Just something they enjoy doing For some, running a marathon is a once in a lifetime experience or a one off goal, but for one group of people running 26.2 miles is just something they enjoy doing. The West of Ireland Marathon Series was organised by Galway company, Run Ireland, with the aim of bringing this group together to do just that, and not just run once, but fourteen times over the last four months.
During the series, 51 individuals entered one or more marathons and a total of 138 marathons were run. The most common route was from the Series’ sponsors Galway Bay Hotel along the coast road to inverin and back, and other dates took in the famous Connemara Marathon course. Recognised by the 100 marathon club in the UK and Ireland, these races were specifically designed for anyone wanting to add more marathons to their tally, either in pursuit of the elusive 100 marathons or to go way beyond. Multi-Marathoner Peter Ferris, clocked up his 350th marathon in Galway as part of the series and Dubliner Dave Brady has used the series to propel beyond 150 completions of the classic distance.
Speaking at the start of the final marathon in the series, Ray O’Connor thanked the sponsors The Galway Bay Hotel, for their assistance in putting the events together. "The hotel literally give us everything we asked for, from registration each morning, refreshments in their Cafe, and even opened up their leisure centre for some much needed relaxation after each event. The management and staff couldn’t have been more helpful".
The series looks set to continue, with 1 more marathons planned before the end of the year and a further 14 already penciled in for 2010. So if you fancy running 26.2 miles some Saturday morning, why not join in the fun!
