Conor B McLaughlin

Events

Istanbul Marathon, October 18th

Eurasia Marathon is the result of hope and enthusiastic expectations for athletics. At the beginning, the main intention was simply to organise a marathon event. Being a unique city in terms of history and geography, Istanbul deserved a unique marathon. Despite the financial and logistical problems, an initial project was set up for the Eurasia Marathon.

In 1978, the officials were informed that a group of German tourists would visit Istanbul the next year, who run marathons in the countries they visited, the Nile Marathon in Egypt being the most recent race they participated. It was then decided to realise the Eurasia Marathon project.

Having solved the problems with the course and the traffic, the organisers invited the elite Turkish athletes to the event as well. Finally, all preparations were completed and the marathoners whom 34 of them were from the 74-person tourist group gathered at the starting point, 700 meters behind the Bosphorous Bridge on that historical day. Thus, the Bosphorous Bridge witnessed a marathon for the first time in its history, which the runners crossed from Asia to Europe. That was the beginning of an important event. The first Eurasia Marathon was won by Hasan SAYLAN, a Turkish athlete from the city of Zonguldak, in a time of 2:35:39.

Being organized for 30 years, one of the most important features of the Eurasia Marathon is that it aims friendship and peace since day one. The race course changed three times over the years, therefore winning times vary in those periods. Well known athletes such as Ian Thompson and Terry Mitchell participated in the Eurasia Marathon, which also became a testing ground for Turkish athletes, many of whom went on to run at international races.

Paris – Versailles Race, September 28th

As it's name suggests, the race starts in Paris (Eiffel Tower) and ends at Versailles (near the Chateau). It is only 16.3 km (10.1 miles) long, but a little hilly. This race owns its reputation to a friendly and folkloric atmosphere, with supporters and groups of musicians all along the way. Some people walk it just for fun of it.

A few things to know...

Medical certificate: In principle, the organizers require a medical certificate.
Insurance: The registration does not include any insurance for participants.
Picking up your official number tag: Your number must be picked up at least one day before the race (on presentation of your registration receipt).
Registration: Don't miss the deadline! Although the registration form can be retreived on the WEB site, it cannot be submitted electronically. Applications cannot be made electronically must be received by September 10.

Longford half Marathon, Sunday 30th August

First off will be the walkers in the full marathon who set off at 9.00am. The wheelchair participants will start at 10.45am from the same location the runners in the full marathon and the walkers and runners in the half-marathon start at 11.00am on Sunday morning. The course was well marked and each mile was posted. Regular Water stations, every 3 miles, were available along the way. It was my second year doing the Longford half marathon and it was a great day out even though it was just one day after the warrior run.

Warrior Run Saturday, 29th August

The committee has its origins back in 1985, when a group of local businessmen got together to discuss ways of boosting tourism in the Strand hill area. The idea for a mid-summers festival was mooted and decided upon. But they needed one major event that had to be the climax of this festival and this was to be, The Warriors Run.

In 2004, the Warriors Festival Committee decided to honour two of those original founding members. The Tom Staunton & Pat Curley perpetual trophies are now presented to the first male and female local runners to cross the finish line and will be presented again this year.

In 1979 a group of locals were sitting in The Strand hill bar (belonging to the late Sonny Bree R.I.P.). The bar boasts an excellent view of Knocknarea from its back window and they were discussing the best paths to climb to the top of the mountain from the front. A wager started as to which path was the fastest; the quickest time mentioned was 45mins.

A visiting German tourist who overheard the conversation got into the wager stating his son could climb the front of the mountain in half that time. With all deals done his son, a 17 year old member of a scouting troop, took off over the wall at the back of the pub and started to negotiate, bog, ditches, forestry and cliffs. Witnessed by those in the bar who could follow the majority of his journey he made it to the top (approx 1000 ft) in 19 minutes!

Strand hill is no stranger to road racing. From 1921 until the mid 20's a marathon race started from the Cannon Gun in Strand hill to just outside Gurteen, Co. Sligo. This race, just over 26 miles was known as the Morren Marathon and drew quite a number of competitors in its day.

Maeve, the fiery legendary Queen of Connaught reputedly rests on top of Knocknarea. Her battles with the King of Ulster over the brown bull of Cooley are well documented. In each, references to Maeves brave Warriors are made and were even praised by the Queen herself. After Maeve was assassinated by a nephew of the Ulster King she reputedly was brought back by her Warriors to the top of Knocknarea and was buried, standing upright facing the eastern sunrise.

Strand hill is steeped in legend, mythology and history. A combination of all of the above ideas and imagery were amalgamated in 1985 to produce the first Warriors Run. The initial races finished on top of Knocknarea at the Cairn but in order to facilitate the request of the runners themselves and improve on the race from a spectator’s point of view, it was extended to return to the beachfront again.

Since then the Warriors Run, and the subsequent progression into the Warriors Festival, has now become synonymous with Strand hill and is still growing from strength to strength each year. We hope you can come visit us and bask in the hospitality that Strand hill has to offer.

This year was my first warrior run and it was well worth all the effort.

Cork Full Marathon, Monday 1st June

Monday 4th June 2007 saw the revival of the Cork City Marathon. It was the first marathon in 21 years in the city and the people of Cork welcomed the event back with tremendous enthusiasm. The city centre was packed with supporters and throughout the suburbs residents lined the roads, creating a festive atmosphere that befitted the occasion. This year’s race was very good; the weather was very hot which suited me fine.

Achill Half Marathon, Saturday 4th July

The Achill half – marathon takes place every July. It is a good half marathon with some big hills. The course will take you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country.