Dublin Marathon Info
 

Hi! My family and I are excited to be going to Dublin for a couple of days where we will be staying at the Kilronan House and I will be participating in the Dublin Marathon on Halloween. It's my first marathon and we are clueless about the best way for my family to cheer me on! I would love any spectator recommendations from previous Dublin Marathon spectators. There will be at least 6 of them so they can split up (I'm going to need all the support I can get!). Does anyone have any recommendations as the best places to cheer and the best way to get around. I am anticipating about a 12 minute/mile pace. Unfortunately, the marathon website does not provide this info. THANKS!!--kate

Perhaps someone can help Kate with Dublin Marathon information.

I've not done this one but surely the website has a map of the course.If not there will be one at registration. Assuming it runs through the city, your friends and family can post themselves at the various mile markers where you think you'll need the most inspiration. The marathons I've done in large cities usually have a good crowd along most of the course with everyone cheering the runners. The hardest part comes at the 20 mile point so you definitely want some family there. It's also nice to have someone at the finish line. The best of luck!

Can't help you with the best place for cheering, I'd probably check with my hotel (map in hand) and see what advice they give.

Since the map on the marathon's website map only shows the route and no other streets, you could try overlaying the map on this link
http://www.bloomsdaysandiego.com/dublinmap.gif to track the route.

It might give you some orientation to the city...most maps are much more concentrated on city centre. Realize that anything beyond the Grand Canal, the Royal Canal and the start of Phoenix Park would be considered beyond walking distance from city centre unless you've got some very serious walkers...a cab or bus would be the way to get to mile 18 or 20 and you'd want to check with locals to make sure you won't find yourself in any parts of town that a tourist maybe shouldn't be.

If the group does split up to cheer you on at different locations, consider renting at least one cell phone while you're there...then they have at least a command center to help reunite everyone.

Good luck on the marathon...we'll be cheering you on from the message boards...be sure to post back to let us know how things go.

thanks for your help! I'm going to need an army at mile 20 to keep me going! You're right, the marathon course map is not very helpful with the area and street names (http://www.dublincitymarathon.ie/general_course.php). We check in a couple days before the race so hopefully my b&b can help out. I like your idea of overlaying the map (thanks for the link). I am going to try and find a mass transit map that might also give a clue on how my family might get from point to point. Thanks for all your ideas and any additional local knowledge would be so greatly appreciated!! And thanks for all your well wishes!! -kate

Best of wishes in the Marathon! Where are you from? I am a marathon runner myself as I ran the NYC Marathon in 2003 and 2003 and last year I ran the Marine Corp Marathon in D.C. Currently, I am training for the Philadelphia Marathon. Funny thing is I was in Ireland this summer visiting a friend and we talked of doing the Dublin Marathon together in 2006! I am not sure where the marathon course starts and ends but I would think Temple Bar area and Stephans Green would be a good place for spectators simply because it would be an easy place for them to get some food and coffee while waiting. Although because it is in a more crowded section of the city you will prob have to be more aware to see them. However, what do I know I have no idea what the marathon is like over there! Make sure to spend at least 2-3 days in the city to see a few things Dublin is great! Ughh I keep thinking every day about my 10 day vacation to Ireland and how I would love to be there right now! What is your goal for the marathon? I am not a fast runner myself just like doing the marathons for the challenge and experience I usually get in the 4:45 range.