While I've done a number of triathlons and half marathons, this was my first marathon, and I have to say I was impressed with the organization and quality of an event so large.
The route is 99.9% flat. I don't actually remember any hills, but I guess you do go over some bridges a few times. That makes for a really enjoyable, easy race the entire way. While you go by a number of Hamburg landmarks, I wouldn't call the route particularly scenic. However, the amount of folks that come out to cheer you on is amazing and totally make up for that. Having had a similar experience with the Cyclassics, I'm just going to conclude that Hamburg residents know how to cheer. The last 10 kilometers are particularly amazing on that front.
The organization for this event is incredibly well-planned and executed. All information is available in German and English, including the full athlete guide. The bag drop-off at the start is held in the huge Hamburg Messe, so you're protected from the elements while you wait to head out to the start line. They have aid stops at every kilometer. For a bunch of those (possibly all of them, I forget), you can also drop off your own custom bottles to be put out at the front of the aid station. That's something I've only seen at the most expensive of triathlons (I'm looking at your, IRONMAN), and even then it was only for 2 predetermined locations. They have pacers at 15-minute finish time intervals, which are a great way to reach that goal with a group of folks. Finally, the post-race athlete area is also held in the Hamburg Messe and has one of the biggest snack selections I've seen to date, from healthy to incredibly unhealthy but oh-so-good. While Erdinger Alkoholfrei is there as always, they also have a bunch of water stations for a change.
Keep in mind it's a huge event (25k runners), but they do a really good job of managing that crowd. The only place it gets tight is when everyone rushes to get to the start line 15 minutes before the start. They warn folks repeatedly about that in the athlete guide, and, as long as you stay chill, you'll get to the start line just fine. If you want to be up front, then just head there earlier.
I'd recommend this event to anyone interested in doing a marathon, especially if it's their first. Pro tip: check out the Mizuno tent at the expo when picking up your packet. They had custom Hamburg running shirts in 2016 that were only available at the expo. read more
