The Clontarf Half Marathon takes place in both July and November each year.  It’s billed as the flattest half marathon course in the country.  I can confirm its very flat !  This was actually my third time signing up for it; the other two I didn’t manage to make in the end. Saturday July 4th was finally going to be my time to shine.

Bib Number 206

Crowds out in force

The sun was shining and the crowds were out in force for the 10am start to the half marathon. The course was an ‘out and back’ one, with the start and finish line at the same place.  Very handy indeed.  The course covered a mix of running surfaces including a stretch out and back across the sand on Bull Island.   I’d never actually run on sand before in a race. It was interesting ! a bit too soft in places, mostly going on and off the beach but running along the water was quite nice I have to say.

The Course

As usual there were plenty of supporters out along the course to cheer us on. The Clontarf half was a very enjoyable run and of course there was some medal bling at the end of it to add to a growing collection.

Finishers

I even got to meet Jessica, a friend from Twitter who also runs.  She was with a group of girls who asked me to take their picture after the race and low and behold she was one of those girls.  That’s one of my favourite things about running, you get to meet the best people.

My Twitter Pal Jessica

The finish time wasn’t anything amazing, coming in at 2 hours and 16 minutes.  Not my best, which currently stands at 1.56, but I approached this more at a leisurely pace.  Next up on my calendar is the Dublin Marathon Race Series which I’m very much looking forward to.

Official Results

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