Waterford Viking Marathon 2015

mrkdips

http://www.waterfordvikingmarathon.com

Don't see a thread for this one for 2015 here.
Coming up soon. Anyone doing it. There are quarter, half and full options. It's a good one

Itziger

mrkdips wrote: »

http://www.waterfordvikingmarathon.com

Don't see a thread for this one for 2015 here.
Coming up soon. Anyone doing it. There are quarter, half and full options. It's a good one

Yeah, they offer a range of distances. Very popular with first time sub 3 runners.

babalobioddy

Just signed up, Hoping for sub 3 but it might be a little out of reach. is there a sub 3 pacer ?
Have done this twice before, great course not many hills. Best finish to a marathon I've experienced.

KingMambo26

I did it last year. Great race and one of the few where you can get a massage at the end! Finding the bus back into town was a bit of a pain since it was hidden at the top of the road behind the petrol station without any signage.

webpal

Signed up for the half today, would love to do the full one, maybe next year.

Notwork Error

KingMambo26 wrote: »

I did it last year. Great race and one of the few where you can get a massage at the end! Finding the bus back into town was a bit of a pain since it was hidden at the top of the road behind the petrol station without any signage.

That's arguable. I've done it the last 2 years and in that time, The half marathon and marathon was 400m long the first year and the marathon was short last year.

The first year I done it on top of the course being long, a tractor was let onto the road in front of me and I couldn't pass it until it turned off a mile later.

The congestion for the last mile was ridiculous for the half marathon runners last year as we ran into the back of the quarter marathon walkers who wouldn't move and I had to stop completely at times.

The race has been a general pain in the ass for me everytime and I don't know why but I'm going to give it one last chance this time and do the half.

Itziger

Notwork Error wrote: »

That's arguable. I've done it the last 2 years and in that time, The half marathon and marathon was 400m long the first year and the marathon was short last year.

The first year I done it on top of the course being long, a tractor was let onto the road in front of me and I couldn't pass it until it turned off a mile later.

The congestion for the last mile was ridiculous for the half marathon runners last year as we ran into the back of the quarter marathon walkers who wouldn't move and I had to stop completely at times.

The race has been a general pain in the ass for me everytime and I don't know why but I'm going to give it one last chance this time and do the half.

Jeeeez, any one of those problems on their own would be enough. But all 3. I've just been offered an entry to Saturday's Lux marathon. Bollicks, I've only one long run done and that was yesterday. And it was slow and unimpressive. Better start tapering. At least I won't have tractors to worry about.

Notwork Error

Itziger wrote: »

Jeeeez, any one of those problems on their own would be enough. But all 3. I've just been offered an entry to Saturday's Lux marathon. Bollicks, I've only one long run done and that was yesterday. And it was slow and unimpressive. Better start tapering. At least I won't have tractors to worry about.

Tbf, the tractor was a small thing but annoying and only happened to a few of us and I probably shouldn't blame the organisers for that.

The thing is, the race has great potential if they can just get the distance right. The finish is brilliant and the course is pretty flat and fast. The new half course last year was much better in my opinion and a step in the right direction.

ThebitterLemon

Getting the distance wrong not once but twice is simply inexcusable.

I've done this marathon a couple of times but unlikely to do it again.

No positives outweigh an inaccurate course.

TbL

eliwallach

I did it last year.
My best advice is to refer you to last years thread, and to read it, but it's probably too late for you to make an informed decision based on that.

Best of luck.

Surely this year.....

eliwallach

KingMambo26 wrote: »

I did it last year. Great race and one of the few where you can get a massage at the end! Finding the bus back into town was a bit of a pain since it was hidden at the top of the road behind the petrol station without any signage.

Your only gripe from last year was about the bus back into town???

ThebitterLemon

eliwallach wrote: »

I did it last year.
My best advice is to refer you to last years thread, and to read it, but it's probably too late for you to make an informed decision based on that.

Best of luck.

Surely this year.....

I genuinely hoped it would go well for them last year as I thought the race had potential and many positive aspects.

Reading Bahanaman's report last year and my perception of the organisers subsequent comments really highlighted the unacceptability of a short course.

I could live with no t shirt, no medal, no gels etc but an inaccurate course (again)...

TbL

Notwork Error

ThebitterLemon wrote: »

Getting the distance wrong not once but twice is simply inexcusable.

I've done this marathon a couple of times but unlikely to do it again.

No positives outweigh an inaccurate course.

TbL

True TbL and I wasn't standing up for it by any means. It just annoys me that they have an opportunity to make a great race but screw it up by making a balls of the basic things.

I'm forgiving in nature(can't find another half to fit my schedule) so I'm going to give it one more shot.

TFBubendorfer

ThebitterLemon wrote: »

Reading Bahanaman's report last year and my perception of the organisers subsequent comments really highlighted the unacceptability of a short course.

I could live with no t shirt, no medal, no gels etc but an inaccurate course (again)...

TbL

I second that. Getting the distance wrong twice in a row is bad enough, but then sending out an email saying how great it was that so many runners ran PBs in the marathon just pissed me off big time. Obviously you'll see a lot of PBs if the course is 500 metres short!

For that email alone I'll give the race a pass this year.

spaceylou

Race has its faults but I've signed up for the half again - tis just too tempting when the finish is within a few minutes walk of my mum's. And I love finishing on the track!

webpal

anyone know if gels are available on the half marathon route?

MacSwifty

webpal wrote: »

anyone know if gels are available on the half marathon route?

http://www.waterfordvikingmarathon.com/Marathon-Route-Map-2015.pdf

Not according to this attachment!

runner26p2

Anyone from Cork going to this race? I am home from the US and (foolishly) signed up without knowing too much about it. I am a male in my 50's and my best times were too long ago! But I am planning to drive down there if anyone wants a lift.

Itziger

runner26p2 wrote: »

Anyone from Cork going to this race? I am home from the US and (foolishly) signed up without knowing too much about it. I am a male in my 50's and my best times were too long ago! But I am planning to drive down there if anyone wants a lift.

Sure you don't fancy the one in Portalington in a couple of weeks time? Bugger to get to. I'll be back in the Old Sod for that one.

runner26p2

I had thought about Portarlington - but too far away in distance and time. Hope it goes well for you if you run it. Thanks for the suggestion. Maybe I will look at it some other year.

KevIRL

Was down on the quay this morning and it looked like the front group of approx 20 runners were not directed to take a left turn up toward city square car park and then around the block before rejoining the quay. All others took it.

Was surprised not to see a steward there

Itziger

KevIRL wrote: »

Was down on the quay this morning and it looked like the front group of approx 20 runners were not directed to take a left turn up toward city square car park and then around the block before rejoining the quay. All others took it.

Was surprised not to see a steward there

Here. We. Go. Again.

Waterford Marathon, from 39.67 to 43.23 km. Depending on a variety of things going wrong.

jnk883

I did the 1/4 marathon. I was pacing my wife to break the hour. Things were going great, we were well on for it when by the time we got to the track we had gone over the hour and definitely over the distance. I'm calculating at least 300m. For 1/4 marathon that is big and if so very disappointing. I know for a few other thought the same. Wondering did anyone else notice this for the 1/4. I know it impossible to go off a watch but I know the pace we were going would have got us in under the hour.

The start line is chaotic, too many narrow streets with too many turns to begin with. I this was later in the race you wouldn't mind so much but with the crowds at the start you'd almost have to walk at times.

Every year I hear about this having great potential but it doesn't seem to live up to it. Great work from the volunteers, good crowd out cheering and great finish but the distance never seems to be accurate, i'd worry for this event

DubOnHoliday

I enjoyed the half marathon except for when a clown of a motorist decided to drive up Pearses park in the middle of all the runners. It did get very humid in stages, was hoping the rain would stay longer!

spaceylou

Does anyone know when the results are up?

menoscemo

spaceylou wrote: »

Does anyone know when the results are up?

Already on precision timing

Bestake

KevIRL wrote: »

Was down on the quay this morning and it looked like the front group of approx 20 runners were not directed to take a left turn up toward city square car park and then around the block before rejoining the quay. All others took it.

Was surprised not to see a steward there

Yeah massive stewarding error

I was in a pack behind that front pack and a garda frantically ran towards us directing us left just past the post office on the quay......then we got to the entrance of city square and no steward was on hand to direct us back down to the quay, so we ended up continuing past Alfies, and onto Dunnes before taking a right back down towards Red Square - kind of like a field of cattle running loose.

Saw some lads making an attempt to go up Patrick's Hill towards the Garda station before u-turning.

Then massive confusion again at the end of the Quay....again no steward on hand to show where exactly to u-turn

Very off putting for the first 2 miles or so

I think everything sorted itself out soon after for the later groups, but can't understand how the (some/all?) of lead pack went off course, particularly as there were lead bikes.

The twists and turns at the start don't add much value, and needed heavy stewarding.

The remainder of the race - really enjoyable route, great volunteers and excellent support

Itziger

Are those times down on previous years? Seems like very few sub 3.

DubOnHoliday

Finishing on the running track is a great touch, felt like a real runner for a few minutes

ger664

Itziger wrote: »

Are those times down on previous years? Seems like very few sub 3.

It was extremely hot and humid today. Worse the Dublin last year IMO

MacSwifty

ger664 wrote: »

It was extremely hot and humid today. Worse the Dublin last year IMO

Not just me then!!!

mrkdips

jnk883 wrote: »

I did the 1/4 marathon........I'm calculating at least 300m.

Yep MapMyRun clocked 10.92km (6.8 miles) at finish line. I tried to keep very much to the shortest route so am disappointed that it wasn't accurate. I know you allow for wide running, water stations etc but 400m is a big difference. Missed my PB because of it

Saying that, I really enjoyed the race. Liked the new routing through the pitch towards the end to cut down on the congestion like last year where half met quarter outside RSC

Murph_D

Good job the official course measurers don't use MapMyRun, is all I can say.

KevIRL

Bestake wrote: »

Yeah massive stewarding error

I was in a pack behind that front pack and a garda frantically ran towards us directing us left just past the post office on the quay......then we got to the entrance of city square and no steward was on hand to direct us back down to the quay, so we ended up continuing past Alfies, and onto Dunnes before taking a right back down towards Red Square - kind of like a field of cattle running loose.

Saw some lads making an attempt to go up Patrick's Hill towards the Garda station before u-turning.

Then massive confusion again at the end of the Quay....again no steward on hand to show where exactly to u-turn

Very off putting for the first 2 miles or so

I think everything sorted itself out soon after for the later groups, but can't understand how the (some/all?) of lead pack went off course, particularly as there were lead bikes.

The twists and turns at the start don't add much value, and needed heavy stewarding.

The remainder of the race - really enjoyable route, great volunteers and excellent support

From what I saw the lead bike took them off course by continuing straight down the quay instead of turning oFF at ulster bank

spaceylou

Does anyone have any idea why precision timing are not showing chip time as well as gun time? I thought they usually show both and the Viking website suggests that both will be recorded.

spaceylou

spaceylou wrote: »

Does anyone have any idea why precision timing are not showing chip time as well as gun time? I thought they usually show both and the Viking website suggests that both will be recorded.

Never mind if you go into the full results rather than ind result it shows...

boodiebhoy

Did the half today. We were just behind the 1.40 pacer and he told us the people in front had gone wrong .we followed him and I think he did follow the right course. Distance wise not sure it made much of a difference to the others but not good to have people go wrong. The start had way too many twists and turns and too few marshals but it worked out fine after that. Tough course, few pulls and drags but great support along it and great music.

chavezychavez

ger664 wrote: »

It was extremely hot and humid today. Worse the Dublin last year IMO

Absolutely, as bad if not worse on the humidity stakes. Only thing that maybe saved us was that the sun didn't shine too much. Wind didn't help at all, going into Tramore it was holding you back without cooling you down, and coming out, it might have been behind but you were doubly roasting with it.

Was glad to get to the track and over the line in just under 3:20. 2 years in a row in Waterford and still to have an enjoyable run on the course .

Suppose it's just the time of year really.

Plodman

Intended doing the full here yesterday but an injury disrupted few weeks beforehand made me decide to do the half instead. I was advised not to run it due to distance issues for the past few years but I thought it couldn't be wrong again. That thought didn't last the first mile. A group of 10-15 runners in front of me went straight down the quay. A guard was frantically running after us directing the field up left. Doubled back only to come to a standstill at next junction when no one could tell us where to go. Groups behind us took a different turn back onto the quay. So within the first mile there were three different courses. Probably ran the next few miles too fast to get back to the group ahead who ran a shorter course. Paid for that in the second half. Very disappointing. Any ideas of ever doing the marathon here are well and truly dispelled. I'll stick to races that can ensure the distance and stewarding is right

Royal Legend

Same thing here, went down quay and although there was no steward we knew to go up by city square, when we were going back down conduit lane, we saw runners coming from the right which means they did not go around city square.

One other small point, the abuse we saw stewards getting from motorists at the junction by De La Salle college was digusting, road rage to a high degree and a runner was attacked down the side of the park by one motorist

tang1

Why does marathon appear to be a train wreck every year? Have the organisers learnt nothing?

Itziger

tang1 wrote: »

Why does marathon appear to be a train wreck every year? Have the organisers learnt nothing?

It would seem not. This annoys the crap out of me even though I have nothing invested in the race. But people who have seen this first hand need to post on their FB page and/or email the organisers. I can't believe this joke of a race can last much longer.

If I told you about the organisation of the Trier Half in Germany this morning, you'd weep. And, no it's not just because it's Germany. I've done races in Spain and France and Holland as well and none of this nonsense is seen.

Folks, boycott the people who put on crap races. Let em go to the wall. There seem to be plenty of well-organised ones around.

menoscemo

tang1 wrote: »

Why does marathon appear to be a train wreck every year? Have the organisers learnt nothing?

It's cool, it has an AIMs certificate now :rolleyes:

babalobioddy

tang1 wrote: »

Why does marathon appear to be a train wreck every year? Have the organisers learnt nothing?

I did the full on saturday,overall a very enjoyable experience. The distance was good,no longer or shorter than most others. As for any issues at the start surely we cant crucify the organisers for one mistake. To organise a marathon in a large city with pedestrians and motorists along with road closures to deal with has to be a huge task. Bar the one stewarding issue i thought all volunteers and stewards did an excellent job. The organisers cant be held responsible for the weather or motorists who throw a hissy fit. I realy hope this marathon continues. I have no vested intrest,just an average runner. Finished in 3hr17min. Wearing a kilkenny jersey.

tang1

babalobioddy wrote: »

As for any issues at the start surely we cant crucify the organisers for one mistake. To organise a marathon in a large city with pedestrians and motorists along with road closures to deal with has to be a huge task.

A race that is organised correctly should have NO mistakes, the organisers have made a mess of this marathon from its inception. If they cant organise the race properly then dont do it anymore or hand it over to people who are capable of doing it. Reply is not aimed at you OP & i'm glad you enjoyed your race.

Itziger

Why don't races with zig-zag city sections not use the orange sprayed arrows that I've seen at times (recent Lux marathon had lots of them and I found em quite useful). I believe they're designed to wear away after a few months. That would be an easy task for two on a motor bike. You'd do the whole course in an hour or so. Cheap too!

jnk883

There were white arrows painted on the ground. I remember passing over them in the crowds.

What happened to the lead pack in the end? Did they end up doing shorter than they should or did they backtrack?

Itziger

jnk883 wrote: »

There were white arrows painted on the ground. I remember passing over them in the crowds.

What happened to the lead pack in the end? Did they end up doing shorter than they should or did they backtrack?

Maybe at elite speed you don't see these so easily!

spaceylou

There were arrows at a number of points but I don't remember seeing any at that spot on the quay where people seem to have gone off course. Knowing that the start had lots of twists and turns I had driven it the evening before but not everyone has a chance to do that I agree with folks above that there was a need for more stewards in town - most of whom could have been redeployed to reinforce stewards further out on the course before runners got to them.

I love finishing on the track but I wonder is there a way to change the start so the section with so many twists and turns is not also the section where everyone is still very very bunched up!

runner26p2

This was my first time doing this marathon. I have done many others in Europe and in the US and I would compare it favorably. Overall I had a great experience. I thought it was well organized and I think it is a great course. I found stewards and support staff to be very friendly. Living abroad I am used to warmer conditions so I found that it was pleasantly cool A few extra sports drinks stations at more regular intervals would help.

I will admit that I was fortunate not to be in the lead pack as that routing issue would be very annoying. I wasn't too far behind so I assume they fixed it quickly. But it would be a pity if fixable issues were to derail what is a good race on a good course. Probably less curves and twists on narrow streets would help a lot.

Bestake

Not sure how the lead pack got back on course....I assume they took a left at the clock tower instead? If so, they are about 100/150 metres out.

I was in the 2nd pack that went past Alfies instead of going right down Conduit lane. Thankfully I think this ''alternative route'' was only 10/20 metres out against the official route.

Perhaps the organisers banked on the lead bikes doing the business for them? There were far too many zig zags in the opening 1.5 miles. A safer alternative would be to go straight down the quay and cut out all these side streets. There is plenty of leeway in other areas to make up the distance.