RETURNING to Dublin from a wedding in Sligo, I nursed my thumping hangover as we sped along the N4 towards Dublin.  Suddenly I shot forward in my seat as my wife hit the brakes.  I bolted upright, nearly getting sick in the process, expecting to see a big garda with the hand outstretched, the notebook out, and 2 penalty points thrown in for good measure.

However, what greeted me was a long strung out column of hardy souls trundling along.Most had a purposeful look etched on the face; a few looked like they were praying.  I gingerly brushed my hand across my forehead as the wife; a veteran of 7 marathons beeped the car horn continuously to my annoyance but obvious gratitude of the runners.  “Must be a local 10k”, I muttered.  “No, it’s the Longford Marathon” she enthused as she continued to beep despite my discomfort.  “Sure, we might do it next year” she laughed.

Love huh! and so it came to pass, 12 months later she drove us through the hallowed gates of St. Mels College to find ample parking, before easily collecting our race packs in a well signposted hall.

A steady warm up through the wakening streets of Longford was constantly, but pleasantly interrupted by locals wishing me well, and commenting on the “soft weather”, as they rushed about after Sunday Mass with the papers rolled up under their arms.

As we gathered in the Square before the start, I spied the eventual winner of the Half Marathon, Josphat Boit joking on a bench with some other elites.

The weather was ideal for running with a slight breeze and soft misty rain falling.  On the off we did a short loop of the town before splitting in different directions depending on which race you entered.  I found the start very well organised and the stewards at the divisional point were vocal, so as to avoid any mistakes.

Turning onto the N63 the wind picked up and the rain began to pelt down.  Effort and concentration was needed.  It was along this stretch my cohort and I passed a visually impaired participant who was being aided by an assistant.  Shouts of encouragement were proffered by all who passed them.

Thankfully, at the 3mile mark the route took a turn right onto a boreen which offered shelter from the wind.  The wind never became a factor after this while the rain melted into a nice comforting spray.  We ambled along the country roads availing of the strategically placed water stations and encouraging shouts and claps of the thinly spread locals.

The route then entered onto a tough section of the N5, before turning north off the N5 at Kilmore Lower.  Runners then meandered through the County Longford countryside before turning back towards the town on the N4 just past the 11 mile mark.  These final few miles are undoubtedly the toughest especially the climb up the Dublin Rd past the petrol station.  The final half mile though tough, was rewarding due to the enthusiasm of the cheering townsfolk and impending finish line.

On finishing there was sufficient water and Gatorade and a really impressive medal for all.  The transition area for returning your chip was well manned and the provision of comfortable seating to allow same was welcome.  Back at St. Mels College the lack of showering facilities was a major negative, however the hot pasta, tea, coffee, and sandwiches provided was of a very high standard.  A sincere thank you to all the ladies and gents at the foodhall, who were helpful, funny and pleasant.

A minor negative was the T/Shirt.  It was cotton.  A technical tee would be much better, as runners would wear it when training thus promoting the event for future years, the cotton ones get worn in the garden or when doing DIY jobs.  (You cannot enter the Phoenix Park without bumping into numerous ‘Adidas Series’ wearing runners).  The water stations as fore mentioned were perfectly placed, however the provision of water in plastic cups can be awkward.  Paper cups are easier for a runner to handle as it is easy to squeeze them into a figure of 8, allowing you to drink on the run without spilling most of it.  All in all, this is an excellent event. It is very well organised, enjoyable, relatively flat and beginner friendly.  The provision of showers in the future would elevate it to a premier level in my opinion.  Thumbs up to all involved.

Parking, registration, getting started etc  10/10

Beginner friendliness                                         09/10   -1 for no showers

Event souvenirs                                     Medal  =10/10  T/S =  05/10The Course, Surface, scenery, marshalling etc.                 09/10   -1 due to traffic on N4/N5.

Water stops                                                      09/10   -1 due to plastic cups

Aftermath                                                         08/10   -2 for no showers

Value                                                               08/10   -2, a little pricey

Will I be back?                                     YES

By Uaithne.