This is the 31st year for the Dublin Marathon where participants can grab a little “luck ‘o the Irish” running through the historic Georgian streets of Ireland’s largest and capital city on Oct. 31, 2011.
Highly noted for being the Mecca of Irish hospitality, more than 10,000 runners will be flying in from overseas to take to the streets of one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in all of Europe.
Irish hospitality is world-renowned, thus helping to dub the Dublin Marathon to be internationally known as the “friendly” marathon.
Almost every runner who has experienced the warmth and generous welcome of spectators lining the streets cheering them on leaves Dublin with only one thought: “How can I return?”
Race History
This world-class racing event has evolved greatly since the initial 1980 running. The very first Dublin Marathon produced a total of 1,420 runners finishing the course from an entry of approximately 2,100.
The very first winner was Dick Hooper turning in a time of 2:16:14. Hooper went on to win the race three times. The very first winner in the ladies division was carrying a return in a world-class time of 2:42:11.
Furthermore, the race second-place winner, Neil Cusack, winner of the Boston Marathon in 1974, returned in 1981 to take the championship crown turning in a time of 2:13:59. This time was only 20 seconds slower than his Boston win.
In 1988, during the celebration of Dublin’s Millennium, the race counted 8,700 participants where John Griffen won his first of two races.
The 1991 marathon was used by the locals as a tune-up for the Barcelona. Incidentally, the Raceway this year went to a resident of Northern Ireland, Tommy Hughes, who barely broke the tape in front of locals Jerry Kiernan and John Griffen. Kiernan came back the following year to take the title. The winner’s prize for 2011 is 15,000 EUROS for both the men’s and women’s champions.
Race Course
The Dublin Marathon course throughout the last few years has remained the same with only minor changes to both the starting and finishing areas. As a largely flat course with a single lap allowing it to start and finish close to the city center.
The course starts at Georgian Fitzwilliam Square just to the east of St. Stephens Green and finishes at Merrion Square. Participants run through Georgian streets that were constructed back in the 17th century passing such historic sites as Trinity College, Herbert Park and on past St. Stephens Green and Phoenix Park.
Although the courses mostly flat, it does present some challenging climbs of at least 100 m.
Race Results
Every year more and more runners come to Dublin to run the Marathon. Men need to run around 2:45:00 to reach a place in the top 100 of this marathon. For women a marathon time well below 3:30:00 will most probably be good enough to reach a top 100 place.
For a complete overview of the Dublin Race Results please visit MarathonGuide.com. A short overview of the top 3, 2010 marathon race results you can find here.
2010 Dublin Marathon, Results Men
1. Moses Kangogo Kibet 2:08:58
2. Fikadu Kedir 2:09:44
3. Mourice Mutinda Musyoki 2:10:25
2010 Dublin Marathon, Results Women
1. Tatiana Aryasova 2:26:13
2. Kateryna Stetsenko 2:27:51
3. Elsa Kireeva 2:28:02
Race Registration
Registration for the 2011 Dublin Marathon is open now and can be accessed online. Payment by credit card will confirm registration. You do not need to run for charity or have a qualifying time to register for the 2011 Dublin Marathon.
Think about a running vacation in the ‘ole sod when contemplating joining 14,000 participants running the ancient, scenic streets of Dublin. You’ll soon forget the blisters and sore feet.
But, the warming welcoming embrace of the Irish people will live on in you forever, begging for your return. Not to mention the effects the after-race party will have upon you once you meet a few million happy and new Irish friends.
Are you still searching for a marathon training plan that fits your needs? My 100 Day Marathon Plan review tells you all about Marius Bakken’s revolutionary method to train for a marathon. Make sure to read it!
Places To Visit
Going to Dublin shouldn’t be limited to running the Marathon. Some suggestions to think about:
- Visit the Guiness Storehouse and enjoying a famous Guinness beer after the marathon
- Visit the Dublin Castle and seeing some of the oldest surviving architecture in the city
- Shopping in Dublin: Grafton Street and Henry street are recommended
- If you still have some time and energy after the marathon: enjoy the nightlive of Dublin!
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