The inaugural Dingle Marathon took place in bright sunshine on Saturday 12 September in County Kerry, South West Ireland. The event incorporates a half marathon and both distances cater for walkers and slow runners. The run starts by the harbour in the delightful town of Dingle, before heading off in the direction of Ventry to Slea Head. You are hardly aware of the distance, as the scenery is absolutely wonderful with magnificent views of the Blasket Islands arising out of turquoise waters. These might take on a less colourful hue in more normal Irish weather!   

The first six miles are reasonably flat but the large number of competitors on a reasonably narrow though traffic-free road regulates pace.  While this makes for a great atmosphere the message, if you are after a fast time, is to start close to the front. The remainder of the half marathon route includes a succession of “undulations”. The half marathon concludes at Dunquin, from where a bus service is provided back to the start. 

Marathoners continue to enjoy the spectacular scenery, though the route becomes substantially more challenging. Once through the village of Ballyferriter you have some memorable views of Murreagh. But the route profile then becomes quite steep and contains a number of gruelling hills. The climb at around 22 miles is particularly strength - sapping, even at walking pace!  But, from this high point, you can take in and enjoy the entire landscape and look forward to a long downhill stretch back into Dingle town where a well filled goody bag and a London Marathon look-a-like medal awaits you. 

There were 1326 Half Marathon finishers and 314 crossed the line in the marathon, which was won by local man John Griffin in a time of 2 hours 38 minutes 15 seconds. There were a few 100 Marathoners “on parade”, but pride of place must go to Jerry Forde. This was not a course for wheelchairs and how he got up those hills in the second half of the run I cannot begin to imagine. Well done Jerry – especially as you were competing in hostile territory – Jerry is from Cork and this was the day before the All Ireland Gaelic Football final between Cork and Kerry, that Kerry won!   

The event was well organised with chip timing, though somewhat expensive in UK terms. The Irish seem quite content to part with 60 Euro for their runs!  This is the third Irish event (including one half marathon) I have entered this year that has been similarly priced. This situation is not helped by the poor Euro/sterling exchange rate. But if an event was worth the entry fee this has to be it! I have already booked for next year. Runners were given a ticket for the free pasta party that was laid on in a lively bar by the harbour. The pasta dishes were wholesome, generous, and varied but the bar was not for the exclusive use of runners. 

Next year’s run is set for Saturday 4 September with reduced rate entry for early registration. The Dingle peninsula is a popular tourist area and although accommodation is plentiful it is wise to make an early booking. In addition to the normal hotels and guesthouses there are a few hostels dotted round the area. The easiest way to get to Dingle is to fly Ryanair (from Luton or Stansted) to Kerry and then hire a car, so clubbing together to share the cost of car hire is recommended.  Travel by public transport to Dingle can be a bit tortuous by bus, firstly to Tralee then onto Dingle. Here is the link.  -  www.dinglemarathon.ie/