(With thanks to Rob Webb for this report.  Congrats on your half marathon PB Rob!)

Most of the club interested in 10K or half marathon had chalked up Bohermeen but a few had taken Geoff Hamilton’s wisdom to heart and registered for the ‘completely’ flat Mullingar half marathon. Geoff had regaled his past experience of running through scenic countryside and the picturesque canal with not a hill to be found, so sign-up we did.

Fit4life outnumbered Seniors 2-1 on this half marathon J

Jackie Brannigan, Antoinette Brannigan Howlin and Rob Webb togged up at the start line and all recalled their best excuses as to why this was not the best day for a run, Antoinette in 1st – I have not run a Half Marathon since Bohermeen … last year, Jacqui (one more mile) I have not covered the distance yet this year and Rob Webb some lame excuse about flu bug in the house (man flu). The weather though was perfect for running, cool not a sniff of a breeze and sunny.

At the off we headed up-hill through the town (sorry I meant flat) and out towards Curraghmore and Marlinstown we ran through lovely country tracks/forest drives with every local out on the route cheering on. Water wasn’t in short supply either on the route and clearly the kids size, top taken off is getting around as the standard. We were soon onto the canal (uphill Geoff) which again had great support before the push back into Mullingar Town Park for the finish.

A lovely medal and T-Shirt, sandwiches, soup and cake at the end and a great route with a few inclines but all and all one for another go.

As I pen this report it’s only worth admitting, Antoinette and Jackie got back in the car and returned home … Rob returned to the hotel and enjoyed the Jacuzzi – he is still trying to figure out why Mick and Alan missed that on the training plans last year.

Start line excuses quashed, finishing times told a different story;

Jackie Brannigan                              1:55:25

Rob Webb                                           2:13:26

Antointte Brannigan                       1:36:32 – 2nd in category

All above exceeded start-line expectations.

In summary, Geoff is not to be taken as guide as to what is flat or not, but he did pick out an excellent half marathon, great support, lovely countryside and an extremely well organised event.