A 90-year-old Chicago woman who took up running in her 70s because she thought she was getting "a bit stiff" will be among more than 8,000 athletes taking part in Monday's Dublin City Marathon.
Ms Fenya Crown, who arrives in Dublin over the weekend, decided she wanted to add the Dublin race to her list before it was too late. She will be one of more than 4,500 runners from outside Ireland, coming from more than 40 countries, to take part in the 23-year-old event. The largest contingent will be from Britain, with over 2,000 runners, joggers and walkers.
Some will be seeking personal records, with Mr Tuomo Vilmunen, from Finland, running his 300th marathon, and Ms Collette O'Hagan and Mr Andrew Bickle both aiming to complete their 100th.
Weather for the day is expected to be mainly dry and windy with some showers and temperatures in the low teens.
The course this year runs in reverse to that in previous 22 years. Although it starts, like last year, outside the Kilkenny Design shop in Nassau Street, it will take competitors up O'Connell Street through Phibsboro and the Phoenix Park first, rather than at the end. This has been done at the request of the Garda to avoid traffic disruption in the already busy area later in the afternoon.
Race director Mr Jim Aughney believes the turnaround could benefit those taking part, as the Phoenix Park stretch had proved one of the toughest parts on the route, with the 20-mile mark coming at a hilly point.
"This has kept the élites to slower-than-expected times. The elevation is also lower than before, and I believe that that, combined with getting the park out of the way early in the race, could give us some of the fastest times in Dublin in the past few years."
He also speculated that up to €10 million could be raised on Monday for charities. One of the most eye-catching efforts will that by 10 painters from Shannon Aerospace who are planning to push a two-seater Cessna Place craft the length of the course in aid of Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin and the Irish Wheelchair Association.
Up to 4,000 visitors to the city from overseas, in addition to those coming to run the race, are expected, according to Fáilte Ireland, pouring €10 million into city's coffers over the weekend.
Mr Shaun Quinn, chief executive of Failte Ireland, which is co-sponsoring the event, said the event gave invaluable exposure to the city and sent out a positive image.
The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr O'Donoghue, said the fact that so many nations would be represented consolidated it as a truly international occasion and Dublin as a welcoming destination.
Entertainment will be laid on, with bands and music stands at points along the course.
The race begins at 9 a.m., with the first athlete home expected to be a wheelchair participant at Merrion Square at about 10.50 a.m. The first man should finish shortly before 11.15 a.m., and the first woman some time between 11.30 and 11.32 a.m.
