Marathon Reviews
Here are a few marathon reviews from the staff here at Lanson Running:
London Marathon - the world's biggest marathon
Snowdonia Marthon - a big mountain marathon
Berlin Marathon - a fast German marathon
Edinburgh Marathon - a city marathon not in the city
Great North Run - the biggest half-marathon in the world
Arguably the world’s best marathon, and certainly attracting the broadest range of participants from the highest calibre of elite athletes, to keen club runners and fancy dress fun runners alike.
The course is flat and fast, and the organisation is flawless. The atmosphere around the course is electric - London has the world’s most enthusiastic, and loudest spectators! The only thing that can’t be counted on is the British weather which could mean rain, snow or shine!
If you want a change from big city marathons then Snowdonia is one to consider. The course is incredibly picturesque, but challenging. As would be expected, the course is hilly, but you do get to run down the hills as well as up! Sensible pacing is the key to running well here.
The course starts with a few miles of ascent, which is really just a taster of what is to come. After this it’s down hill to about half way, it’s important to hold back on this section, or it may come to haunt you later on. The course climbs gradually for a few miles after half way, before levelling out again, but don’t get complacent because at mile 23, just when you need it least, there is a monster of a hill which goes on, and on, and on…. if you get to the top there is a sharp decent down to the last mile which is mercifully flat.
This is a very special race, but not one for the faint hearted.
The marathon course in Berlin hosts the record for the fastest time in history, it is very flat, and very fast - an ideal place to go hunting for PBs. A world of caution however - Berlin in September can be hot, and this has scuppered many a PB attempt.
As would be expected with German efficiency, the event is very well organised. It is the highlight of a weekend festival of running events, which notably, also includes and inline skating race. There are plenty of things to see and do if you are taking the family along.
It’s easy to get to and from Berlin so if you’re looking for a weekend break, with a marathon thrown in, this would definitely be one to consider.
This is billed as being a fast course because it is mildly downhill from Edinburgh town centre to the coast. This is true and there is the potential to run a good time, but it is a boring course without spectators for the majority of the route.
The weather in 2009 and 2010 was also very hot (high 20s) which also made the event a lot more challenging and the organisers could certainly do with a few more water stations along the way. Plus the logistics at the end to get back to the town centre were not great.
Edinburgh is a great city though and could be a great place for a weekend break with the potential for a PB on the downhill course. Just don't expect crowds like London...
The route of the world's largest half marathon takes you from Newcastle to the coast at South Shields. The course is extremely well supported with friendly spectators lining the course right from the beginning all the way to the finishing line. The support is fantastic but the sheer number volume of runners means that congestion can occur.
Organisation of the event has improved over the years which has resulted in a much better start and finish to the event. One of the best parts of the run is running over the iconic Tyne Bridge with the enthusiastic support encouraging you on your way.
Although the course is ultimately downhill there is a long steady incline from around 8 to 12 miles which can be a bit energy zapping. Once you are through this it is a mile along the coast to the finish. Given the time of year it can be a blustery final mile and the extra 100 yards can make it seem like the never ending mile.
In summary it is a well organised, extremely well supported half marathon. It is well worth making the trip to the North East to take part in it.