Team Geared Up

DUBLIN, IRELAND (Team Geared Up) Ever been at a marathon where the finish race facilities included hairdriers and where you could have a shower with a view of the Eiger, Monch and the Jungfrau? I was more shocked about the hairdryers! Seriously it was the most incredible experience! It’s an absolutely unforgettable marathon, and I managed to enjoy every second, even the painful bits. It starts quite flat and the first serious hill kicks in at about 26k. You’re on gradual climbs through various mountain villages and some single mountan track till about 39k and then the next big climb hits you. You know then you’re not far off the final downhill 1 kilometre. I crossed the line happy and smiling (time 4.19)! It was too short. I was only warming up when it was all over!!! LOL! ;-) I’ll never forget the views and the scene’s at the finish line but unfortunately I had no camera so you’ll have to go see it for yourself!

Irish hill running girls Grainne Connor and Sarah Moores (well she’s an honorary paddy) came home in 4.53 and 4.54 and were thrilled with super runs in this unique event. It really is incredibly well organised, supported and stewarded. There’s a water/ gel/ provisions stop right when you need them - they also mark the tough climbs every quarter of a kilometre which is brilliant because you break the climbs into 250 metres and suddenly you’re eating through the kilometres. Big congrats to TGU blogger Eoin, I didn’t manage to bump into him or Mick of Mick’s Mountain running in memory of his brother Tony. Both had cracking runs and you can read about Mick’s experience over at his blog.

Image is Mick crossing the line! (Stolen from his blog ;-) )

Race winner was Jonathan Wyatt in 2.55 and the female winner Anita Hakenstad Evertsen in 3.23. Incredible running!

-Aisling-