Runners show marathon pedigree in Dublin run
OVER the past two years, Larne Athletic Club have been benefiting from what can only be described as a running boom. Membership has more than doubled and training groups of 30-plus runners can be seen regularly on the Coast Road any Tuesday or Thursday evening. Participation in races has increased dramatically and the lure of the classic test of endurance over 26.2 miles has reached numbers not seen since the '80s.
On Sunday, October 25 the Larne AC entourage, which consisted of approximately 25 people, arrived in Dublin. Twelve would be joining 12,000 others the following day on the start line of the 30th anniversary Dublin Marathon.
Justin Maxwell notched up the first personal best of the day, finishing well up the field in a time of 2:43:25 - easily achieving his target of sub-2:45 which is widely regarded as elite at this distance and all the more commendable considering this was only Justin's third marathon.
Stephen Harkens was next, taking 8 minutes off his previous best time, finishing 98th in 2:46:58, which placed him 10th in his age group.
Nat Glenn, whose recent training suggested a big personal best time, suffered a calf injury on mile 5. Despite this Nat pushed through the pain and still managed to come home in 2:58:39, just a few seconds off his personal best.
Paul Gaskell ran the recent Dublin Half Marathon in 1:22:54 which suggested he would run sub-3 but came agonizingly close with 3:00:23. Although an excellent time and 8 minutes quicker than Paul's previous best marathon, he will be keen to set the record straight in Belfast come the spring.
Stephen McKenna produced one of the best performances of the club and surprised quite a few when he ran 3:15:58. One to watch for the future.
Paul Tilson carried his recent form to the marathon distance, producing an excellent new personal best time of 3:18:05.
Mark McManus. who despite having 20 years of running experience, was actually on his marathon debut, unfortunately suffered from a reoccurring knee injury and had to slow dramatically in the second half. Mark came home in 3:18:48 and although he announced it would be his first and last marathon, has vowed to return to the distance for unfinished business.
Bernard Brady had set some excellent half marathon times this year, but recent Achilles problems affected his marathon training and Bernard also suffered in the latter stages to record 3:27:43.
Rhonda Brady, also on her debut marathon, had a fantastic run and was first Larne girl home in a sub-4 time of 3:58:18.
Amy Beggs produced one of the best performances of the club on her first marathon, finishing in 4:08:46.
Bernie Regan completed the success of the ladies coming home in 4:12:12 to finish 30th in her age group - not bad on her first attempt.
Dan Magill knocked a whopping 15 minutes off his previous best time to complete the event in 4:25:47.
The Irish National Marathon Championships are run in conjunction with the Dublin Marathon and are contested by individuals and teams from all over Ireland. Larne AC finished a very comendable 5th in the male masters team event and 9th in the female masters team event.
Running a marathon is the culmination of months of training and preparation and credit must also go to the training partners and coaches at the club for all their help.
Place Name Time
72........Justin Maxwell.........2:43.25
98........Stephen Harkens.....2:46.58 (10th M40)
252......Nat Glenn................2:58.39
297......Paul Gaskell............3:00.23
662......Stephen McKenna...3:15.58
804......Paul Tilson..............3:18.05
759......Mark McManus.......3:18.48
1315....Bernard Brady.........3:27.43
4013....Rhonda Brady..........3:58.18
5001....Amy Beggs...............4:08.46
5154....Bernie Regan...........4:12.12 (30th F50)
6321....Dan Magill...............4:25.47
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Friday 25 May 2012
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