This is the English version of my report about the beautiful Wexford Marathon. It was translated by google and is probably not in perfect English, but I think it`s better than mine. I hope you enjoy the read and I will say thanks to all the guys, who I met and made this marathon possible and so fantastic. In front of course to Dee Boland, for a great organization and the best Guinness I ever had and also to Dinny Johnston, it was a pleasure to run with you a few miles, thanks to Zaldy Baralca for the picture at mile 4 and not at least to Margaret Sludds, you was my partner for the last miles. And please say a big hello to all the other guys I met and I don`t know their names …. So, now, here`s my report – in perfect google English:
Earlier this year it was clear that it this year finally back to Ireland goes on vacation. Since Silke vacation time always leaves me, it was at the end of course no wonder that of all the neighboring town held a marathon. So I was quickly registered for the Marathon Wexford.
Wexford is located in the southeast of Ireland and is easily accessible from Dublin well in two hours. The capital of the county of the same name has around 20,000 inhabitants and is situated near Rosslare, where we rented for ten days a nice house on the beach. Since my navigator apparently knows only the Gaelic names of places, it is also good to know that Wexford in Irish "Loch Garman" means. On road signs and signs is always both to read, so that this is not a big problem.
A Marathon has Wexford only since last year. Behind the organization Dee Boland stands along with the Wexford Marathon Club. Dee is even avid runner and has even secured a place in the Guinness Book of World Records last October. They went so far in twelve hours on the treadmill, as no other woman before her. But the 60.26 miles were again surpassed by Susie Chan from the UK and therefore deleted Dee`s entry. About eighty runners welcomed the objective Dee last year. It is a small marathon and you will be on the line often alone. Information on the website over the course are more than sparse. No route description, no height profile, actually only a few pictures of the premiere. Curious as I am, I ask to wait a minute for Dee. More than that, there is a long climb after 16 miles, they will not reveal. But they can guarantee me that I will love the route. And also promises Dee that she is ready with a fresh Guinness in the target on me. Now if that does not sound enticing.
Three days before the marathon we travel to and look ever the environment. Castles, ruins, churches. In Ireland, there is always plenty to see. On Saturday we've Wexford itself. In Clayton Whites Hotel in Wexford can also start numbers will be picked up and which can be but merge into one. So I'm learning Dee finally know personally. But over the hill at mile 16 I can not coax her always. Oh, that the launch will take place at the port, they are then award yet. So we agree to meet the next day at 10:00 am in the port. Approximately 140 participants, it will be this year and the weather promises only good. Pleasant temperatures and blue Irish skies.
So it is then, as I am a half hours before the start of the port. It is cool and the skies are just a few harmless clouds to discover. Even otherwise, is here at the port not much going on. Few citizens walk their dogs for a walk a couple of seniors stroll through a car exhibition from the previous day. But runner, a starting sheet or anything else that indicates a marathon I search in vain. At a street lamp, I discover a sign "Marathon Start". So I'm right here, probably only just a little too early. The Irish are a good deal more relaxed, as we know from home and so I represent me in the harbor just simply something feet.
About an hour before the start happening then something. Gradually spin runners and spectators, the starting sheet is inflated and the time mat is rolled out. All for no apparent stress, so it seems loszugehen time. Finally, it is also so far. Fences are built, two police motorcycles are available and my clock showing ten o'clock. Then it can therefore begin. But somehow it seems not to hurry. So still take a few minutes, until suddenly aufbrandet applause. Gerry Forde, who goes to the starting line as handbikers is sent on its way. He can be a few minutes ahead, so he escapes the bustle and with a quarter of an hour late, it is finally over. We runners are sent to our 26.2 miles long journey. |
