Runtalk

runners going through parkland at Dublin Marathon

In Dublin's Fair City

“Ah Dublin, city of pubs and vibrant nightlife, literary and architectural wonders, warm hospitality - and a superb marathon on the last Sunday of October every year," writes Martin Joyce, founder of Sports Travel International, which joined the Sports Tours International family of companies in 2018.

Martin continued: "The 40th KBC Dublin Marathon on 27 October will be extra special too. So special that it sold out more than 10 months in advance when the limit of 21,000 was reached. But Sports Tours International has an allocation of guaranteed places with a variety of hotel packages so we can get you to the start line!

“The course is open for seven hours. Walkers are welcome and start behind the runners at the same time. There are no shorter events on the day, nor is there a Friendship Run the previous day. It is a top quality marathon and that’s it.

“The route is one big loop around the city, north and south of the River Liffey. The marathon starts on the broad Fitzwilliam Street in the historic Georgian heart of the city, and finishes just a few hundred metres away at beautiful Merrion Square.

“In between, you will run through the many old villages that now make up the city, including Chapelizod, Castleknock, Crumlin, Walkinstown, Terenure to name a few. Each community vies with the others to give the warmest reception to runners as they pass through, and the messages of support along the route are both inspiring and amusing.

“You will also pass through Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed city park in Europe, twice the size of New York’s Central Park. It
is resplendent in its autumn colours and you will no doubt see the herd of 600 wild deer who have been inhabitants there for over 300 years.

“The course is relatively flat, with just one tough hill at Roebuck (yes, around the 20 mile mark!). The closing miles are a gentle downhill to a grandstand finish line.

“The fantastic organisation of the KBC Dublin Marathon is also much commented upon every year. The organisers are runners themselves and so know exactly what runners want. Come join us in Dublin, where we work with our local partners to ensure you have the smoothest possible tour and most enjoyable time possible!"

Full details of the Dublin Marathon tour at the Sports Tours International website.

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