The Kerryman Dingle Marathon is not merely a race - it’s an experience
RACE director Ken Dunne is currently readying himself for the biggest running yet of the immensely successful event. It’s now well on its way to filling its allotment of 2,600 runners – impressive, but not surprising for an event that was recently named as one of the 52 best races on earth by the iconic Runner’s World magazine.
MR Dunne recognised that accreditation as an immense achievement, but one that’s deserved:
“RUNNER’S World is to our sport what Rolling Stone is to music lovers, so there’s no way to describe how big it is for us to get this recognition. This promotion can’t be bought.”
“IT’S humbling to see The Kerryman Dingle Marathon placed alongside races in places some of the most famous and beautiful corners of the world.”
“ONE of the venues, Petra in Jordan, is home to one of the Seven Wonders, that’s the kind of company we’re in. But when you see what our race has to offer, it’s not surprising that we’ve been included.”
HE’S right. The Kerryman Dingle Marathon traverses a peninsula that’s noted as one of the most beautiful on earth. Any race that includes more than 15 miles of the world’s most pleasing coastline has an indispensable, natural advantage.
WHERE better to have as a starting point for any competition than Dingle?
THE natural atmosphere on a summer’s day in Dingle is as delightful as you’ll find anywhere in Ireland, or beyond our isle.
THE town is a gem, and when you couple that with the people of Dingle, always friendly and up for a laugh, then you can only call the place special. That alone would be enough for the event to merit a mention in Runner’s World.
BUT that’s merely the first treat. You take a left at Milltown roundabout, and you’re on your way around a course unlike any other.
“WE’VE two races, a half marathon and a full marathon”, Mr Dunne explains. “Both contests take in the stunning Ventry, before the half marathon stops up at the most westerly parish in Europe: the famous Dunquin.”
“THOSE taking on the full course of The Kerryman Dingle Marathon will pass through the vibrant Ballyferriter as the collective loop back towards Dingle’s Marina.”
THE course will have 12 points of lively, varied entertainment dotted along its length. Competitors and viewers will soak in performances by DJs, trad sessions, and much more – as if any further rewarded was needed for participation.
THE 2016 event gets underway on Saturday, September 3, and departs from Dingle’s Marina carpark at 9.00am.
MR Dunne explains that numbers are limited, and interest in this year’s event is more intense than in any year since its inception in 2009. He therefore advises those who want to take part to get online right away and secure their place:
“ALL information on registration and pricing for The Kerryman Dingle Marathon is online at www.dinglemarathon.ie.”
“THOSE who sign up aren’t rewarded with just scenery, entertainment and a great race. You’re talking here about an event that always enjoys great co-operation between its organisers and participants, and the products we’ve associated with us like our t-shirts and medals are of the highest quality.”
“WE’RE terrifically supported by The Kerryman. It’s an honour to be supported by a successful, home-grown entity, and their promotion and dedication to this event since its birth has been instrumental in the growth of this event over these last seven years.”
“THEY’RE one of an endless list of assets that make this special race what it is.”