The Munich Marathon is a big part of the city’s events although admittedly lagging somewhere behind the Oktobberfest. Its easy to get flights from Glasgow and Edinburgh. We chose Edinburgh as the flight back was only £24. There is Marathon (5000 runners), Half (7000), 10k (3000) and a very popular 4 stage relay team over the marathon course (700 teams). The event was probably similar to many other city marathons and had an expo on the Friday and Saturday.
It starts at the Olympic park and finishes in the Olympic stadium.
The marathon and relay start at 10am then the 10k goes after that, which makes it good for spectators.
The Half starts from mid way on the marathon course later in the afternoon. You need to make your way out there but its an easy trip on public transport. There are plenty of facilities at the start including a bag drop.
The most scenic part of the course is in the opening part of the marathon when there is about 8km through the English Garden (park). This means that the first part of the half is a bit boring before it moves back towards the city centre and all of the historic buildings. The course is pretty much flat, nothing that could really be called a hill, and even the twists and turns didn’t seem to be a problem. There are crowds along much of the route, particularly nearer the city.
Lots of food and drink stations (water, isotonic, banana etc – and beer) around the course as well as the usual entertainment at regular intervals.
The end of the race is in the Olympic stadium and an enjoyable lap of the famous track. All runners can get onto the pitch and make use of all food and drink facilities. Afterwards there’s showers and a physio facilities etc. There was even one of those dry ice machines to help the tired legs.
The marathon was won in 2:27, the half in 69:59 and the 10k in 32:09. Decent times but not the type of world class athlete that goes for Berlin for example.
Its a good event, well organised. It was 40 Euros entry but the t shirt was extra. Maybe a bit expensive compared to Glasgow but probably on a par with other European city type events. There were lots of nationalities including a big Italian contingent. The relay seen a lot of the tech companies enter teams.
We stayed in the Schwabing area, best described as being a bit like Glasgow’s west end. It was great for access and for sightseeing afterwards.
Munich is a great city and with a flat course might be one for our travelling Harriers to consider.
Stephen
(on behalf of the Munich Tourist Board....)
1 comment:
You'd have to go some to beat me to the 'longest race report' title Stephen, better luck next time. And better luck next time with injury, hopefully that sub-1:30 will be yours.
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