Recession acts as running spur as record 13,000 entrants set for Dublin marathon

NEAR PERFECT weather conditions are likely for the 31st running of the Lifestyle Sports- Adidas Dublin Marathon, which starts this morning.

A record entry of 13,000 runners will set off on the 26-mile, 385-yard course at 9am, when Mayor of Dublin Gerry Breen fires the starting gun.

There will be a cold, clear start to the day, with temperatures near freezing, but it will quickly warm up with highs of 12 degrees – with no rain and negligible wind.

A series of road closures and restricted Luas services will be in place, and motorists are advised to check with the Dublin City Council website before attempting to enter the city centre.

The marathon may be one of the few beneficiaries of the recession. Race director Jim Aughney said numbers taking part have risen as the downturn drags on: “People have more time, and a lot are cancelling their gym memberships and taking up running as a cheap way of getting fit,” he said.

Ukrainian Aleksey Sokolov is the favourite for the men’s race, and his compatriot Katernya Stetsenko is the favourite for the women’s. The dry, still conditions might make it possible for Sokolov to beat the course record of 2:09:07 he set two years ago.

For most runners, though, just finishing the course will be enough. The number 200 registration has been reserved for 61-year-old Louth grandmother Collette O’Hagan, who will be running her 200th marathon.

Mrs O’Hagan took up running in her 40s after a serious illness, and has combined her running with fostering 60 children over the years. “It is a team effort. My husband looks after our children when I go running. You make time,” she said.

She is leading a team of 200 volunteers, including her son, most of whom will participate in the race. She is hoping to raise €40,000 for the Aurelia Trust to build an orphanage in Romania.

There will be several fundraising teams with more than 100 participants. A total of 150 runners will be attempting to raise funds for a hospice in Wicklow, and 120 runners will be taking part for the Gary Kelly Cancer Support charity.

Among the participants will be 11 politicians from the three major parties, including Minister for Children Barry Andrews, Fine Gael deputy leader and health spokesman James Reilly, and Labour TD Mary Upton, who is set to walk the course.

Irish Runnereditor Frank Greally said the marathon was like a metaphor for the nation.

“Everyone is struggling within their own zone. We are all going to be in our discomfort zone for a while. Unlike the marathon, there is no finishing line in sight,” he said.