We'd been going on about how great the Dingle Run was, so time to put the runners where the mouth was and off to Kerry - a small but select group of runners intent on "Taking a Schelp" out of the Slea Head route.
Talking to Ronan, he initially thought about 8 Crusaders, but it actually turned out to be a few more. Battlers on the half were Flanimal, Ronan, Ivor, Tom Prendergast,David Ghilardi, Derek Clancy, Aidan "Gaelforce" Bohannon, Barry Coughlan, Collette Browne, Marina Mulqueen, Dervilla Moloney, Eugene Foudy and Martin "Father to Ironmen" Daly - also Dave Lucey and Caroline Darcy made guest appearances. Sole warrior in the full marathon was Andreas Wust (who had been "throwing himself at hills" training) and had a text from Keith Whyte to say he was going to have a go at the ultra.
Saturday dawned dry and bright and following a lengthy wait for someone to apply his fake tan, sorry, put on a DVD for his kids, Andreas made up the time on the Connor Pass rally stage to get us to the start line on time
Great to catch up with all the cousins from the Kerry Crusaders who had a very fit looking crew of 40 at the start including the two 1,000 milers, Vinny and Fozzie.
The Dingle start was a shotgun blast and away we went. First 5 miles just getting into the stride - great support around - huge overseas group of travellers - Stockholm, the Ealing Eagles, Garda runners,American groups and lots of Europeans. Slea Head welcomed us with a head-wind and we began the climb up to the cross. While it would have been easy to curse the wind, I remembered that Keith and the Ultra crew had been running for 2 hours and had another hour to go before they got to our start line!
Ivor and I rolled up the hill, fueled by porridge and lasagne and further surprised by a brilliant box player at 8 miles on the top of one of the climbs and a salsa band at mile 10. Past the buses, down the last hill to see a smiling Frenchman roaring encouragement. Great runs from everyone, first-timers and old-timers alike - Hills? What hills? - Bring on Dublin!
The Dingle start was a shotgun blast and away we went. First 5 miles just getting into the stride - great support around - huge overseas group of travellers - Stockholm, the Ealing Eagles, Garda runners,American groups and lots of Europeans. Slea Head welcomed us with a head-wind and we began the climb up to the cross. While it would have been easy to curse the wind, I remembered that Keith and the Ultra crew had been running for 2 hours and had another hour to go before they got to our start line!
Ivor and I rolled up the hill, fueled by porridge and lasagne and further surprised by a brilliant box player at 8 miles on the top of one of the climbs and a salsa band at mile 10. Past the buses, down the last hill to see a smiling Frenchman roaring encouragement. Great runs from everyone, first-timers and old-timers alike - Hills? What hills? - Bring on Dublin!
Full and Ultra
Kept the eyes open for Andreas - no sign of him with the 4 hour or 3:45 pacers,which meant he was flying. Before the start we had heard that Keith Whyte was second in the ultra. At the finish line there was lots of sausages, ate and bananas for hungry runners. Andreas rolled in, but his watch had stopped a short while back but we figured it was a good one.
People wandered around trying to find each other and cars. I met Keith coming the other way - rolled down the window - he gave me the thumbs up and the number 1 sign - magic stuff. Bogue was on the blower to spread the word also of the new course record and we heard on Sunday that Andreas had his 3:30 also.
Kept the eyes open for Andreas - no sign of him with the 4 hour or 3:45 pacers,which meant he was flying. Before the start we had heard that Keith Whyte was second in the ultra. At the finish line there was lots of sausages, ate and bananas for hungry runners. Andreas rolled in, but his watch had stopped a short while back but we figured it was a good one.
People wandered around trying to find each other and cars. I met Keith coming the other way - rolled down the window - he gave me the thumbs up and the number 1 sign - magic stuff. Bogue was on the blower to spread the word also of the new course record and we heard on Sunday that Andreas had his 3:30 also.
The other side of the Dingle run is that people generally stay around on Saturday to let their hair down - into town to meet "Collette with a K" and Marina. Gentle persuading going on by management to get the last few entries to the 100 in Dublin - nearly there (Dave L - you know you want to...)
If you are up to 15 miles now and following the routes, then Dublin will be no bother - there is huge support and people on the streets.
Is Dingle a challenge? Certainly. Did we enjoy it? Definitely. Will we be back? Absolutely!
If you are up to 15 miles now and following the routes, then Dublin will be no bother - there is huge support and people on the streets.
Is Dingle a challenge? Certainly. Did we enjoy it? Definitely. Will we be back? Absolutely!