Over 2,300 expected for marathon
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MORE than 2,300 runners are expected to take part in the second annual Dingle Marathon this Saturday, September 4, according to organiser Ken Dunne.
The success of the 2009 event exceeded all expectations and many runners remarked on the magnificent scenery and the excellent weather conditions.
"The weather forecast for the coming weekend is looking fairly good at the moment and we're asking people to put the Child of Prague statues out on Friday night!" Mr Dunne told The Kerryman this week.
"Our overseas competitors will be arriving in the next few days and so far we have over 400 entries from all parts of the world. They will be registering at the Dingle Skellig Hotel from noon to 10pm on Friday. We're also taking late entries for the marathon and anyone intending to sign up at the last minute can contact me by email at ken@dinglemarathon.ie and I'll send them on the details. Last minute entries can also be registered in the hotel on Friday or at the Waterside car park on Saturday morning," he said.
Mr Dunne said that a sizeable number of staff have been hired to help with the event and local volunteers will also be in attendance on the day.
The one section of the route which caused problems for runners last year was the steep incline at Caherdorgan.
"We decided to make a slight change to the course at mile 22 this year because some people found that climb very difficult. So now we're taking the back road from TP's up past Gallarus Oratory and back onto the main road to Dingle. The runners will still have the elevation to deal with but it's the lesser of two evils," Mr Dunne explained.
" We have a lot of entertainment lined up at the start of the marathon in Dingle and at five locations along the route, including at Slea Head, to encourage and support the runners. And we're asking all local musicians to come out and play at their doors when the runners are passing. In fact, we'd like the local community along the route to come out and encourage the runners on their way," he said.
