Home Race Report Half Marathon des Escargots, 11th July 2015

Half Marathon des Escargots, 11th July 2015

Report by Joe Byrne

Thanks to Conor, Dave and Martin for all the race photos: Gallery

The phrase “The loneliness of the long distance runner” was always something I associated with long training runs particularly around the Waterworks in Bohernabreena. That was until the experience of running the final 12.5 miles of the Portarlington Half Marathon on Saturday past.

With Eoin O Brien I set off down the M7 for an 11.15am race start. On the way into the gym at Portarlington GAA club for registration we were greeted by Lucy Darcy representing Precision Timing and solely responsible for recording results and times for over 300 runners doing 3 races, 10k, Half and Full Marathon.

After a few warm up laps of the GAA pitch and Strides we were called to the start line, not before meeting Leitrim’s Finest in Ann Marie Keenan who had also travelled down for the race.

13.1m, lots of wind, subtle climbs, 10 spectators, numerous MOO Cows and 25 course stewards later we crossed under the finish line after an enjoyable trek. Thanks to supporters Dave, Martin, Conor, Luke and Julia (who made up half the spectators) for travelling down and providing some much needed encouragement on the final run in just as the bodies were breaking up.

Of course the mandatory coffee, coke, cream cakes and iced donuts were indulged in on the way home to replenish our lost sugars and we relived our races run.

Perhaps the experience wasn’t so lonely after all!!!!!!!