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 There are just over 10 weeks to go to the 2011 Bogtrotters Marathon which is an ideal period of time to commence and follow a training programme for the race. You can train either for the full marathon which is 26.2 miles, the half marathon of 13.1 miles, or the relay marathon which has shorter stages of either 3.5, 4, 5, 6 or 8 miles. Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan announced he was going to run the half marathon this year on Saturday 23rd July when he launched the marathon on 6th April in Strokestown Park House. He regularly runs 30 hours a week to keep mentally and physically fit and has become somewhat of an ambassador for running in the area, beating radio presenter Ray Darcy recently in a 5k run in Galway, and competing in the Roscommon 10k race. However the marathon is open to all levels - the motto this year is ‘run if you can, walk when you have to, crawl if you must’.
All participants start at 10 am in Strokestown Park House. The course is flat/undulating but with a few sneaky hills. It is well-drained throughout and is largely on minor tarmacked roads with one 4km stretch along a bog road which is the real spirit of the marathon landscape, as well as two other short sections along grassy tracks. Karl Hearty who completed the marathon in 2010 summarised the experience as ‘Can’t wait to do this one again. Beautiful scenery, tough, very challenging but wonderful!’ This reflects the majority’s response to the wonderful bog and pastural landscape of east Co. Roscommon through which the marathon winds its way and which was a revelation to many. The roads will be closed until 6 pm to ensure a comfortable environment for all participants.
Running is becoming ever more popular with many Meet & Train groups springing up in the county. ‘Fitness is the new Shopping’ said Noel Feeley from Roscommon Sports Partnership who sponsor some of the Meet & Train coaches.
Registration for the marathon is online at www.thebogtrottersmarathon.ie using paypal or also by post using checque or postal order. All details are on the website, with interesting tips and articles on our Facebook page. The registration fee includes a medal, T-shirt, water stations, banana stations, goody bag, timing chip, changing facilities, and a precisely-measured course in accordance with the Athletics Association of Ireland rules.
The charity partner once again is Bothar, who are Livestock Aid specialists, establishing families in micro-farming units by giving them the living gift of a farm animal. This year people who register can opt to add a donation for Bothar to their fee. People can also choose to fundraise for their own charity of choice or for none at all.
A Fun Run will also be held on the day for children in the grounds of Strokestown Park by Roscommon Sports Partnership. Other fun activities & evening entertainment will also be organized.
[Amongst those at the launch on 6th April in Strokestown Park were (left to right):
Annette Feeley, Tidy Towns, Carol Murray, Jim Hoban, Noel Feeley, Roscommon Sports Partnership, (behind)Maureen Hanly, Strokestown Community Development Association, Cllr Eugene Murphy, (behind) Cllr Valerie Byrne, (behind) Seamus Brennan, Katriona Byrne, Race Director, Deputy Luke Flanagan, Mary Dillon, Roscommon County Council, (behind) John O’Driscoll, Strokestown Park, Lydia Hall, Deputy Race Organiser, Pat McCarrick, Bothar, Stephen Lohan, Roscommon Sports Partnership.]
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