Longford Marathon

If you just like to run, you owe it to yourself to run the Longford Marathon. Training in greater-Boston with temps in the 70s and 80s, and then running a VERY small and VERY rural race with temps in the 50s and low 60s is the perfect cap to the summer. The people are (typical Irish) friendly, the countryside is wonderful, the course is pretty flat, and the only things missing are the crowds and hassles of a bigger race. I've done NYC and Boston multiple times as well as smaller (2000+ runners) races, and enjoyed them all, but if you want a great running/marathon experience, take an Ireland vacation and include Longford as part of your itinerary.

This was my second visit to Ireland after Dublin, and I was impressed with the organization and the friendliness of the race. The course was mixed between highway, backroads, and some hard gravel trails. Worst part of the race was the headwind the last 6-8 miles. The crowd support was also mixed but supportive, long and lonely stretches; the weather was perfect for a race (50-60F) so a lot of people were outdoors and also traveling to a local football match. It was very easy to get in and out of the race, and I actually caught a 5pm flight that day leaving from Dublin airport after a quick 1.5 hour drive! This would be a great race with friends or family and I would repeat it if I were ever in the area again.

The Longford Marathon was an experience I will never forget! While I have only positive things to say about the organization, the course, etc. but I have to echo the sentiments of another reviewer, its the people that make this one so special! If you are marathoner, you probably already know how great the running community is. Now add to that the warmth of the running community in a small Irish town, and your truly have 'the friendly marathon in the heart Ireland.' The Longford Marathon weekend includes much more than the race itself. It kicks off with a Friday night run, includes a Saturday morning run and breakfast, a Saturday night pasta party, post race refreshments and a post race party. And let me tell you, the local community welcomes you as if you are an old friend. After just a weekend meeting the locals and fellow runners from around the world, I felt as if I had known these people for years. In fact, I traveled to the race alone as my husband is currently serving overseas. Though technically I had no one waiting for me, I crossed the finish line and immediately saw one of the local runners I had met the day before. She gave me a hug and congratulated me! The best part is, none of this is motivated by some desire for monetary gain. All of the race proceeds go to benefit St. Christopher's, a local charity for special needs individuals. The Saturday morning run was hosted at St. Christopher's where students' artwork is on display. I even met of one young student who attends St. Christopher's at the post race refreshments. I was reminded that running is a gift and the least we can do is use it to benefit others who may not be able to enjoy that gift so freely. This race comes at a great time in the running calendar. I trained all summer in hot weather, but the temperate climate of Ireland is ideal for a marathon in August. This year was considered hot as temps were in the 60s, which still felt pretty good to me. The course is not difficult, but dont expect pancake flat like Chicago. Just enough inclines and declines to break up muscle monotony, as well as some beautiful Irish countryside. Bottom line, it was a PR course for me (by 4 minutes) - maybe it's the luck of the Irish? T-shirt is technical. Race medal is great quality, as is the goody bag. I rented a car in Dublin and it was an easy drive over. Stayed at the Viewmont House, which I highly recommend. The Viewmont house restaurant serves incredible food as well. Also, If you're looking for a great place to meet even more wonderful people look no further than Foley's Pub - its a great place for more post-race refreshment! And in case I haven't said how great the people are, just to reiterate: I somehow lost my race medal on my way home. The race organizer's sent me an extra and wouldn't even let me pay for postage.