Advertised as 'The Friendly Marathon' and it is very true! 5* event. Expo pickup was quick and easy. You get a large clear bag full of goodies, that is then used on the day for your belongings. Everyone got a cute bobble hat this year, bright green and blue, which you saw all over Dublin before race day. Baggage drop simple and easy, start very well organised and marshalled. Plenty of portaloos. The start was in 4 waves at 9, 9.15, 9.30 and 9.45. Everything ran smoothly and on schedule. Route was fab, in and out of some lovely parks, part road, part town. Few hills thrown in so not so flat, but still a pretty fast course for the most part for those chasing PB's. Plenty of water stations, lucozade available at several, 2 gel stations in the latter part of the course for those who like them. Plenty of jelly sweets, biccies, oranges around the course from the crowds. Crowd support from the people of Dublin was outstanding. Fantastic, enthusiastic Marshalls on the whole course. I was really impressed, even the coppers I asked for directions afterwards were super friendly. It really is 'The friendly Marathon'. Medal was superb, really great bit of bling ,and a fab long sleeved tech top (with thumb holes!) with a zip neck, my only gripe being there were no small tops left for the slower runners. But hey, it's a good top I can now fit a base layer/t-shirt under and use in the winter months eh?! It was cold so take a warm top for the start. Can't recommend this event highly enough, make a long weekend of it like I did, Dublin is an awesome city to visit. You'll have a great time. Sláinte!