Big response to Bogtrotters marathon
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
GROWING numbers are registering for The Bogtrotters Marathon which is a new event taking place in Strokestown on July 24th for runners /walkers of all abilities.
It includes a full, half and relay marathon and goes from Strokestown to Rooskey and back on the minor roads and bog tracks. Paul McNamara, Regional Development Officer with the Athletics Association of Ireland, said. 'The course has been precisely measured with a Jones Counter and approved by the AAI; this new event provides people in the region with another incentive to train and a goal to work towards.' Paul finished second in the Cork City Marathon a few weeks ago.
Katriona Byrne, race director, points out that running and walking are open to all, all you need is a good pair of runners, and that the growing number of such events around the country is testimony to the recession-friendliness of these activities. The bypasses of country towns are the new running tracks!
The marathon is getting a lot of queries from people who have 10k under their belt, whether running or walking, and are wondering whether they would be able for a half marathon.
She says that that's a great stage to be at and that by adding a mile or two to the long session every week and keeping up the shorter sessions they should be ready. Relay teams are forming as people encourage each other to get out there and train for the beginners' distances. This makes for a great atmosphere and one of the half marathon participants, Charlie Cox from Strokestown, age 70+, said he'd rather go to a marathon any day of the week rather than a football match!
The event starts at 9 in Strokestown Park. On the day there will be a free Family Fun Run at 11a.m. organized by Roscommon Sports Partnership, as well as bouncy castles, face painting, yoga workshops, and concessionary entry to Strokestown Park House, gardens & Famine Museum.
The Bogtrotters Bash in the Percy French Hotel on the Saturday night is guaranteed to break a sweat! Registration is online at www.thebogtrottersmarathon.ie or by post - download forms from website or ring 087-2538753.
There is also late registration on Friday 23rd 6-7p.m. and Saturday 24th 8-8.45 a.m. in Strokestown Park House cafe.
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