majesty of the Connemara hills sweeping up and away from you on all sides will leave you with little doubt that you did the right thing by entering this race. If solitude is your thing (and you run anywhere near 3 hours) and you have no fear of being alone with your thoughts, then keep on running. You will be on your own. If you have been disappointed by the scenery in the opening few miles, then the descent along the fjiord side of Killary Harbour to Leenane at halfway should rid you of any doubts you harbour about what's the most spectacular marathon course you've ever run (I'm planning to give Big Sur a review in 2006). There are some hills, but when you go for a run in Connemara, you'd be disappointed if there wasn't. Sheep won't bother you, so long as you don't bother them. Its difficult to see where you get out of the valley you're running in after mile 20, but the high pass soon becomes apparent. Savour this last decent hill, 'cause it's all downhill to copious pints of Guinness after that. And you will see people again at the finish.

I ran this marathon three times. It's worth doing for its amazing scenery, and great support from the spectators. It's quite tough, with gruelling 1.5 mile climb near the end, so may not be the place to get a PB. Only negative points would be the traffic on the roads while running, and last year, some poor organization at the end during post-race refreshments and finish area congested with cars and spectators. These gripes aside, I'm sure the Connemarathon will improve and gain in popularity year-on-year. I recommend it as a refreshing alternative to big-city marathons.

This race will grow as the scenery is stunning and the route provides a fairly balanced challenge. Probably not one for those who hate hills! But it is not a toughie, although the last hill is a bit of a slog, particularly at the 22-mile point, but the finish is downhill from that. Could do with closing off that last section of road to the traffic as it is a narrow finish area. The organization was fairly laidback but functional and the facilities at the end were good, if you could beat the rush and get past the doormen. How many races have bouncers to the post-race bash? All the same, I'll be there next year.

I ran the Connemarathon for the first time a few weeks ago. It has all the makings of a marathon that is going to become huge. The scenery is fantastic, the course is hilly and tough, but well worth running it. The only drawback was the roads didn't seem to be closed off, as cars were passing us out on a fairly regular basis. I gave spectators 3 stars because spectators were encouraged not to go onto the route. Overall, the Connemarathon is a race that is challenging, yet rewarding. Come and run it and see for yourself.

I ran the half marathon this year and can't recommend it highly enough. The experience of running through the peace and beauty of Connmara is wonderful. The organization was great, and the isolation of the event created a lovely atmosphere among the runners.

This race is a real gem. It is a totally different experience from any other race I have run in. The organization is first class. From entry form to finish line, there is help available if you need it. The website has a chat forum with even more help and advice from other runners. I have already entered for next year’s marathon, and would advise anyone thinking about entering to do so quickly. The course winds through some awe-inspiring countryside. It is not easy, but well worth the effort. I ran London two weeks after Connemara, and if both races were on the same day, I would be heading for Ireland. Come and run this race, and you’ll understand.

I have just returned from Ireland after running the Connemara Half Marathon. It was by far one of the best runs I have ever had! The scenery and course are breathtaking and challenging. The bus ride, pre race breakfast and post race dinner were 5-star quality. I would highly recommend this as a race vacation destination. Kudos to Race director Ray, who is by far one of the best ever!

I ran this race as a pacer for the 3:30 group this year and had an absolute ball. I suppose I'm not totally objective as I helped out with some of the organisation but its no exageration to say that the race was a great success. The setting for this race is the real star and the chance to race through it should not be missed.

This is easily the best marathon I have ever run. The course is spectacularly beautiful (though tough, with three major hills), and the organisation is above first class - every last detail, and more, has been thought of. This marathon is very much off the beaten track, so spectators are few and far between, but I gave five stars for a fantastic sense of camaraderie among the runners. They really helped each other along - more so than I have seen in any other race. If you fancy something a bit different, then I cannot recommend this race enough.

Just completed the 13.1 miler for 2003. The 26.2 miles was beyond me this early in the year so a friend recommended this event as an alternative. The website www.connemarathon.com was an excellent resource pre-race. The day itself was perfect. We were very lucky with the weather. Partially cloudy early on, cleared to blue skis by the afternoon. The field for the half-marathon waited at Leenaun for the leading group of the marathon to pass and we set off at 12pm on the dot. First mile uphill out of the village. Had to remember to take it easy in spite of the adrenalin. Settled into running with a good mix of ups and downs until you pass through Maam Village about 9 miles in. Miles 10 & 11 are serious, mostly uphill and winding and the relief of finding a plateau at the beginning of mile 12 is huge. The last 2 miles are long as are all closing miles but the hardest part is done at this stage. The only spectators on the course (besides locals) will greet you on the finish line at Peacockes Hotel. Scenery in this part of the country is awesome - 20 degrees hotter and it could have been the Nevada Desert. If you are looking for as little distraction as possible and some unforgettable landscape, go run either distance in 2004.

Last year I ran four marathons (Boston, Dublin, Longford and this one Connemara). While each of the other races had their charms, this was my favourite by far. The setting for this race has to be seen to be believed. Sweeping mountains and majestic views over glass lakes. This is true wilderness with a marathon that passes through it. The organisation is also top notch with everything from free bus transfers from the nearby Galway City, breakfast and generous race refreshments included in the race fee. I wouldn't run this race if you're looking for the hustle and bustle of a big city marathon like New York or London, support from spectators is thin on the ground (I've given 'fans' five stars above because of the numerous sheep on the route! They were most supportive :-)) . However, if you want to run through some of the most stunning countryside there is, this one might be for you.