Sunday see’s the first Dublin City Half Marathon. A route exclusive to the North Dublin City and suburbs.
Organised by the Dublin Marathon committee and with record ticket sales which would rival, Oasis, Gareth Brook or U2, expectation is high of a great day.
The expectation, it seems may be based in the history of the Dublin marathon. For the Dublin City Half Marathon seems like A Sort of Homecoming.
You see, from the first Dublin Marathon in 1980 until 1992, the marathon had a home in the suburbs of the Northside and it was most welcome in the village of Raheny.
In fact the route of Sunday’s race, is very close to that of 1981. Although the Phoenix Park to Finglas through Cabra may not be part of this route. From Whitehall to Raheny via the Howth Road into Clontarf and home looks familiar.
“Raheny, it was like something from the Tour de France” Jerry Kiernan once told me as the crowds, welcomed the runners to Athletics country.
Immortalised in a 1988 board game, which sold well in Switzers and Arnotts. Was the game any good? Who knows, but it’s there still, Raheny awaiting at mile 19. As the game brings you through Coolock, Artane and Marino before you finish in St. Stephen’s green.
Alas, in 1993, the Dublin Marathon become primarily a southside affair. Unfortunately there are just too many climbs on the Northside of Dublin. The southside makes for a faster course.
However memories of the Dublin marathons of the 80’s and early 90’s are strong. The Dublin Marathon has gone from strength to strength. Thus it’s no surprise when Jim Augheny and his team turned their eyes to this new venture there is excitement.
Augheny and his team, know athletics, they remember the great response of Fairview, Marino, Killester, Clontarf and Raheny.
Sunday will be a special day.
Welcome back, and make yourself at home.
