None The 1st Kilkenny Half Marathon and 10 km saw 300 athletes take to the streets of Kilkenny city and county on Sunday. Mayor of the City, Malcolm Noonan got the races underway on time outside the Watergate theatre on Kilkenny’s main street.
The sun shone brightly for the day which kept spirits high for the athletes as they tackled the 10 km and Half Marathon courses on one of the warmest days in months.
The athletes passed many of Kilkenny’s famous landmark buildings. The final few kilometres were completely flat which allowed for some super final splits. Athletes however had to be psychologically strong as they had got a glimpse of the finish line when entering the city’s tranquil Linear Park knowing that they still had a few kilometres left. The Mayor presented every athlete with unique medals after they passed through the impressive finish line gantry.
The trophies that were also specially commissioned for the event were presented in the beautiful setting alongside the River Nore, near Greens Bridge. With accurately measured courses, individual timing chips, photographers, music playing at the finish line and plenty of spots prizes too, there were many factors that should see the Kilkenny events grow into an important running date in September.