509 replies to this topic

[Ding]

That looks a far better course, avoiding the "concrete canyon" out on the Western Distributor and it also looks fairly flat for the second half too.
Well done to the RD...!

[eth]

will be targeting this one as my first marathon!

[hidalgo]

Wow that looks fantastic!  I was all set to do MM or Fitzroy instead but this course looks too fun to pass up since it covers my usual CBD stomping ground so nicely.  

Great decision race director!!

[inhisshadow]

SteveNorden, on May 2 2010, 07:06 PM, said:

Yeah - the new course looks like a great improvement.

Judging by the map, it looks like when runners go through Hyde Park they will need to run down some steps, cross Park Street then run up some steps on the other side.  Not too many marathons require runners to negotiate steps.  If I am reading the map corrently, is there any way of avoiding the steps?

No not at all - I have heard that they will be putting a running bridge in over the road so stairs are connected - so no stairs!

Edited by inhisshadow, 02 May 2010 - 08:45 PM.

[The Sloth]

Course looks pretty good. Only concern is that it seems to have a lot of hairpin turns. Maybe 9-10 fair dinkum witches hat turns with a few other pretty sharp ones. Hopefully doesn't break the rhythm too much. But they have done well with limited space and hey - no City West Link so happy with that.

[superflake]

Plenty of hairpins. But hey we want a fairly flat course so this is good. Using the busways along Anzac Pde and Alison Rd is a good idea.
Two runs through Taylor Sq should be interesting. Also downhill from Taylor SQ to the Rocks. Looks fast the course.

Still unfortunate the corkscrew is back, but at least at the start and not the finish.

May 4th is when the website gets the full info.

[inhisshadow]

superflake, on May 2 2010, 10:01 PM, said:

Still unfortunate the corkscrew is back, but at least at the start and not the finish.

If I am reading the map correctly you will come into the corkscrew at the top - so it's a downhill

Edited by inhisshadow, 03 May 2010 - 07:19 AM.

[frankie17]

Jane06, on May 2 2010, 04:44 PM, said:

It also adds a loop around the Botanic Gardens, which was not in the Marathon Course previously.

I went out to Mrs Mcq's Chair last year.  Didn't you?

[Action]

SteveNorden, on May 2 2010, 07:06 PM, said:

Yeah - the new course looks like a great improvement.

Judging by the map, it looks like when runners go through Hyde Park they will need to run down some steps, cross Park Street then run up some steps on the other side.  Not too many marathons require runners to negotiate steps.  If I am reading the map corrently, is there any way of avoiding the steps?

A course can't be accredited or certified with steps in it.  I suspect that the map is indicative, not accurately detailed.  Steps would make it the laughing stock of international marathons.

However, I must swim against the tide here.  I am not that enamored with the new course.  Lots of U-turns, and some "interesting" new hills like just before the corkscrew, and many 2 way traffic stretches on single lane roads. If it wants to be a big marathon it needs to consider it now.

Dunno.  I hope my concerns are unfounded.

hmmm.

[thomo]

Action, on May 3 2010, 08:54 AM, said:

A course can't be accredited or certified with steps in it.  I suspect that the map is indicative, not accurately detailed.  Steps would make it the laughing stock of international marathons.

Hence, one of the reasons that Six Foot Track is not able to accredited or certified but however does miss the laughing stock award of trail running.

Wayne (R.D) is IMHO at the forefront of race directors listening and acting on our advice.

Course has been put out there and as said

Quote

I suspect that the map is indicative, not accurately detailed

.

Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and watching recently on TV the  Boston, London, Paris & Chicago marathons these have nothing on this marathon and its course.

For the record, I have no affiliation with Wayne, his company or the other people / companies involved.

[inhisshadow]

Action, on May 3 2010, 08:54 AM, said:

A course can't be accredited or certified with steps in it.  I suspect that the map is indicative, not accurately detailed.  Steps would make it the laughing stock of international marathons.

Take it as read - a running bridge will connect the stairs, have had a few people say that before the mapwas leaked....

Edited by inhisshadow, 03 May 2010 - 09:31 AM.

[Wayne Larden]

Hi all

I've just added the maps on another thread, to answer a couple of questions raised here though;

(1) Corkscrew - will be a downhill section off the bridge onto the Cahill Expressway, added this section to get almost an extra KM. We have had to try and find several KM to allow us to pull back western sections of previous course.
(2) Foot Bridge - will be across Park Street, no steps, a ramp from Hyde Park north to main deck of fully enclosed bridge to other side of Hyde Park.
(3) Dog legs - unavoidable unfortunately and certainly better than hills and boring sections on old City West Link. Use of bus lanes allows many extra km to be created in east section of course while pulling the course up at Dacey / Alison (thus opening up traffic in two-way directions along those roads for eastern suburbs residents access to airport and elsewhere).

The course will be certified as per IAAF specifications.

A lot of your other recommendations from last years event are also being taken on board with other changes in venues and on-course.

Thanks
Wayne
Race Director

[inhisshadow]

Thanks Wayne - I know I appreciate that you have taken the time to both take and then act on feedback from runners.

The new course looks like it will have it's own challenges - but it is a welcome change,

Cheers

IHS

[slowmo]

Just entered. Very enthusiastic about the new course !

Self-seeded into the snail category.

slowmo

Edited by slowmo, 03 May 2010 - 03:39 PM.

[Jane06]

frankie17, on May 2 2010, 04:45 PM, said:

I went out to Mrs Mcq's Chair last year.  Didn't you?

I can't remember now.  My memories are more of the City WestLink, not the earlier part of the race.  But if it was on the course, then I did do it.  Sorry - my bad!!

[WallyGator]

Jane06, on May 2 2010, 04:44 PM, said:

Unfortunately I won't be able to run it - arrive back from Canada the morning of the marathon.   Next year!

Drat, there goes the rematch - not that we really had a race last year though - but I do remember you beating me.

[frankie17]

Jane06, on May 4 2010, 07:54 AM, said:

Sorry - my bad!!

No No Miss Jane.

Space walk Miss Jane.

[brewer]

I've just entered the full.

[WallyGator]

I'm in for the full.

A slight pity that I will not be able to measure any improvement (or otherwise) on last year.  Ah well, at least it will be a course PB regardless.  

[Chich]

Hi everyone. First post.

Entered the full marathon a few days ago and was a bit shocked to find the course had changed, though looking through your posts it seems to have changed for the better so the £800 plane fare and £110 entry should still be worth it.

I have previously run Paris and London marathons, this is going to be the most exciting though, can't wait.

Do you think a course profile will be available anytime, I hate hills.

Ta

[aDrain]

There is this one http://www.mapmyrun....127295354266055

Click the Show Elevation box.

I notice that the distance is 43.3km, so obviously not official but close enough for the hills analysis.

Welcome to  CR - just back from England from doing the Brighton marathon. Hope we make you as welcome as you made me. What part of England are you from?

[Chich]

Hi aDrain

I live near Southampton. Hope you enjoyed The Brighton Marathon it seems to have had good reviews.

Thanks for the course profile for Sydney, its hard to get an idea of scale on such a long race when the course profile is so squashed up. On a scale of one to ten how hilly do you think it is?

[AaronR]

There's nothing flat about Sydney, but i would say this is about as flat a course as you will get around the inner city. Welcome and make sure you join the post race festivities that will no doubt occur.

[aDrain]

Chich, on May 4 2010, 06:44 PM, said:

Hi aDrain

I live near Southampton. Hope you enjoyed The Brighton Marathon it seems to have had good reviews.

Thanks for the course profile for Sydney, its hard to get an idea of scale on such a long race when the course profile is so squashed up. On a scale of one to ten how hilly do you think it is?

I really enjoyed the Brighton Marathon, but then again Brighton is one of my favorite places. My review is in a Brighton Marathon thread somewhere if you're interested.

Here is the MapMyRun for Brighton Marathon . Do the Elevation thing and have a compare, you'll see that Sydney is hillier than Brighton's course.

Edit to answer the question. I'd give Sydney a 6 for hills, Brighton (other than those stretches up from the beach and the high street) a 4.

Edited by aDrain, 04 May 2010 - 09:19 PM.

[shrek]

Bit the bullet. Have entered the half marathon.

The new course looks interesting, can't wait.

[slowmo]

shrek, on May 5 2010, 12:57 AM, said:

Bit the bullet. Have entered the half marathon.

The new course looks interesting, can't wait.

Good man shrek

slowmo

[timmo]

Looks like a nice course, I've taken the plunge and entered my first full. Taking out the City West Link was all it took to push me from the half to the full. Let's see if that was a wise choice...

[bluey]

Wayne Larden, on May 2 2010, 05:48 PM, said:

Hi all

I've just added the maps on another thread, to answer a couple of questions raised here though;

(1) Corkscrew - will be a downhill section off the bridge onto the Cahill Expressway, added this section to get almost an extra KM. We have had to try and find several KM to allow us to pull back western sections of previous course.
(2) Foot Bridge - will be across Park Street, no steps, a ramp from Hyde Park north to main deck of fully enclosed bridge to other side of Hyde Park.
(3) Dog legs - unavoidable unfortunately and certainly better than hills and boring sections on old City West Link. Use of bus lanes allows many extra km to be created in east section of course while pulling the course up at Dacey / Alison (thus opening up traffic in two-way directions along those roads for eastern suburbs residents access to airport and elsewhere).

The course will be certified as per IAAF specifications.

A lot of your other recommendations from last years event are also being taken on board with other changes in venues and on-course.

Thanks
Wayne
Race Director

With respect i appreciate the effort to get rid of the city west link section and making it more spectator friendly but what a proverbial joke of a course. In all honesty the back and forth, up and down of the same streets just makes this course all the more boring. I have run both New York and London and these courses are far better than what has been developed. And as for the spectators - why don't you spend a greater effort getting people to come and watch it - NY = 1.2 million people London the same. I was the only person on Anzac Pde last year encouraging runners (no lie - the only person - I had to provide water for dehydrated runners and get ambo's because there was no other).  Come on - I love Sydney as a City but we can do far better than this.  Why not take a leaf out of NY or London and start out west and bring it into the city - the opposite of Olympic version but with some more interesting sections i.e canada bay etc, homebush bay - lovely water views. Sorry to be so harsh I appreciate that this isn't easy and good on you for having a crack at it.  I guess you cant keep everybody happy.  

This could be a fast course but I am not convinced due to the hairpin turns in some cases every mile.

[frankie17]

bluey, on May 5 2010, 08:15 PM, said:

Come on - I love Sydney as a City but we can do far better than this.  Why not take a leaf out of NY or London and start out west and bring it into the city - the opposite of Olympic version but with some more interesting sections i.e canada bay etc, homebush bay - lovely water views. Sorry to be so harsh I appreciate that this isn't easy and good on you for having a crack at it.  I guess you cant keep everybody happy.  

This could be a fast course but I am not convinced due to the hairpin turns in some cases every mile.

I second that.  It would be great to bring it in flat and fast from Homebush (include the Bay Run section?) .  Yes there are too many hair pins and Centennial Park is nice but the water is full of goldfish not sharks.

I think it says more about Sydney's Councils' collective inability to put on any such event, and Sydneysiders' collective inability to see outside their car window than any lack of ability of Wayne Larden who is to be congratulated for doing the best with the playdough he has been given.  I'll be back this year.

Edited by frankie17, 05 May 2010 - 10:10 PM.

[slowbloke]

I think you guys are being a bit hard on the race director. The course seems loads better than the previous incarnation - particularly for the half. I like the look of it and it ticks all the right boxes for me. All we need now is a later start for the half to give a bit more time in bed in the morning!

I disagree with those that are saying this is not as good as London or New York. I would certainly put this course at least on a par with London - the first 12 or so miles before Tower Bridge are just plain dull in my opinion.

[dickyboy]

Though I am a bit dubious about all the U-turns & out & backs, at least it allows for a lot of encouragement from other runners as you pass by. I'm going to be pacing either the 90mins half or 3hr marathon.

[Wayne Larden]

bluey, on May 5 2010, 04:15 AM, said:

With respect i appreciate the effort to get rid of the city west link section and making it more spectator friendly but what a proverbial joke of a course. In all honesty the back and forth, up and down of the same streets just makes this course all the more boring. I have run both New York and London and these courses are far better than what has been developed. And as for the spectators - why don't you spend a greater effort getting people to come and watch it - NY = 1.2 million people London the same. I was the only person on Anzac Pde last year encouraging runners (no lie - the only person - I had to provide water for dehydrated runners and get ambo's because there was no other). Come on - I love Sydney as a City but we can do far better than this. Why not take a leaf out of NY or London and start out west and bring it into the city - the opposite of Olympic version but with some more interesting sections i.e canada bay etc, homebush bay - lovely water views. Sorry to be so harsh I appreciate that this isn't easy and good on you for having a crack at it. I guess you cant keep everybody happy.

This could be a fast course but I am not convinced due to the hairpin turns in some cases every mile.

Bluey - I think you have failed to recognise that every city is different and just because it works in London which has an amazing public transport and below ground tube system to allow roads to be closed for longer periods and a over a wider footprint doesn't mean it will work here. Also, I can't make spectators come out and support you. But I gotta say mate, if you don't like the course, it is real simple - DON'T ENTER! To be honest with an attitude like yours I'd rather you stayed well away from the entire event so everyone else can have a good time without you.
W

Edited by Wayne Larden, 06 May 2010 - 02:30 PM.

[dickyboy]

Well said, Wayne. Who said customer should always be king !!!!

Edited by dickyboy, 06 May 2010 - 02:46 PM.

[Wayne Larden]

dickyboy, on May 5 2010, 10:41 PM, said:

Well said, Wayne. Who said customer should always be king !!!!

I'm trying my best, I really am. Problem with previous courses and previous Sydney Marathons is that they haven't listened to non-running community and Government stakeholders and the events have been cancelled - I don't think any of us want that for Australia's biggest and best city do they? This really is the best solution for ensuring that we have ongoing support from Government and that RTA / Police support is maintained. W

[doddsy]

My 2 cents worth, I think it is a lot more spectator friendly and will be easy for family and friends to see runners at several spots, I am sure that trying to organsie a run through several councils would be next to impossible it would of been quite easy for the olympics where they had carte blanche over everything. Hairpins aside and lets face it we are running not in formula ones the course is pretty decent, I reckon this course will have more people pleased than not pleased. Remember if you cant please all of of the people all of the time.

I will be surely entering the Full as my third marathon I look forward to it, and believe the finish line at the opera house alone must make it the best finish in the world. As it is in my own backyard and there is required fundraising or lottery to enter, or expensive flights how can anyone complain about it.

Anyways that my 2 cents worth.

[brewer]

For those worried about the hairpins; you've got four months, go and practice your pylon turns.

[eoin]

Yep, I entered for the half yesterday. Looking forward to it!

[RWO]

brewer, on May 6 2010, 03:04 PM, said:

For those worried about the hairpins; you've got four months, go and practice your pylon turns.

Looking forward to competing in my 1st sydney mara after 15 mara's all round the world...course looks scenic, well done on hanging it all together.

A positive of some of the U turns as mentioned...looking at the pain on the faces of those opposite!  The kenyans might not like it, but most of us are not running sub 2.10.  4min per km and over, no problem with some turns, in fact I find it allows muscles to have a mini breather from the repetitive stress of running.

Can anyone recommend a cool place to stay where you can walk and catch a train to the start?

Also can someone book in 15deg celcius please....

[sl56]

Hi,
I hope to do the bridge run again this year.
A question for Wayne Larden -
as one of those in the under 50min group
who was caught behind all the other groups at last years start,
will you been able to prevent it happening again this year?
Other than the start it was a great event, the volunteers and everyone else involved are great.

[henryjoseph]

henryjoseph, on Apr 20 2010, 09:24 PM, said:

I will be entering, but need to decide which event! I have never done a Full before, but feel I may have my arm twisted to do so...

Saying that, I also don't want to rush things and get too excited. Maybe it is better to focus on my Half time first, and get better at that, before moving to the Full...?

Going against my own advice/thoughts... I think I am going to do the Full - which will be my first!

Pretty excited

[chops]

virtualkerri, on Apr 22 2010, 12:47 AM, said:

I don't know what else "Spectator Friendly" might mean though.

Spectator friendly means because most of the run is in the city, the people who are out shopping can be 'utilised' to give the impression that there are spectators.

[runhard]

chops, on May 8 2010, 10:34 PM, said:

Spectator friendly means because most of the run is in the city, the people who are out shopping can be 'utilised' to give the impression that there are spectators.

I take it as should you have family or a friend that wants to come it is easier for them to get into different spots to watch.  I know I will have a few!

Keep up the good work Wayne.

RH

[Jane06]

WallyGator, on May 3 2010, 04:07 PM, said:

Drat, there goes the rematch - not that we really had a race last year though - but I do remember you beating me.

That is lucky for me, as you would definitely win Round Two on your current form.  

Good luck all those who enter - I hope Sunday 19th September is clear and sunny, but not too hot!

[frankie17]

Jane06, on May 9 2010, 02:36 PM, said:

I hope Sunday 19th September is clear and sunny, but not too hot!

I wonder if run2work has a prognostication he can proffer.  

After all, September is fast approaching.  

[PeterPlodder]

The new course looks good. I'm one of those (apparently few) people who likes out and back sections, as they allow you to see other runners.

Wayne, one request/wish/plea:

The recent marathon in Canberra had water and sports drink in sachets. These were wonderful, with a bunch of big advantages:
- drink on the run without spilling
- easy to carry (and take periodic sips)
- easy for the volunteers to hand out
- easy for the runners to pick up
- no need for the volunteers to mix the sports drink (with the resultant variation in concentration and sometimes iffy hygiene)

I believe the disadvantages are:
- more expensive than cups
- harder to clean up (cups can be swept up, but wet plastic wrappers must be picked up)

And of course you still need some water in cups for the runners to dump over themselves.


As a runner, I would really like to see sachets. Here's hoping...

[Michael1]

PeterPlodder, on May 13 2010, 11:21 PM, said:

The new course looks good. I'm one of those (apparently few) people who likes out and back sections, as they allow you to see other runners.

Wayne, one request/wish/plea:

The recent marathon in Canberra had water and sports drink in sachets. These were wonderful, with a bunch of big advantages:
- drink on the run without spilling
- easy to carry (and take periodic sips)
- easy for the volunteers to hand out
- easy for the runners to pick up
- no need for the volunteers to mix the sports drink (with the resultant variation in concentration and sometimes iffy hygiene)

I believe the disadvantages are:
- more expensive than cups
- harder to clean up (cups can be swept up, but wet plastic wrappers must be picked up)

And of course you still need some water in cups for the runners to dump over themselves.


As a runner, I would really like to see sachets. Here's hoping...

I'm going the second this. I've used bags/sachets for shorter races and wasn't convinced. But I was completely sold on bags for marathon distance at Canberra.

[HillsAths1]

bluey, on May 5 2010, 08:15 PM, said:

I have run both New York and London and these courses are far better than what has been developed. And as for the spectators - why don't you spend a greater effort getting people to come and watch it - NY = 1.2 million people London the same.

The population of both London and New York is 3 times what we have in Sydney, and lets face facts, Sydneysiders do not like to get out and about. The major code (RL) thinks they have a great turnout if they get 20,000 to a game whereas in Melbourne you would need 3 times that amount for them to get excited(even though it has a lower population).

Perhaps if we tell the population that there is a Gay and Lesbian parade on Anzac Pde with people running around in skimpy outfits we might get bigger crowds....Just a thought.

I love running but I would be unlikely to go in an watch as it is too hard to get parking and unless you know what is happening on the course(radio coverage as an example) then watching it is just not that interesting.

[Ted]

Some real whingers on this thread. If you don't like it, don't enter - simple as that. I couldn't care less about London or New York, if there are too many turns etc and I also don't care if there are no spectators at all. It's a marathon, not a travelling circus. The only people I care about are my fellow marathoners who have put in the hard yards and all of us getting across the line and sharing the experience.

Personally I think the course is much better. See you out there and good luck with the preparation!

[photogirl]

I have registered for the Half Marathon - it will be my first (unless I manage to squeeze one in before then).   One week before I turn 50 so it will be a big occasion for me.

Now I need to train in a sensible fashion.

Edited by photogirl, 14 May 2010 - 03:45 PM.

[frankie17]

photogirl, on May 14 2010, 03:45 PM, said:

Now I need to train in a sensible fashion.

I suggest 2 of the following 3 are sensible fashion:

(1) shorts
(2) t-shirt
(3) stilettos