Pat The Baker Longford Marathon, Ultra Marathon & Half Marathon 2011 In 2002, the Longford Marathon was organised by Longford Man Liam Fenelon and his friend and colleague in running Fr. Ciarán McGovern. Liam Fenelon’s 100th marathon was approaching, and they thought that it would be fitting to organise a marathon in Liam’s home town of Longford where Liam could complete his 100th Marathon race.
Roll on 2011 and "The Friendly Marathon in the Heart of Ireland" is now celebrating its 10th Anniversary. Organised by runners, for runners, and donating all proceeds from the race to local Longford Charities, the Pat The Baker 2011 Longford Marathon has a deserved reputation for putting the runners needs first and providing a "rural ireland" alternative to the big city marathons.
Since the initial race in 2002 with 300 entrants running a full marathon, the event in Longford has grown and matured with the additions first of a Half Marathon in 2003, then a Marathon Relay in 2008, a Friday night 5K in 2010 and for the first time this year an Ultra Marathon.
The Pat The Baker Longford Festival of Running (as it has now become) has always taken place over the last weekend in August and this year is no different. With so many different distances available, it offers events for all levels of Athlete, from the casual to the elite.
The calendar of races over the weekend is as follows.
Friday 26th @ 7.30pm – 5K Road Race – entries €15 taken on the night at Longford AC, Bridge Street, Longford.
Saturday 27th @ 10am – BreakfastFun run with complimentarty light breakfast after the run starting / finishing at St. Christophers, Battery Road, Longford. Free to all who wish to enter.
Saturday 27th @ 1pm – Childrens Athletics at St. Mels College in Longford. Events in all categories for partipants between the ages of 6 and 12.
Sunday 28th @ 9am – Marathon Walk starts on Ballymahon Street in Longford
Sunday 28th @ 9.30am – Ultra Marathon starts on Ballymahon Street in Longford
Sunday 28th @ 11am – Marathon, Half Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon and Marathon Relay Start on Ballymahon St in Longford
All the Race Courses in Longford are officially measured and certified as accurate with AAI Permit granted and Longford Marathon is a member of AIMS.
Entries are now being accepted in all events – and online entry is available via runireland.com at
https://www.runireland.com/events/2010-08-29/longford-marathon-2011