[Liam3494]

I make no apology that I am going to post this across a range of forums on here to try and see if I can attract some attention to a thought I had last week when I was at the Surf City Marathon with everyone.<br><br>
Every time I come over to America, meet up with fellow Kicksters from here, everyone mentions how they would love to come to Ireland - one day! And run the Dublin Marathon. Now, I appreciate that not everyone can drop everything and book flights to Dublin, plan a marathon, enjoy a Guinness or two, find a hotel, meet up with friends, run a marathon etc., so here's my thought....<br><br>
The 2009 Dublin Marathon takes place on Monday October 26th - That's 20 months away, plenty of time to plan ahead, and maybe make the decision to come to Ireland for a Global Kick Trip. I can sort out hotel plans as the gym I use is part of a hotel complex that has adequate rooms and I am sure I can reach an accommodation on a decent price, obviously a bit far ahead to be accurate at this stage - At present they charge €89 per night, per room, which works out at around $130 at present exchange rates, I doubt it would me much different, and there are no added taxes to pay, that's the price you pay.<br><br>
I can't say on flights, obviously depends on where you come from, but October is usually a cheaper month to fly, so hopefully it's not beyond the realms of peoples pockets -<br><br>
It's just a thought, but it would be a blast for everyone I am sure, and you can sample some of our renowned hospitality - and Guinness <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
What thoughts?<br><br>
Liam

 

[henrun]

Liam, a wonderful suggestion. Although I've given up marathons, I've been toying with the thought of doing one when I turn 75 (which happens to be in2009). I would enjoy returning to Dublin. I'll give it a long and thoughtful consideration. <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">.

 

[Sans Souci]

Renowned hospitality is right, Liam. Celebrating Henry's birthday would be the icing on the Guinness cake.<br><br>
Better reserve a spot for the singalong at the Brazen Head on Sunday afternoon. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> (although I'm sure you know of a better, less touristy spot, but I sure had several nights of fun there)

 

[hally]

I haven't and am not likely to run a marathon but I do love a party and a gathering of friends in faraway places sounds like it could be fun. Being in NY metro area flights are easy to come by as well. I will keep my eye on the brewings

 

[RunsTheBitterroot]

Hi Liam, what a great idea! Ireland is top on my list of places to visit. Plenty of time to plan and it might just be do able. Thanks, Larry

 

[Liam3494]

Henry it would be great to see you here in Dublin - And what better way to celebrate a burpday than running with friends, and having a few post race drinks in O'Donohue's (or the Brazen Head!) - or Kennedy's for those who like their first pint within 100 yards of the finish line <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[pegruns]

Ok I'm new and you guys don't know me,but this is one of my dreams in life! Can I come?

 

[ksrunr]

This sounds very interesting to me and the mrs as well. Only I haven't told her yet. Never been outside u.s. except over the boarder in Mexico and Hawaii. Got to start saving my pennies now so I can do Boston '09 and Dublin '09.

 

[Mustang Sally]

Pssssst. ksrunr....<br><br>
Hawai'i is a state. <i>don' tell nobody. It's our seeeekrit.</i><br><br><img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">

 

[ksrunr]

MS - I know but I can't drive to it <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">. I'm just barely smarter than I look!

 

[hally]

The more the merrier pegruns!!

 

[Liam3494]

All are welcome, the more the merrier - Wives, husbands, girlfriends, boyfriends, neighbours, bring everyone, lets just have a laugh <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[Dove]

What a great idea and plenty of time to plan. I think I'll try and make Dublin my destination marathon for 2009, it can't be much more expensive than a week in Boston! Would it be a good place for kids (13 year old?)<br><br>
-DOve

 

[Liam3494]

Dove - Great place for 13 year olds if they like a bit of history, and fun, mixed together -

 

[pegruns]

UMMM, coming from Flat Florida,,, Dublin Hills???

 

[Econo]

oh boy!!! <img alt="banana.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/banana.gif"> I will check my '09 conference schedule; I hope it has a hole that week!

 

[Liam3494]

Hills? We don't have any here - We level the course to make it easy for you Americuns <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
Seriously, the course is not one that you hear people complaining about any hills. There are a couple of small bumps, but nothing to get even mildly anxious about. In fact, the bumps are more like pimples.....

 

[Laura in Houston]

Wow - Oct. 30, 2009 I will be 49, and on Nov. 3, 2009, DS1 turns 16. That sounds like a lovely birthday present for us both. Not that he'll run, unless I can convince him to train with me, so that we both get up even earlier than we already do. But a trip to Ireland for his 16th BD would be pretty sweet.<br><br>
Don't know if DH and DS2 would be interested unless we could stay for a week and really make a trip out of it, but that would mean taking both boys out of school for that long. DS1 can probably afford to miss a couple of days, because he is the type to put in the extra make-up hours, and can probably get things done ahead of time if needed.<br><br>
I've never run a marathon yet, and never considered it until recently. I'm running 5 and 6 miles at a time which I've never done before on a regular basis. Now I'm doing that every week, and it is so rewarding to be doing something at 47 that I couldn't do at 27. I couldn't do it then because I ALWAYS pushed, never took an easy run. Thought I had to get better with every run, and didn't have a long-term outlook.<br><br>
This sounds really exciting, and I will give it some serious thought. Thanks for the great idea, Liam!

 

[Liam3494]

Laura, we'll make sure you have a pair of great burpdays when you make it over <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[Soundrunner]

Dove, I think you're right. I've run both Boston and Dublin, and -- aside from the week of travel around the country after Dublin (2003) -- I think the airfare, hotel and food was comparable for Dublin as my trips to Boston have been. (If I add in the money I can't seem to not spend at Boston's expo, maybe more for Boston. :roll_eyes<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> The cost is the main reason I elected not to run Boston this year.