Thousands take to the streets of Dublin for a festival of running The streets of Dublin were filled with thousands of excited runners from all over Ireland and the world for 5th annual Affidea Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin Half Marathon. Nearly 15,000 runners took part in a festival of running, with a 5K on Saturday followed by a Half Marathon, 10K and Family Fun Run on Sunday.
“It was amazing to be celebrating our 5th Rock ‘n’ Roll in Dublin,” said Stacey Campbell, VP of Global Events for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. “Over the last 5 years we have seen participation grow and grow each year and we hope to continue this success. The Rock ‘n’ Roll running community loves visiting Ireland but we are also delighted to see the growth of Irish runners each year taking part.”
Participation in each distance increased and the new addition of the 5K in 2016 has seen the biggest growth in popularity with a 28% increase in runners. Runners from 53 countries around the world including all 50 states in the US took part over the weekend.
8,500 took part in the Half Marathon and they were joined at the start line by another 2,300 runners for the 10k. The Family Fun Run concluded the festivities of the weekend with runners of all ages completing the fun 1.5 mile course in the Phoenix Park.
The race serves as Ireland’s National Half Marathon Championship which was won in men’s section by Kevin Dooney (Rahney Shamrocks), with 2nd place Sergiu Cibanu and 3rd Tomas Fitzpatrick. Gladys Ganiels (North Belfast) secured victory in the ladies section with 2nd place Caitriona Jennings and 3rd going to Sarah Mulligan.
One of the lures of the half marathon, particularly for tourists, is the scenic, historic course that runners tour. After starting along the Docklands, runners pass the Samuel Becket Bridge and then shortly cross the famous H’penny Bridge. Following that, runners rise uphill to Christ Church Cathedral and pass the Guinness Brewery which brings them to Mile 4 at Kilmainham Gaol. Mile 8 brings Wellington Monument into sight and the race finishes further afield in Phoenix Park.
Tom Finn, CEO, Affidea said; “Affidea is delighted to sponsor the Rock N Roll marathon weekend here in Dublin. We are thrilled to see so many runners taking part across the different distances. From the kids and parents in the family fun race to the more experienced marathon runners, it’s great to see so many people out enjoying themselves. We know that many have been training for weeks if not months for this weekend, and we wish them all the very best, and hope they enjoy this unique experience where music meets sport. As our motto goes, Nothing Is More Important Than Health, so be sure to come visit us if you need a scan as part of your recovery plan! Well done to everyone involved.”
For more information, visit www.runrocknroll.com/dublin or follow @RnRDublinHalf on Twitter and Facebook.
