Dublin Marathon 2023

So last year I was in wave 1. But wanted to go with the 3:30 pacers at the top of Wave 2. I went in wave 1 but didnt start. I waited there for the wave 2 lads to come up behind me. Meant I wasnt crushed for ages and got portaloos etc. The volunteers did try to wave me on but I just ignored them

It was awkward, dont get me wrong. And I felt like a bit of a dickhead. But I had also trained for 6 months so put up with a bit of awkwardness. I just walked back down towards where the Wave 2 would be coming from

link on that page gives full list

Get off at Stephens Green. Then walk down Merrion Street Upper from there. You are only wasting time by staying on the Luas to Dawson Street as it does not get you much closer.

Median finish time last year is as with most marathons now around 4:15, so if you take wave placement literally there has to be thousands in the wrong place, it balances itself out usually though.

Well looks like I'm in the completely incorrect wave so. Not ideal.

Plan was to head off somewhere between the 3:50 and 4:00 balloons, coach has pitched me at 3:45 on a good day and 4 hours on a bad day, but I'm in Wave 4. I'm not pushed about not having a ballon to follow as I'd rather pace it myself but now I'm seriously worried about traffic issues.

I obviously predicted a time this time last year that put me in Wave 4. Not sure if it's worth the hassle trying to sneak in to the back of Wave 3?

As event said get to the top of wave 4, you'll hit the back of wave 3 probably around the the phoenix park, I found that a great boost as I was passing people while still running at my planned pace. Good luck!

Great thanks all. I think it's the stage of the week/taper where I'm focussing on any small issue.

Ah 100%. You've done (hopefully) at least 4 months training for this and logged hundreds of miles on the road. Dont let something like a wave throw you, in the grand scheme of things it means nothing

Oh I know. But I'm just not standing around from 8.25 odd, and watching all the other waves leave - to leave with a later wave, 20, 40, or a full hour later.

I will set off at the very back of wave 1, and the whole field can pass me for all I care!

Injured fella I know wants me to bring his bib over the start line so he qualifies for next year. Trying to convince him because he registered its all he needs or does he actually need to start it.

Met Eireann has given up: weather prediction up to Saturday only. Apparently, according to Carlow Weatherman, the models are not in agreement for Sunday...

"Lot of eager runners asking about Sunday for @dublinmarathon forecast but I’m afraid the uncertainty continues with low systems causing weather models a headache. Most have light winds but one has a good breeze. All have showers but none have a wash out. Stay tuned!" X link

Back in 2019 I gave it maybe 3-4 minutes as well and trotted off then behind wave 2. Worked really well for me, the only drawback was that I nearly got taken out by a couple of pedestrians darting across the road as I caught up to the field down near the Liffey. I guess they'd been waiting for maybe 5 minutes to cross the road and were getting impatient!