Kilkenny Medieval Marathon

avfc1874 · 17-09-2017 12:05pm #1

Hi did anyone else do this marathon, and what did you think of the amount of hills , there was one hill around the 11 mile marker that must have gone on for the best part of a mile ( pure torture ) , whoever designed that course must have never ran a marathon, or is a sadist,, very very tough

Itziger · 17-09-2017 4:49pm

They were tough mofos back in the Middle Ages.
When was this on?

avfc1874 · 18-09-2017 7:16am

Itziger wrote: »

They were tough mofos back in the Middle Ages.
When was this on?

Saturday afternoon

jonnner · 19-09-2017 9:57am

I did the Half. Hilly course but far more concerning was the lack of marshalls and the fact it was approx 500M long!
I thought he was joking at the start when he started calling out directions. I nearly went off course twice and there was a busy roundabout to cross near the end with no marshalls to control traffic.
I know its for charity but this is unacceptable and dangerous. Will avoid in future.

aquinn · 19-09-2017 10:05am

My friend got lost in the full and ended up in a dead end. She had to ask for directions to the finish as the last two roundabouts didn't have marshalls. Also trouble with signs getting switched about by kids.

Down South · 19-09-2017 1:39pm

Heard similar stories and know people who ran>2km extra for the 3/4. Also absence of water stations in second half

ger664 · 19-09-2017 10:42pm

There was another marathon on in Aherlow Saturday. Its profile would make the one in Kilkenny look like Berlin.

TFBubendorfer · 20-09-2017 11:08am

ger664 wrote: »

There was another marathon on in Aherlow Saturday. Its profile would make the one in Kilkenny look like Berlin.

That's because a trail mountain run is always hillier than a road race!

Queeni · 26-09-2017 8:36pm

I found the opposite - plenty of marshals. But I was one of the last in. The only disappointment for me was that all the coke was gone by the time I got to the water stations.

The hills! I remember one of the marshals saying "It's all downhill from here" and laughing. I soon found out why he was laughing....

John_D80 · 27-09-2017 9:16pm

I did the 30k. Have to say I really enjoyed it and with the hills it was the type of course that seems to suit me.

I did get briefly lost in a housing estate about 6km from the finish due to poor signage. All four courses (10k/half/30k/full) joined up about 3 miles (i think) from the end. I did notice there were one or two un-marshalled junctions in this last stretch.

All in all though it was a good event. Generally well organised. Would have loved to stay for the after party as it looked like a good venue.

I'll do it again.

average_runner · 29-09-2017 1:04pm

John_D80 wrote: »

I did the 30k. Have to say I really enjoyed it and with the hills it was the type of course that seems to suit me.

I did get briefly lost in a housing estate about 6km from the finish due to poor signage. All four courses (10k/half/30k/full) joined up about 3 miles (i think) from the end. I did notice there were one or two un-marshalled junctions in this last stretch.

All in all though it was a good event. Generally well organised. Would have loved to stay for the after party as it looked like a good venue.

I'll do it again.

None of that make's sense. How can it be well organised after what you said above?

John_D80 · 29-09-2017 3:05pm

average_runner wrote: »

None of that make's sense. How can it be well organised after what you said above?

My post clearly says “generally” well organised.

Perhaps if you had read it correctly and/or understood the meaning of the word generally then it WOULD have made sense to you. :-)

Itziger · 29-09-2017 3:34pm

John_D80 wrote: »

My post clearly says “generally” well organised.

Perhaps if you had read it correctly and/or understood the meaning of the word generally then it WOULD have made sense to you. :-)

*Puts on wise old man hat*

Both of you have some reason here. John, you did indeed say 'generally'. That said, how anyone is willing to pay for a race where you can get lost in an industrial zone and come to two roundabouts with no idea where to go at them................ and be willing to repeat the experience. If there were no decently run alternatives, I'd say something, but with some of the great races organised out there I just don't get that attitude.

I'm guessing that's where Average was coming from.

*Takes off the hat*

At the end of the day, I couldn't give a $hite how any of ye spend your money and time

John_D80 · 29-09-2017 4:04pm

Itziger wrote: »

*Puts on wise old man hat*

Both of you have some reason here. John, you did indeed say 'generally'. That said, how anyone is willing to pay for a race where you can get lost in an industrial zone and come to two roundabouts with no idea where to go at them................ and be willing to repeat the experience. If there were no decently run alternatives, I'd say something, but with some of the great races organised out there I just don't get that attitude.

I'm guessing that's where Average was coming from.

*Takes off the hat*

At the end of the day, I couldn't give a $hite how any of ye spend your money and time

I only got slightly lost for about 30 seconds at one place. The unmarshalled roundabouts I mentioned were signposted so I knew exactly where to go. There just wasn’t anyone there to tell me. Not that it was needed. I only made the point in the first place because ideally I would have liked to see marshals there controlling traffic.

- Number pick up was painless in a well organised area.
- Discounted parking available less than 300 meters from start/finish.
- Sheltered bag drop available to keep gear dry.
- Staggered starts for different events.
- Food vendor at the start/finish area.
- Adequate water stations en route.
- Good challenging course with plenty hills.
- 95% of junctions on the day we’re perfectly fine.
- 95% of signs were also perfectly fine.
- Nice T-Shirt & nice medal for everyone.
- After party by all accounts was good craic.

So all that considered I would stand over my initial assessment that was generally well organised and I will do it again.

blueberrypie · 10-06-2018 9:24pm

I am thinking of signing up seeing as though Dublin is sold out.
After reading the above posts I would be the type of person who would definately get lost as I usually follow the runners in front of me
(if there was anyone to follow) I do not know my way around Kilkenny besides knowing where the pubs are and I would not be able to retain 26.2 miles of directions.
I have completed the Clonakilty marathon so I should be ok with the hills.
Any other pros and cons ?

Ray Donovan · 27-08-2018 10:03pm

All I want to know about is the After Party? Is it straight after the race or later on in the evening? Im heading down to run the HM.

Cabaal · 03-09-2018 7:51am

Just a heads up for this guys, there's a change of route and imho a better more enjoyable route for this year...I run alot of the roads being used weekly so am looking forward to it

Opted against Dublin and doing this instead

Pink11 · 03-09-2018 11:55am

Cabaal wrote: »

Just a heads up for this guys, there's a change of route and imho a better more enjoyable route for this year...I run alot of the roads being used weekly so am looking forward to it

Opted against Dublin and doing this instead

Relieved to hear that. Had signed up for the 3/4 without doing any research for it and was scared stiff after reading this thread on last year's event.

HurlyBurly · 16-09-2018 12:19pm

Disappointing event. Feels like its only there for the hobby runner to get the medal & tshirt. Only did the 10k and ended up taking a wrong turn due to the bad marshaling (which was offloaded to a roads maintenance firm! presumably because they had no locals/volunteers supporting the event)

Had to run on the footpaths for a good chunk of it because there was no road closure. No huge quality in the fields, I think 37/38 won the 10k and 2:58 the marathon.

Should have waited to do the JJ Reddy Danesfort one, which is on today, but it didn't suit my schedule - it's far superior organized set of races. Seems strange to have two big sets of races a few miles apart in Kilkenny on the same weekend.

I think the Medieval team need to have a rethink of this event(s).

Run the marathon in conjunction with the Danesfort 1/2 or something like that

I certainly won't be back for it anyway in it's current guise.

Cabaal · 16-09-2018 2:56pm

Did the marathon and was disappointment that the route changed last minute, especially as I regularly run much of the route on my weekly training runs.

However, it had to be changed. The funeral that was being held at around Cuffesgrange/Church Hill would have created a very dangerous situation on what are otherwise very, very quiet roads some of which are single track. Anyone doing the marathon or 30km would have seen the v large amount of cars parked in the field near the church.

I feel sorry for the organisers, they know how to put on events and regularly do so but this was just unfortunate and there was nothing they could do other then re-route parts of the race. I would imagine this had a knock on effect on other respects of the day due to last min big changes and having to have stewards on different roads.

However, despite the route change I did enjoy the course, had a reoccurring leg cramp after mile 19 so came in 10minutes alter then expected in 3:40 but as I wasn't specifically training and its not a goal race I'm not pushed.

Can't comment on the 10km route as not even sure where it went to,

webpal · 16-09-2018 7:37pm

I did the half and had to ask a few other runners for directions as there were no signs or marshals, (half marathon signs were not reliable) especially the last 2 miles. There were also tourists coming out of the castle oblivious to what was going on, footpath was very tight there.

Overall, nice course, adequate water stops. I would be happy overall and would run it again. Lot of negative comments on Facebook. Back into it again tomorrow, 20 miles next weekend

sideswipe · 16-09-2018 8:11pm

webpal wrote: »

I did the half and had to ask a few other runners for directions as there were no signs or marshals, (half marathon signs were not reliable) especially the last 2 miles. There were also tourists coming out of the castle oblivious to what was going on, footpath was very tight there.

Overall, nice course, adequate water stops. I would be happy overall and would run it again. Lot of negative comments on Facebook. Back into it again tomorrow, 20 miles next weekend

Sorry, find it hard to get my head around this. Why pay good money for a race when you have to ask for directions!

Itziger · 16-09-2018 8:18pm

sideswipe wrote: »

webpal wrote: »

I did the half and had to ask a few other runners for directions as there were no signs or marshals, (half marathon signs were not reliable) especially the last 2 miles. There were also tourists coming out of the castle oblivious to what was going on, footpath was very tight there.

Overall, nice course, adequate water stops. I would be happy overall and would run it again. Lot of negative comments on Facebook. Back into it again tomorrow, 20 miles next weekend

Sorry, find it hard to get my head around this. Why pay good money for a race when you have to ask for directions!

I'm afraid it's a bit of an Irish thing, no? The organisers might be very nice people but I'm sorry, this is a marathon and if I'm paying money and want to run a target time there is no way in hell I'm running on footpaths with tourists and/or running alongside traffic. And then to have to ask for directions. C'mon lads, let it go. Support well organised races that are safe and managed. This doesn't sound like one of those.

webpal · 16-09-2018 8:36pm

sideswipe wrote: »

Sorry, find it hard to get my head around this. Why pay good money for a race when you have to ask for directions!

30 quid isn’t too bad for a half these days, good medal and t-shirt too if you are into that.

I feel the positives outweigh the negatives hence my comments. I set out to get a specific time and I did it. Had this been a target race, I probably would feel different but, if this was a target race, I would make sure I’d research the course beforehand.

ThebitterLemon · 16-09-2018 9:36pm

Any race where a runner gets lost or has to ask for directions has failed the most basic requirement and I wouldn't support such an event a second time

TbL

Cobra1975 · 17-09-2018 7:55pm

I done the 10k as part of a training plan I'm on!! Ended up in a laneway behind some houses then into a dead end....no directions or Stewards to be seen was asking stranger's did they know where to go!!! And I was in second at the time..,..ended up loosing a few minutes and ran 700m extra....25 Euro?????? Runners are no Morons won't be mugged again!

Itziger · 17-09-2018 8:00pm

Cobra1975 wrote: »

I done the 10k as part of a training plan I'm on!! Ended up in a laneway behind some houses then into a dead end....no directions or Stuart's to be seen was asking stranger's did they know where to go!!! And I was in second at the time..,..ended up loosing a few minutes and ran 700m extra....25 Euro?????? Runners are no Moran's won't be mugged again!

Hey, one of my colleagues is a handy runner. sub 80 mins Half and his name is Phil Moran.
On a more serious note, that is some disgrace. I have no personal beef with anyone involved but that race needs to disappear asap.
Btw, my other mate, James Stuart said he couldn't make it to Kilkenny. Sincere apologies.

Pink11 · 18-09-2018 10:41am

Did the 30km as a training run for DCM.

In the organizers defense, there was a last minute issue with a funeral and 2/3 days prior to the event they were forced to find a completely different route. However, putting that aside it was a bit of a mess unfortunately.

I struggled to know what direction to go in. There would be one small sign for a turn off so if you miss it, tough! I ended up running along the 10k route! Only for 1/2 lovely runners who spotted I had an orange number (we were colour coded) they motioned at me to turn back. Only cost me about a minute but still... I wasn't the only one who did this also and I found myself waving to other orange numbers to turn back.

Further along there was a turn off for the half and marathon and again I was massively confused, even slowing down to try and read the signs. At this stage the crowds had moved along so there was lots of space and I was often running alone. By chance I happened to go the right way first time.

The next incident was really hard to forgive.... I was stopped TWICE by stewards as they blocked the road completely to let cars pass. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry as I jogged on the spot praying I wouldn't stiffen up. I went from my comfortable 8.50 or so pace to zero. Few of the other runners tutted loudly and growned in disbelief but no point in taking out our frustration on young stewards. Looked back on my watch and I was approx stopped for up to 5 mins in total to allow for traffic. This really messed with my head and my pace for the last 3/4 miles were all over the place.

Only for the fact I could see other runners just ahead of me I would have had no idea where to go for the last 3 miles or so in the centre. It wasn't clear at all, running around confused tourists and locals on the foothpaths. Despite all of this I STILL came in earlier than I had planned so I was thrilled and that distracted me but looking back I lost a good 5 minutes and it's pretty annoying!

Not too many at the finish line was a bit of a let down. Atmosphere wasn't great tbh.

If this was my marathon I would have been VERY upset!

ThebitterLemon · 18-09-2018 11:15am

Pink11 wrote: »

Did the 30km as a training run for DCM.

In the organizers defense, there was a last minute issue with a funeral and 2/3 days prior to the event they were forced to find a completely different route. However, putting that aside it was a bit of a mess unfortunately.

I struggled to know what direction to go in. There would be one small sign for a turn off so if you miss it, tough! I ended up running along the 10k route! Only for 1/2 lovely runners who spotted I had an orange number (we were colour coded) they motioned at me to turn back. Only cost me about a minute but still... I wasn't the only one who did this also and I found myself waving to other orange numbers to turn back.

Further along there was a turn off for the half and marathon and again I was massively confused, even slowing down to try and read the signs. At this stage the crowds had moved along so there was lots of space and I was often running alone. By chance I happened to go the right way first time.

The next incident was really hard to forgive.... I was stopped TWICE by stewards as they blocked the road completely to let cars pass. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry as I jogged on the spot praying I wouldn't stiffen up. I went from my comfortable 8.50 or so pace to zero. Few of the other runners tutted loudly and growned in disbelief but no point in taking out our frustration on young stewards. Looked back on my watch and I was approx stopped for up to 5 mins in total to allow for traffic. This really messed with my head and my pace for the last 3/4 miles were all over the place.

Only for the fact I could see other runners just ahead of me I would have had no idea where to go for the last 3 miles or so in the centre. It wasn't clear at all, running around confused tourists and locals on the foothpaths. Despite all of this I STILL came in earlier than I had planned so I was thrilled and that distracted me but looking back I lost a good 5 minutes and it's pretty annoying!

Not too many at the finish line was a bit of a let down. Atmosphere wasn't great tbh.

If this was my marathon I would have been VERY upset!

Sounds like a medieval marathon all right!

TbL

sideswipe · 18-09-2018 11:20am

Pink11 wrote: »

The next incident was really hard to forgive.... I was stopped TWICE by stewards as they blocked the road completely to let cars pass. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry as I jogged on the spot praying I wouldn't stiffen up. I went from my comfortable 8.50 or so pace to zero. Few of the other runners tutted loudly and growned in disbelief but no point in taking out our frustration on young stewards. Looked back on my watch and I was approx stopped for up to 5 mins in total to allow for traffic. This really messed with my head and my pace for the last 3/4 miles were all over the place.

That is unforgivable from any race, in fact I don't think the term 'race' can be used if the participants are being prevented from running at various points, what a shambles!

Pink11 · 18-09-2018 2:29pm

sideswipe wrote: »

That is unforgivable from any race, in fact I don't think the term 'race' can be used if the participants are being prevented from running at various points, what a shambles!

Yeah, there really is no excuse other than their alternative was to cancel the event 2/3 days prior due to this funeral.

Ross Runner · 18-09-2018 4:35pm

Should of been cancelled after last years farce....

Tchaikovsky · 21-09-2018 6:27pm

I did the Half Marathon but due to the inadequate marshalling/lack of signs, ended up doing closer to 15 miles. It was at the junction after the turnaround on the country road that I went straight rather than left. The signs on the side of the road were marking 'Half Marathon 7 miles' so I figured I was on the right route.

I'm not normally an eejit I swear- poorly planned all round.

Pink11 · 23-09-2018 1:49pm

Tchaikovsky wrote: »

I did the Half Marathon but due to the inadequate marshalling/lack of signs, ended up doing closer to 15 miles. It was at the junction after the turnaround on the country road that I went straight rather than left. The signs on the side of the road were marking 'Half Marathon 7 miles' so I figured I was on the right route.

I'm not normally an eejit I swear- poorly planned all round.

That's insane!!!

I actually got lucky at that turn and just happened to go the right way. I easily could have gone off on the marathon route and have been stuck doing an unwanted 26.2 miles :eek:

R.F. · 25-02-2020 3:37pm

Is there a thread for last years?

This will be my first marathon, so hoping to find out if the course has improved and if it is now organised better. Also need recommendations of where to stay the night before if possible.

Cobra1975 · 26-02-2020 10:48am

I wouldn't do this Marathon if it's your first time I would pick a bigger event which would be better organized. The course seems unchanged.

R.F. · 26-02-2020 1:09pm

Cobra1975 wrote: »

I wouldn't do this Marathon if it's your first time I would pick a bigger event which would be better organized. The course seems unchanged.

I have already entered it. I tried to get into Dublin but was unlucky in the lottery

I have done a few half marathons and have more to come. So I have seen well organised and poorly organised events already so in that respect I kind of know what to expect. But I agree this is not exactly ideal.

blueberrypie · 27-02-2020 12:26pm

My experience in 2018:

if you are happy to run against tourists/other people who do not know there is a race on just as you approach a finish line then go for it.
Stewards were there just not telling people to mind runners as we all shared the footpath.
Shouldered a few people as I ran against them (accidental), it was ridiculous.

that and having to shout at people for the 18 miler to turn around when you see the cone in the middle of the road.

Stewards stopping runners so traffic could have right of way!!!

Great potential with this event but more man power needed which isnt easyI know.
I would loved to have made this an annual event with my running club where we head away for the night away but I couldn't recomend it as they would just be giving out.

Itziger · 27-02-2020 1:08pm

blueberrypie wrote: »

My experience in 2018:

if you are happy to run against tourists/other people who do not know there is a race on just as you approach a finish line then go for it.
Stewards were there just not telling people to mind runners as we all shared the footpath.
Shouldered a few people as I ran against them (accidental), it was ridiculous.

that and having to shout at people for the 18 miler to turn around when you see the cone in the middle of the road.

Stewards stopping runners so traffic could have right of way!!!

Great potential with this event but more man power needed which isnt easyI know.
I would loved to have made this an annual event with my running club where we head away for the night away but I couldn't recomend it as they would just be giving out.

Ah FFS!! I wouldn't pay a cent to run in that race.

R.F. · 25-06-2020 11:26am

Looks like this is still going ahead on Sept 12th

Anyone else on here enter?

Speak Now · 06-07-2020 9:46pm

R.F. wrote: »

Looks like this is still going ahead on Sept 12th

Anyone else on here enter?

JJ Reddy has been cancelled so maybe they'll make a better fist of it this year if they can some more experienced marshalling.

Eamando1981 · 05-08-2020 11:35am

I'm signed up and training away for the full marathn.

after yesterdays annoucement, what's the chances of this event happening?

Itziger · 05-08-2020 2:48pm

The irony!!

The marathon where you get to share the footpath with Saturday shoppers and guess which direction to take at the roundabouts survives Covid!

I wonder what distance it comes in at.

R.F. · 07-08-2020 11:59am

its now cancelled unfortunately

Eamando1981 · 07-08-2020 12:43pm

Thanks.

Awe well it was inevitable really afer this weeks announcement.

Cabaal · 16-08-2020 3:32pm

R.F. wrote: »

its now cancelled unfortunately

cancelled and now changed to a virtual event for 25e for each distance

Hobgoblin11 · 19-09-2022 7:04pm

the signage issues persist on this course, i did the 10k and didn't know how much mileage i had done at any stage

Nuttzz · 17-09-2023 9:50pm

I read this thread on Saturday evening and was worried by what I saw.

I have to say they seem much more organised that previous years, I did the 30k and there was no issues with marshalling or having to share the road. It was a bit of a dull out and back route but a handy prep for me my upcoming marathon.

I would like to see more 30km races especially this time of year.

Kilkenny Medieval Marathon

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