My Achill Half-Marathon experience

My Achill Half-Marathon experience


Anton McNulty

THE one thing about running the Achill Half-Marathon is that you will go through a hell of a lot of emotions by the time you cross the finish line, but once you do the overriding emotion will be one of sheer ecstasy.
Let no one fool you, having to run 26 km is not easy and can be a daunting task no matter where you run it. Last year I ran the Achill Half-Marathon for the first time and it was also my first half-marathon and I am planning on going through more punishment again this July.
I am not a marathon junkie and more than a few times around the course I was asking myself, ‘what the hell are you doing this for?’.
Anyone who knows Achill knows there are lots of hills and there is no going around them. It was tough but at the same time - and this sound a total contradiction - it was enjoyable. Finishing the race is a great achievement and crossing the finishing line gives you such a buzz that you feel like doing it again. That doesn’t last long.
There is no doubt that - unless you are work colleague Padraic Geraghty - there is no point in turning up on the day and think you can complete the course. There is training involved and the best way to prepare is to leave the gym and get out on the road and run. There are times you will think of jacking it in but no matter what your running experience you will finish the race.