Marathon de Monaco et des Riviera - Race Reviews

A fantastic marathon. Very tough course though, so do not expect a fast time; but the views of the med and the iconic principality are amazing. You start on the very place the Grand Prix begins. Nice finish in the Monaco soccer stadium. Book hotels early if you wish to stay on Monaco itself, otherwise it may be trip in from Nice or Menton.

The expo was small but organized. Tons of water, sponges, fruit, etc. Very hard route - mountainous terrain. Training in the Swiss Alps would be helpful. Small field - about 1,100 people. They had a 5:30 time limit, but most finished well before that. They have 3 checkpoints, and if you are not there at a certain time, they cross out your bib and remove your chip and you are disqualified. You will be running by yourself for a lot of the marathon. I actually ran with a sheep at one point, which actually had a bib. She was hard to keep up with. She must have done a lot of mountain training. Very fit. The finish was great: One lap in the Olympic Stadium. Monaco is absolutely beautiful; the route was stunning, but the hills were murder. After completing the marathon, several runners were lying all over the track from exhaustion. Wear a visor as well. A lot of sun. Wind can be a factor too. Not a good marathon for a first-timers.

Wow, what a beautiful, scenic race. Wow, what nice spectators, and there were plenty of them. Very encouraging. Wow, what well stocked "water" stations. They not only had water, but pastries, fruit and sugar cubes. I didn't know if I was running a race or eating at a buffet. Wow, what beautiful weather. It's Monaco... they average 300 days of sunshine per year, so chances are you're going to have beautiful skies like we did. Wow, I was beaten by a man running on stilts. Wow, what hills! Monaco is carved into a mountainside so you've got to figure it's going to be hilly. Plus, it's an out-and-back course (across Monaco and France out to Italy), so lucky you - you get to run those hills twice! However, the scenery is just so incredible that you do have something to distract you from your discomfort. I loved this race.

My husband and I traveled to the Riveria in 2006 for this race. It is the most beautiful course imaginable! I still dream about the fantastic views we enjoyed. When we completed the race, it was scheduled in November and happened to be very warm (at least 80 deg F), and there was an extremely challenging hill at about mile 18.

The marathon is tough going - at 31 KM it goes up a steep hill, which seemed to break a few people. The thing is just to run through it. I enjoyed the first 10-15 KM as it gradually climbs to the hills around Monaco where you can see everything. The crowds were ok - a few local supporters from their houses were great but generally it was quite quiet. We stayed in a youth hostel in Nice, which was great, as we saw so much. Would recommend the run but it is quite hilly!!!

Gorgeous, well organized, and I'm thrilled to say I finished! Just a couple of notes: No timing devices along the route, so wear a watch if that's important to you. Chips are attached to a Velcro band around your ankle, so wear high socks to avoid ankle burn/blistering. Wish I'd known about the killer hill at about 31K... as it kind of broke my spirit. I took the advice of Deadlybuzz from Tokyo and stayed at the Riviera Marriott La Porte de Monaco (011 33 49 2106767) and glad I did. Walked home from the stadium where the race ended.

It was a nice experience to run along the coastline. The hardest bit was around km 39 where it goes very steep down the hill could hardly move my legs

I'm still in the afterglow of a wonderful weekend on the Cote d'Azur. My comments on the marathon mirror those said by the previous contributors: an incredibly beautiful coastal location, good organization, plenty of hills to make you work hard, nice but pretty silent spectators, hard-working volunteers, a superb finish in the stadium (but after a steep climb up the ramp to get there...augh!!!). The previous contributors who commented on lack of water need to realize that this is the way marathons do it in Europe, water every 5 k. I think it was superb that they offered wet sponges as often as drinks, and not all marathons offer food along the way, but this one did. I added at least 5 minutes to my finish time by stopping to take pictures along the way, but what does it matter? I certainly wasn't in contention for a trophy! One thing that American runners need to keep in mind is that there are fewer of what we consider mid-packers or back-of-the-packers in European marathons, at least by our standards. If you are used to finishing around 4:30, and are usually right in the middle of the pack, you will be surprised to find yourself near the back. I don't think it's that they are all faster, but perhaps that the ones who compete in marathons take it very seriously, speed train together regularly, don't do as many as many Americans do (this was my 7th this year), and there are fewer slower runners who chose to participate. So, just go out there, do your regular pace, don't be intimidated (the Europeans don't care about your finish time!), and enjoy the cultural experience. This is definitely one of the most beautiful courses that I've done, out of 39 marathons/ultras, so I highly recommend it! By the way, I also suggest you consider staying in Menton ('Mehn-tohn'), just east of Monaco. It's a darling coastal town, less 'glitzy,' and less pricey. There are several nice places, but affordable, along the coast. We chose the Hotel Richelieu just a block into the old town district. It had absolutely NO view, was very basic, but clean,with a comfy bed, TV, private bath, a very welcoming and helpful host (spoke no English), continental breakfast included, convenient to restaurants, the town, and the coast, at a special marathon price of only 70 euros for two nights for 2 people!!! That's less than $50 a night, which, believe me, is a huge bargain, especially being in a coastal town. However, if you want a view, pass on this one. We chose to save the $$, apply it to a nice meal at a restaurant with the view! DO THIS MARATHON, BUT TRAIN ON HILLS!!!

I really enjoyed this marathon. I ran it once a couple of years ago, and would definitely return some day. The organization was superb. The pasta party was well arranged, although the offer of wine was a bit tempting, I must admit. The facilities in Stade Louis II at the finish were excellent. The course is a little tough, as there is a steep climb around the 20-mile mark, but some of the scenery along the coast is a welcome distraction. I stayed at the Marriott Hotel in Cap d'Ail, which is ideally located across the road from the finish, and not as pricey as hotels in downtown Monaco. I wholeheartedly recommend this marathon.

I agree with comments about the hills and scenery... and the minor thrill of running a truly international race (3 countries!). But... very hot over the last 10KM and little water. And all the sponges had run out by the time I got there (3:46 finish).

Monaco, the retreat of the rich and well-heeled, and also a great scenic marathon run. Obviously, the principality cannot encompass a full marathon course around its borders, but makes up for this by allowing the runner to experience the sense of leaving the Louis Stadium and crossing into France, then through the long tunnels over the Italian border. Just the place for your toe to start bleeding! (As mine did). Still, made it back to a tremendous finish. Best to stay outside the place as prices are a bit steep. My tip: nearby Nice offers easy and reliable transport to the start.

It is a tough and hilly course, but after running all the major marathons in the world, I think this one is the most beautiful. I wish the spectators could be brought to NY as a part of a 'cultural exchange' to learn how to scream and cheer, but while they were mostly quiet, they were very nice and kind anyway. If you love to travel and are able to appreciate the incredibly beautiful panorama while on the run, you must do this marathon!

Unique opportunity to run in three countries (Monaco - 10 km, France - 26 km, Italy - 6 km), wonderful surroundings (I ran with a camera as many others), hilly course which was pretty tough even for my experienced legs (my 255th marathon was run in Monaco), sun, strong wind, welcoming spectators....

I wanted to briefly comment about this race in a way that might benefit other runners who consider this race in the future. I want first to applaude the fantastic event, the organization, the people of Monaco and France who made us feel welcomed and catered to all our needs. If you are looking for a race that is not razor flat, challenges you from the fist mile until the last, and small enough that does not impede your running pace, then this is the race for you. Not for novice runners, you need some hill training before coming, stay hydrated (plenty of water stations), and most importantly, come here to have fun running among the most beautiful landscape only the French Riviera can offer.

The course was breathtakingly beautiful, but hilly. The time limit of 5'30 allows first timers to challenge a marathon. Finish at the stadium was great. Bands were performing at every 5 miles or so. Very well-organized.

I have run numerous races and was greatly disappointed in this one. Despite the fantastic scenery, the water stations were few and far between. This ended up being vital as the temperature climbed into the 70's during the late morning. The finish was disorganized and I spent an hour trying to find my clothes bag and showers. Overall, the location didn't compensate for the poor organization.

Very scenic course with a very unique feature at the finsh. The last 100 meters my two young daughters were able to join me for the finish. They even recieved the same finisher's medal. What a great way to get your children involved!

Coached and accompanied 38 American beginner / intermediate runners. Great support from the Monaco Athletics Federation! The travel destination and the tourist possibilities are excellent. Very safe and friendly.

The Monaco Marathon is a beautiful course that winds its way from Monaco to France to Italy and then back to Monaco. There are great views from the high cliffs and in the exclusive village of Cap St Martin. There is a steep climb at kilometer 32 that makes the finish interesting. In some areas along the course there are few, if any, supporters. The Marathon expo is simple but organized, as is the Pasta Party. The runners are coming from all over Europe. The race finishes in the Stadium Louis II. The 'after-race' is well organized and spread out to give the runners room. The drinks, doctors, massage, bag pick-up and showers are all inside the stadium. A great race!