A marathon, not a sprint, as Dublin event stepped up
MANY WELL-ESTABLISHED sporting events have grown from humble beginnings, and the Dublin Marathon is undoubtedly a case in point. Indeed, its popularity was adequately reflected during the week when a furore developed over the need to limit the participants from 2020 onwards due to the ever-increasing numbers wishing to take part.
Common sense prevailed after a brief online storm, with a compromise made to ensure that anyone who has raced in the past three years will be entitled to participate again.
Still, if ever an event was a victim of its own popularity and prominence, then this was a prime example.
It somewhat overshadowed the success of the latest staging of the marathon itself on Sunday week, although the questionable background of the male winner didn’t help that situation either.
Given that it was the 40th year for it to be staged without a break, it was only fitting that the achievement is celebrated in book form.
And O’Brien Press certainly chose wisely in their selection as author for their lavishly illustrated hardback publication which is now on sale.
That’s because, apart from being one of Ireland’s foremost sports journalists, Seán McGoldrick ran his first Dublin Marathon in 1982 and has since participated in more than 30 marathons and ultra-marathons.
His name is best associated with Gaelic games and boxing in terms of the written word, but his own passion for athletics - and this event in particular - made him the perfect choice for this undertaking.
A call went out from the publishers during the year for Dublin Marathon enthusiasts to share their own stories regarding their involvement since 1979, and this has thrown up numerous humorous anecdotes and feats of physical wonder that are recalled throughout the 200-odd pages.
A book of this nature wouldn’t work without strong attention to the imagery, and in this regard the ample use of photographs goes hand in hand with the written word.
Dick Hooper, three-time Olympian and winner of the first race 40 years ago, supplies the foreword, while members of the public share their recollections of involvement over the years in the ‘My Memories of the Marathon’ section.
The history of the race, and its ongoing progress and development, makes for interesting reading, particularly as it started from such a low base.
A small, but dedicated, team of volunteers had a vision for bringing this unique sporting and cultural event to the capital city and developing it while working to a tight budget.
The changing routes through the streets and suburbs are recalled, along with the role of the supporters and the people of Dublin who have always contributed to the special atmosphere that envelops the entire city on the big day at the end of October.
With Christmas fast approaching, this is undoubtedly a book that should be snapped up for a present if you have a family member or friend who has participated in the marathon.
Completing this event, whether once or multiple times, is an important box that has been ticked by many Wexford folk over the years, and none more so than Billy Harpur of S.B.R. who is one of just 13 athletes to have competed on all 40 occasions.
This book celebrates what is now an integral part of Irish athletics. Visit The Book Centre on Wexford’s Main Street for the very best selection of sports books.