(With thanks to Angela Egan for this great report.  Note Angela modestly neglects to tell us she was third in her age category.  Good job we’re vigilant.  Congratulations Angela!)

I headed into the city with my running buddy, Lyndon “Bond” to partake in the annual St Patrick’s Festival 5K Road Race. The day started off cold but the air was light and breezy and we were blessed with a glorious Spring day.  A great day for running.

The race headquarters was based in The Round Room at the Mansion House where we collected our T-shirt and goody bag.   There was a great buzz in the hall with runners chatting together and enjoying the live music.  There was an international feel to the event due to the large number of visitors from other countries who were taking part in the event.  The facilities were also wonderful, clean bathrooms with plenty of soap and running water.  No Portaloos for us today!

Outside we met with Ray and John Mitchell.  We chatted for a while and then headed off for a warm up around St Stephen’s Green.  The city was peaceful and quiet.  We passed a few Scottish men in kilts looking a bit downhearted after the Rugby match and then a large group of Couch25K runners from Drogheda who were in great spirts getting ready to dip their toes into the 5K race experience.  We also bumped into Owen Fletcher who was taking it easy today just soaking up the atmosphere after his recent heavy duty half marathon.

The race started at 12 noon sharp.  Traffic was stopped and the streets were handed over to 1300 excited runners/walkers.  The Elites took off and were back at the finish line before we could draw a breath.  The rest of us mortal runners ran to the best of our ability managing to soak up the atmosphere along the way.  It was magic seeing so many families and friends running together enjoying the experience.  The course is definitely flat Geoff!  It starts and finishes at St Stephens Green going up Baggot St, Herbert Place, Adelaide Road and Earlsfort Terrace.  During the run you can take in the wonderful sights of Georgian Dublin soaking up the atmosphere of the city from the buildings to the architecture and the people.

When I came across the finish line I met up with Lyndon, Jackie, Billy and Richard O’Brien.  I know that Olywen Read was there but we didn’t manage to meet up with her.  We were all happy with the run which was our first 5K of the season.  It was Olywen’s second as she had the Operation Transformation 5K under her belt.

Father-son duo Ray and John led the way finishing in super times of 21.42 and 23.48 respectively.  As usual Jackie didn’t fail us and led the Fit4Lifers in with a great time of 24:50 with Lyndon close behind at a time of 25:50. Looking good Lyndon for your run against Mo.  5Ks are never easy but this one is definitely top of our list. Back to the comfort of the Round Hall where we were provided with tea and biscuits.

Finish times

Angela Egan                                       28:41

Billy Brannigan                                   28:51

Jackie Brannigan                               24:50

John Mitchell                                     23:48

Lyndon Thomas                                25:50

Olywen Read                                     28:11

Ray Mitchell                                       21:42

Richard O’Brien                                 N/A

I highly recommend this run which is suitable for everyone, families, fun runners and the more dedicated elite runners.  Maybe one for the diary for next year.