The Tralee International Marathon took place in Tralee in Co. Kerry on Paddy’s Weekend. The series of races including a 5k, 10k, half marathon and full marathon. Over the 4 races there was approximately 700 runners. It was a last minute decision by me to enter the race but decided to enter to keep myself out of trouble for some of the weekend.

Just when we thought the cold weather was gone the wind and the ice showers came back just on time for the weekend. The weather and cold is the only thing I can really complain about for this race. It took a lot to motivate myself to get out of the car but was greeted by a great surprise at the race registration. I was never so happy to see three familiar faces, my three Lanzarote roomies, Shona, Maura and Pete. The three had stopped off to do the race on their journey to Brennan’s.

Shona and Maura took part in the half marathon while Pete and I did the 10km. At the start line we also met a familiar face, Aidan Curran, who was also taking part in the half marathon.

The marathon and half marathon took off together at 9:30 and the 5k and 10k began at 10:00. The 10k consisted of two 5km loops. The course was relatively flat with one hill at the start which the 10k route plodded up twice. Other than the hill, the first half of the 5km loop was quick however when you turned to come back it was a different story with 2km of a strong head wind. The race looped around the Tralee Wetlands, passing Windmill and the aqua dome. I came across the line with a time of 39:10 which I was delighted with taking the wind into account. Shona crossed the line to finished first in the half marathon with Maura following shortly after in 5th position. Pete and Aidan also finished strong and ran great races. Results below.

The Race was well organised and for anyone venturing down around Kerry in March 2019 I would recommend stopping off in Tralee and giving the race a go. It is a nice course, chip timed, nice t shirt and medal and there is a lovely café at the start / finish J

 

10km Results

1st Sinead Tangney 39:10

49th Pete Galvin 53:28

 

Half Marathon

1st Shona Keane 01:25:37

5th Maura Ginty 01:31:05

74th Aidan Curran 01:39:45