Belfast Marathon. Anyone done it?

mazroo

I said id do one before im 30 and this is just about before it. 2nd of May. Im up to 10 comfortable now so im hopin to have the majority done by mid april. ??? Is it time enough? Is this more or less hilly than Dublin?

ger664

Did it last year,

Be very careful at the start the streets are quite narrow and I nearly did myself in on kerbs twice in the first mile.

First 6 miles are quite undulating, then flat in around the city for the next 2-3 miles, then a climb/drag from the falls mile 9 up to the zoo mile 14.

Be very careful 2 very quick downhill miles to the canal/motorway section where its flat all the way to mile 24, with exception to the a stiff ramp up from the canal at mile 19 and a stiff hill in the park around mile 23. There is a small drag between 24 and 25 but it will seem a lot bigger then it actually is.

Overall its a lot tougher then Dublin but its not a killer.

As for the training concentrate on getting the mileage up slowly between now and mid April.

Keep your long runs slow. You probably should just aim to finish this so do not even think about doing it in a certain time.

There is a lot to see in the first half of this marathon so take the time to enjoy it.

Cabaal

I was going to do Belfast but went with Cork on June 6th instead,

mazroo

Awh thanks guys.. Think ill do Kildare instead! Ill give it a wack! thanks for the imput. Helped!!! Good luck with Cork x

thirstywork2

Anyone done this before and whats your verdict on the course compared to Dublin?
Thinking of entering this as my first marathon !!!:eek:

TheRoadRunner

I've ran it 3 times. Each time the course was slightly different.

The course(s) are comparable to Dublin, the last time I did it (2006) there was a 'hore of a hill at 8 miles.

The dept of the field isn't great and there is a good chance you will end up running large sections on your own. Comapred to Dublin where you should have company for the majority of the race. They have a relay thrown in with the marathon also. The first year I ran this really messed me up as my pace was up and down due to changeovers where people were rocketing off only to died a death down the road.

Not a bad marathon overall but I don't think it compares to Dublin at all.

belcarra

There's also a boring and smelly portion through an industrial estate around mile 15 or thereabouts.
I thought it was cool to get the ultimate tourist trip through Belfast getting to see the Falls and the Shankill, etc. but there are long patches where it's boring enough.
I also found the finish pretty frustrating. I was knackered but they make you do a large triangle of Ormeau Pk which lasts about 3 miles when all you wanna do is take the shortcut across directly!!

shels4ever

Went around the course once, and the last couple of legs of the realy last year. The first few miles are in the city some issue with sharp tunrs but other then that mile 1-4 are flat, after that there is a bit of a drag until6 or 7 miles with another hill about 9 ish. The only good thing you would think is what goes up must come down, the problem is that most of the drop happens over about 1 mile just after half way.

After that your out on the coast, I don't really like that section of the race as there is no support for the best part of 5 miles. The run in isnt to bad, it goes through the city and then a loop around the park, you can spot the finish at about 23 miles which killed me.

One thing should be said that its more of a marathon relay with some marathon runners, as finding groups to run with can be hard, and pace tends to speed up close to and fater the change overs.

It's one that I would do again but haven't done enough Marathon to compare it.

POC123

Ran it this year...day was quite hot just as you started hitting the hills from around mile 8. Lots of twisting and turning running through small streets with lots of kerbs and speed bumps.
There was a relay also which made it hard to keep pace with either people finishing their leg of the relay or else freshly starting...but the crowds at the changeover points did help a bit, actually overall the crowds along the route were great.
I think mile 17-20 was along the seafront with a strong enough cross wind...and then through an industrial area.
Worst was at mile 23 when you passed close to the finish and you could hear the cheering and excitement but you had to run away from it....right onto a very long mile and a half uphill drag.
On a positive note it was cheap...33 pounds I think....
I did the Cork marathon 4 weeks later...a far more enjoyable experience, much nicer (and flatter) course...

Mint Sauce

Just signed up to it in the week. Will be my first Marathon. Nice tips and advice there already.

az2wp0sye65487

Was going to create a thread on this but found this one instead.

Picked up a stress fracture on a LSR a couple of weeks before DCM this year so I missed it due to injury.

So I signed up to Belfast 2012. I haven't done any running (or any exercise for that matter) between mid October and Christmas. So I've lost a good bit of fitness and also gained some weight.

I went for a very slow and short jog last night - everything's feeling OK today - so it's time to get back training! It's surprising how you just adapt to doing nothing (it's frustrating at first, but then it just becomes habit!) and gradually start gaining weight again...

From reading some of the previous posts here it doesn't look like Belfast is the best course in terms of enjoyment, experience etc. but to be honest I'm just happy to be running again.

Any others here signed up to Belfast??

Oisin11178

Problem with belfast is that its always the day after limerick and between the full and half alot of people from on here do limerick.

ger664

Oisin11178 wrote: »

Problem with belfast is that its always the day after limerick and between the full and half alot of people from on here do limerick.

Agree but Belfast like Longford where already established marathons on the calender before both Limerick and Galway decided to run on the same weekend in Limericks case, and same day :eek: in Galway,s case (which did not go ahead last year).

IMO this was silly because there is no marathon on the August Bank Holiday Weekend or St Patricks Day

From an international visitor point of view a Paddy's Day Marathon would be a great selling point.

You could however do both :rolleyes:

dizzymom

there is a group of us signed up to do belfast
i havent much information on this one - is it a big marathon?
just wondering if it gets congested at the change over points of the relay ?
would anyone say it is a pb course? some of our group are trying to aim for boston qualifying time for 2013 and are using this marathon as an 'attempt' -
is it hilly or just the one hill at mile 8.
any information on this course greatly appreciated
oh ya and is the medal a nice one?

jahaco

I've run it each of the last 3 years and found it just as fast as Dublin. I like the ambience and everone is friendly (apart from the odd demonstration on the Falls Road by you know who). I like running with the relay runners because it is great fun to go through the changeover points and whip them all up and also derive a lot of satisfaction that you know you are ahead of them all. Medal is good too. My only problem with it has been the PSNI speed trap on the drive home!

dizzymom

thanks for the information
looking forward to it
training starts 16th jan !!!

Irish Warri0r

dizzymom wrote: »

thanks for the information
looking forward to it
training starts 16th jan !!!

I signed up for this to and my training starts today(Hal hidgon 18 week program) cant wait to get out there just waiting for the wind to die down a bit.

jahaco

Oh and there are good pacers too.

Fieldsman

I remember running this race back in 1986 and 87 when it was sponsored by Guiness with a free bar after the race,can you imagine !!!!.I hope to try it again this year as I had a close relative lost in the Titanic and this is centenary year

thereturn

Hi there. I'm looking to do this as my first marathon and have been training for it for good while now. Only problem is I see you can't pick up race pack on day of race and instead have to collect it on days leading up to it. This is a problem for me as I was planning on driving up on the day (7th of May) and I don't know anyone living in Belfast who could pick it up for me. What exactly is in race pack for marathon and is it essential to collect this in order to take part? Please excuse my ignorance.

ger664

thereturn wrote: »

Hi there. I'm looking to do this as my first marathon and have been training for it for good while now. Only problem is I see you can't pick up race pack on day of race and instead have to collect it on days leading up to it. This is a problem for me as I was planning on driving up on the day (7th of May) and I don't know anyone living in Belfast who could pick it up for me. What exactly is in race pack for marathon and is it essential to collect this in order to take part? Please excuse my ignorance.

It contains your race number which without you may get taken off at the start the course or worse still in the last mile/near the finish.

There are a few here doing this so maybe someone might be kind enough to pick it up as they didn't require ID in 2010 when I did it.

thereturn

ger664 wrote: »

It contains your race number which without you may get taken off at the start the course or worse still in the last mile/near the finish.

There are a few here doing this so maybe someone might be kind enough to pick it up as they didn't require ID in 2010 when I did it.

Right. Thanks for the advice ger. Will probably sign up before Saturday and hope it works out for the best.

ger664

thereturn wrote: »

Right. Thanks for the advice ger. Will probably sign up before Saturday and hope it works out for the best.

There is a £20 surcharge if you do not do it before saturday.

Oisin11178

You heading up to belfast ger :-)

ger664

Oisin11178 wrote: »

You heading up to belfast ger :-)

Not after the post refreshments in Limrerick :eek:

Oisin11178

ger664 wrote: »

Not after the post refreshments in Limrerick :eek:

Im doing both this year. Wanted to do Belfast and i dont wanna miss Limerick so:D

Mint Sauce

Well many heading up. Just two weeks time. Watching London for inspiration in the morning.

topcat77

Ran the Belfast as my first in 2010, did it in 4:15. Major issue with the water stop going through the Industrial Est think around 18 miles, They had run out of water!!! not good enough!!!!

ger664

topcat77 wrote: »

Ran the Belfast as my first in 2010, did it in 4:15. Major issue with the water stop going through the Industrial Est think around 18 miles, They had run out of water!!! not good enough!!!!

Was okay when I passed did a 4hr race. A bit silly really if it was the case given who is the main sponsor.

az2wp0sye65487

I'm heading up to do this. I've definitely under-trained. No real goal or time in mind. Just want to enjoy the day. First event after an injury late last year.

Many Boardsies doing it??

topcat77

DEEP RIVERCOCK!!!!!!!! just checked my time! was more like 4:45. :mad:

az2wp0sye65487

topcat77 wrote: »

Ran the Belfast as my first in 2010, did it in 4:15. Major issue with the water stop going through the Industrial Est think around 18 miles, They had run out of water!!! not good enough!!!!

ger664 wrote: »

Was okay when I passed did a 4hr race. A bit silly really if it was the case given who is the main sponsor.

topcat77 wrote: »

DEEP RIVERCOCK!!!!!!!! just checked my time! was more like 4:45. :mad:

haha were River Rock sponsoring it in 2010 too? - not a good sign!

Doesn't look like there are too many Boardsies heading up to do this. I'm looking forward to it anyway.

marathonm@n

Did it in 07. Didn't enjoy it. Relay runners a pain (I'm running relay this year) as they were speeding past you and you didn't know whether they were in full or not. For a city marathon the course is poor.
Think they are changing the course next year. This time it is been designed by runners and should be much better.

az2wp0sye65487

marathonm@n wrote: »

Did it in 07. Didn't enjoy it. Relay runners a pain (I'm running relay this year) as they were speeding past you and you didn't know whether they were in full or not. For a city marathon the course is poor.
Think they are changing the course next year. This time it is been designed by runners and should be much better.

Well that's made me really look forward to it now! :pac:

Ah well - I'll still give it a bash!

Was chatting to a friend over the weekend and I told him I'm doing the Balfast Marathon next week.... I got the "Oh yeah? - how long is that one?"

:rolleyes:

SnappyDresser

This will be my 10th marathon and never have I been more underwhelmed before a race. Its sounds very like Cork City marathon with tons of relay runners. They do not bother me at all as very often you see them sprinting off and after a couple of miles pass them as they flounder

The course sounds uninteresting but sure one cant expect the hanging gardens of babylon!:D

jahaco

marathonm@n wrote: »

Did it in 07. Didn't enjoy it. Relay runners a pain (I'm running relay this year) as they were speeding past you and you didn't know whether they were in full or not. For a city marathon the course is poor.
Think they are changing the course next year. This time it is been designed by runners and should be much better.

Not sure I agree. I have run it 3 times and always enjoyed the relay element. They wear numbers on their backs so you could in fact pick them out and there was always a great welcome for the marathoners as we ran through the handover points. I got huge satisfaction from beating most of the relay teams as well.

In terms of course layout, it's true it's not that scenic but you do pass through some historic streets and I think the ambience is just as good as anywhere else I have run. I am sad not to be running it again this year, but am focusing on quality not quantity for a change and just completed Paris. Otherwise I would definitely be there.

My only really problem with it is the speeding offence I picked up on one occasion from the PSNI on the drive back down to Dublin afterwards! There's no sympathy there!

az2wp0sye65487

Just wondering...... should I wear my blue t-shirt or my green one for this?!

mlyj

It's my first time running the Belfast marathon and I have to say I'm actually looking forward to seeing all the streets etc that ya'd only see on the telly..

have to say, its a bit of a pain that the expo only open until 5 on Sunday - is there much to do the evening before a marathon in Belfast ????

ger664

mlyj wrote: »

It's my first time running the Belfast marathon and I have to say I'm actually looking forward to seeing all the streets etc that ya'd only see on the telly..

have to say, its a bit of a pain that the expo only open until 5 on Sunday - is there much to do the evening before a marathon in Belfast ????

This is the one culture shock that I got up there. Its Sunday the day of sabbath and they do obey it. Had the 2 kids with me last time and after the expo went looking for somewhere to eat what was open was full so ended up in McDonalds:eek: for my pre race carb load.

MaxPower131

Forecast is for showers on Monday, so fingers crossed it holds off.

Speaking of food Sunday night, is there any anyone attending the pasta party Sunday night or is it too late to book. Don't fancy a McD's as carbo loading:D

Mint Sauce

MaxPower131 wrote: »

Forecast is for showers on Monday, so fingers crossed it holds off.

Speaking of food Sunday night, is there any anyone attending the pasta party Sunday night or is it too late to book. Don't fancy a McD's as carbo loading:D

Pasta Party? When and where?

I dont fancy Maccy Ds at any time.

mlyj

surly there's somewhere better than McD's...

Might have to book in somewhere

http://www.gotobelfast.com/things-to-do/category/eating-out

MaxPower131

irish-stew wrote: »

Pasta Party? When and where?

I dont fancy Maccy Ds at any time.

The Premier Inn hotel. Details are on the marathon website.

Mint Sauce

MaxPower131 wrote: »

The Premier Inn hotel. Details are on the marathon website.

A band performing on the night? I plan to be tucked up in bed by 10pm.

Lex Luther

Got roped in for the relay ...( wil try not up-set any of the full runners though I promise:)).
I'm leg 3 ( miles 9 to 16) and thoughyt I might just run on to the end rather than messing about with buses etc. I've never run a relay before though - does anyone know if this would cause a problem for the organisers or are they relaxed enough ? I wouldnt be planning on running over finish line of course , just back as far back to finish area as practical.)
Cheers
Lex

thereturn

Doing this as my first marathon too. Just looking at the route map and I have a few questions. If anyone could assist I'd appreciate it
- I see there are both water stations and energy stations. Is it that there is food at energy stations
- If so what sort of food and how normal is it to eat during marathon? I don't normally eat a lot before running long distances as concerned that I'll need to go to toilet but suppose as I've never run 26 miles I perhaps should?
- Forecast looks poor so is it advisable to wear a sports rain coat over running top?
- Do you have to wear a timing chip on runner or can it be worn somewhere else
Excuse the ignorance of above and thanks.

MaxPower131

thereturn wrote: »

Doing this as my first marathon too. Just looking at the route map and I have a few questions. If anyone could assist I'd appreciate it
- I see there are both water stations and energy stations. Is it that there is food at energy stations
- If so what sort of food and how normal is it to eat during marathon? I don't normally eat a lot before running long distances as concerned that I'll need to go to toilet but suppose as I've never run 26 miles I perhaps should?
- Forecast looks poor so is it advisable to wear a sports rain coat over running top?
- Do you have to wear a timing chip on runner or can it be worn somewhere else
Excuse the ignorance of above and thanks.

Energy stations are where they give out gels. After about 18-20 the lining of your stomach is completely empty so these gels help to give you energy and help prevent you hitting the wall. Have you tried these gels on your training runs? Most runners find them ok but they can have a negative effect on some.

Yes there is a nice low pressure over Belfast so its looking like a wet and cold one! Yep a sports coat over top is good as it will keep u warm but you'll probably have to dump it after a few miles. I'm gonna go for the good old fashionable black refuse bag which can be discarded easily.

Enjoy your first marathon, its a great experience!

Never done Belfast before but I assume the chip will be on your running number.

ger664

thereturn wrote: »

Doing this as my first marathon too. Just looking at the route map and I have a few questions. If anyone could assist I'd appreciate it
- I see there are both water stations and energy stations. Is it that there is food at energy stations

I recall they gave out oranges and bannas in 2010. They probably gave out Gels as well but I always carry my own supply, so cant recall if they did or what brand they where

- If so what sort of food and how normal is it to eat during marathon? I don't normally eat a lot before running long distances as concerned that I'll need to go to toilet but suppose as I've never run 26 miles I perhaps should?

You really should but you should have figured this out before now. The morning of a race is not really the time to start experimenting with pre race meal. Normally 2-3 hours before White carbs or oat based cereal. Steer clear of high fibre stuff in the days leading up to the race and that morning. During the race take whatever gels/food is on offer at stations and hope they do not disagree with you.

- Forecast looks poor so is it advisable to wear a sports rain coat over running top?

Black liner bags or old hoddie that you can discard to keep warm and dry while hanging around at the start. Disgard it asap after the start. Run hard enough it will keep you warm. Its easier to run in the wet. Would you prefer the warm sunny day they got in Boston instead, get into a group if running into the wind.

- Do you have to wear a timing chip on runner or can it be worn somewhere else
Excuse the ignorance of above and thanks.

have yet to do a race where I have been advised to where them anywhere but on the shoe. You will be told where to place it in the literature you get with your racer number.

Answers in bold

thereturn

Thanks for the advice max. Informative and useful. I dislike the taste of gels but will try something else for sure.

Thanks ger. I hope they give out fruit this year too. I have experimented with pre race meals previously but I only eat slightly bigger breakfast when running 20 miles so that is why I was asking should I take on more for longer distance. Will certainly try and get into group with a headwind and good call on old hoodie.

Name Changed

thereturn wrote: »

Thanks for the advice max. Informative and useful. I dislike the taste of gels but will try something else for sure.

Thanks ger. I hope they give out fruit this year too. I have experimented with pre race meals previously but I only eat slightly bigger breakfast when running 20 miles so that is why I was asking should I take on more for longer distance. Will certainly try and get into group with a headwind and good call on old hoodie.

I don't like the gels either and refused to use them until my last marathon. They seemed to work for me anyway, and I didn't really expect them to so I can't even blame the placebo effect (I'd be very reluctant to believe in any of these products)!

Mint Sauce

Any Boardsies got their packs yet? Belfast bound in the morning my self.