Dublin Marathon
On Sunday 30th October, a record 19,500 runners took to the streets of Dublin to compete in the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon. Of this vast number, 11 wore the orange vest for OAC, a huge mark up on last year’s single runner. The race had been moved to a Sunday for the first time which could have partially accounted for its early sell out.
The course starts in Fitzwilliam Square making its way North-West of the city through Phoenix Park. It then loops back down to cross the Grand Canal at just under half way where there’s one of the many official cheer points and then on through Bushy Park. The route then travels towards University College and the killer Heartbreak Hill at mile 22 before a bit of a downhill and then the home straight towards Merrion Square.
First OAC runner in was Robin Montgomery with a speedy 3.09.39. Sile Brennan was in next and first OAC lady with a new PB for her 21st marathon 3.22.16. Well done Sile (when she passed me at half-way she looked as though she was thoroughly enjoying it)! PBs were also on the agenda for Michael O’Donoghue (3.31.07), Ian Millgate, who smashed his previous marathon by 27 minutes with a time of 3.49.46 and Lisa Fleming ran superbly with a new PB of 4.21.01.
Jill Holland ran a very impressive first marathon although was also clear that this could be her last. I guess time, and perhaps no memory of the pain of the first, may make her do it again. Nevertheless, with an excellent time of 4.29.05 she should feel very pleased with her achievement.
Other Orangegrovers that ran were Ian Grant (3.46.39), Rodney Corrigan (3.56.45), Pauline Bayliss (3.44.19) and David Doey (4.36.39). Well done to all on what was a challenging course. Stephen Anderson ran 20+ miles but due to injury made the wise decision to pull out. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the roads soon.
