Europe vs. Australia. 7 things they do better in marathons (Hint: one is free beer!)

7 things Australian event organizers could learn from the Europeans...

I've just experienced my first ever European running event, the Swiss City Marathon in the beautiful city of Lucerne, Switzerland. Here's 7 things that were great that we don't do in Australia.   Event organizers please take note!

1.      Teach Australian crowds how to cheer!

We're awesome at the footy and cricket but Aussies have no idea how to cheer for runners - compared to our northern hemisphere friends. In Switzerland "Hopp" means "Go".   And its normally said "Hopp, hopp, hopp!". And its normally LOUD!!

And who would have thought cow bells could be cool!   As well as many fans even the cows in the fields cheered for us!

                                      

The Euro's really know how to make it a party. Please teach the Aussies how to do better than shouting "not far now" when you're passing the 5km mark :( 

2.    Give us these porta loos

3. Drink stations become a 3 course meal !!

Not just water, the Swiss served;

      -    water,

      -   not one but two types of electrolytes,

      -   bananas (cut into bite size pieces!), and the occassional

      -   gels,

      -    carb snack size bars.

4.     More food!

The Pasta Party at the Expo the night before is a fun part of northern-hemisphere races. For the price of a few packs of noodles it brings everyone together and sets a great atmosphere. C'mon Aussies - surely Coles or Woolies can help out here.

5.     Have commentators who call out your name

Maybe being from Australia I was a novelty in the event but having them call out my name (in Swiss I think ??!) because they were watching a screen and reading your details made ​​it exciting for the crowds ... and the runners.   I had very little idea what they said about me (maybe laughing at my funny style?) but I vaguely recognised  my name and "Australeeeeeea" -   and the nice cheer of encouragement from the crowd gave me a boost.

 6. Give us runners real running shirts

Compare the awesome long sleeve Asics top I got with the cheapest crappiest one I got from my last Australian event = no comparison!   I'll proudly wear this Euro one and run many more miles in it.   I'm actually kinda embarrassed with the un-branded cheap promo ones we got in Australia. (It's still in the plastic bag).

7.   Give us beer at the end of the race!

OK so I could not finish it: because I needed electrolyte (which they also gave us in a great drink bottle) but what a great way to celebrate! 

I could go on about the great organization (dare I say "like a Swiss watch") where the start was comfortable and not like WWF;   the wonderful history on the course (even though cobble stones should be renamed 'hobble stones'); and more, but this list is just a few of the things did made ​​this event very special. 

 Merci vilmal (thanks a lot)