My Forum

I would like to thank Alan and his team for a great event. I cannot even begin to think about the logistical nightmares of arranging such an event in a major City entre so thank you for having the vision, courage and patience for taking the challenge on.

There are always going to be teething problems with any new event - I would agree that the park PA system was poor and the green start coral was packed out - not everyone could get in at the 'official' start time. The pens need to be bigger (especially as there seem to have only been 5200 finishers rather than the expected 8-9000) and gaps closed up just before the start. I personally had no problems or complaints all the way round. Great support and marshalling. Loved the drumming band coming out of the tunnel - certainly helped the last bit of the climb - was quite surreal coming back into the daylight. The 'worst' part of the course for me was Princes Park at 23 miles - bleak with little support. However, loved coming down UPS 24-25 and the finish. Agree re full hands in the finishing shute. I dropped my T-shirt into a puddle before I even got it on trying to hold everything. A special thank you to the lady handing out the foil blankets who was putting them on the athletes tying a knot in the cape to stop them blowing away. The course is a little tougher than other big city marathons but there are unique features - how many people get to run under the Mersey? Did anyone notice the position of the timing mats - 10K - most norther part of Wirral - 1/2 way - in the Tunnel - 20 miles - middle of the park - no chance of anyone taking a short cut!!

Thank you again Alan and the rest of the team - well done!! You all deserve an immense amount of credit.

I ran both last year - go for it in Brighton, take it easier in London - more crowded anyway - and try to enjoy the atmosphere. You're not going to perform well doing a 2nd marathon in a week but you'll enjoy it if you are realistic in your expectations. Wanted to do both again this year but unfortunately got rejected in the ballot - full steam ahead for Brighton and will probably go up to support my club mates running VLM this time.

Good luck - I'd say go for it!

I've done the French Riviera Marathon the last 2 years.

Scenic - beach to your left most of way round, flat (one relatively small climb at half-way) with definite PB potential, no probs with organisation generally.

Only small disadvantage is that it's a point to point run so if you're staying in Nice you have to get the (free) train back from Cannes after the finish which was no problem and there was a good atmosphere as train packed with runners in good humour. Not the most spectator friendly event although supporters can use the train which follows the coast line but they could certainly see you off in Nice, half way in Antibes and see you at the finish. Finish area was a shambles last year with overcrowding but looks to be sorted for this year. Loads of goodies; rucksack, great medal, finishers T shirt, pasta at end, etc, etc.

Would certainly recommend - thinking about making it 3 in a row this year. Hope this helps!