Connemarathon 2010 - All welcome

[El Gordo]

I entered at lunchtime today. My number was 578, though we shouldn't take this to mean they've had that number of entries. It could mean anything. From what I've read on the web, the whole event does sell out before the new year, with the half marathon going first, some time before that. So don't leave it too late!

I had a bizarre and worrying thought after I entered, namely that perhaps I should aim to do the marathon instead of the half. But don't worry, this fever will soon pass, I'm sure. Though with 29 weeks to go, there's plenty of time to train, even from my disgusting condition....

As for arrangements, I had a chance to think about this when I was over there a few weeks ago. How about... instead of arranging to meet over in the west, it might be better to meet in Dublin on the Friday, then travel up to Galway together on the Saturday in a hired vehicle. Everyone can get to Dublin airport much easier and more cheaply than they can get to Galway or Knock or Shannon. And even if you can get to one of the regional airports, you still have the hassle of getting from there to Connemara.

Meeting in Dublin would also give people the chance to extend their trip and have a day or two in the capital if they want. We could even have a crafty Guinness or two on the Friday, with 36 hours to recover before the race.

Obviously, the cost of the DUblin hotel on Friday night, and the share in the vehicle hire would probably mean you wouldn't save much money, but it might be more convenient.

Another possible plan would be to hire a vehicle in the UK (cheaper than Ireland) and set off from a convenient point (say Gatwick airport) and drive over to Ireland via the Fishguard ferry.

Just a thought....