Dublin “Virtual” Marathon 2020 (24th to 26th Oct)
A very different Dublin marathon experience
When the organisers of the Dublin City Marathon announced in May that it was cancelling the race this year, some might have criticised the decision as being far too early to call back then, but of course it turned out to be very foresighted in light of the current level 5 restrictions. However, keeping to the well-established October date, this year the event went “virtual”, which means that runners could run the 42.2km distance on any route of their choosing, adhering to Covid-19 restrictions at all times of course, between Saturday 24th and Monday 26th October, time themselves using a special app on their phones, and submit their times online.
Declan Costello ran his race on Saturday morning 24th October and was satisfied with his time of 4:25 considering he is still not fully fit and still on the way back from a niggling injury. That left him free on Sunday morning 25th October to selflessly assist six other Club members with their races by cycling the route with them, providing regular encouragement and carrying water and gels if required. All six left their homes at pre-determined times and merged after about 8km at the Royal Canal near the Dublin Bridge, so they could run within sight of each other but still well socially distanced. The course was laps of a mixture of canal paths and quiet country roads, so was very safe to run on. There was also water stations dotted around the course where the runners could self-serve with sanitised water bottles and also a dedicated group of supporters that travelled around the parts of the course on the road following the action and providing vocal support
Running 42.2km solo took real mental resolve and was nothing like the normal event that attracts huge entries and about 300,000 spectators lining the streets of Dublin, but of course we’re not in normal times. Leading the group home was Mary Stuart in 3:44, a big personal best for her and she was absolutely delighted at the finish. Following closely behind was Criona Reid (3:45), Joan Hickson (3:52), Linda O’Driscoll (3:55), also delighted with her new personal best, and Jane Creevy (4:02). Unfortunately Joe Fagan had to withdraw injured at 25km, very disappointing for him, but he knows he made the correct if difficult decision to stop or risk further injury and we wish him well.
It hasn’t been easy for the Club’s marathon runners to keep training for a marathon experience that would be so alien to what they know and expect, so very well done to those that competed last week-end, which is a testament to their dedication and willpower to keep going regardless.
