Cork City Marathon 4th June 2023

Cork City Marathon - 4th Jun 2023

 

Race Report-

Finished the race in 3:18:49 - 186th place and 42 in my category. 

This was my first marathon in 12 years and 3rd time running Cork. It started off like the last 2 times I ran Cork, very hot and no clouds in the sky.

I woke up at 6am had my routine breakfast, 2 weatabix and 2 toast smothered in blackcurrant jam washed down with a cup of tea.

Got my nutrition for the day, gels and salt tablets.

Didn't drink too much water, I didn't want to be running to the loo every 5 mins before the race. Well hydrated from day before, I drank 4 litres of water pre race.

Final charge for my head phones, trip to the toilet and I was good to go.

Got the train into Cork city, train was buzzing with athletes doing both the Full marathon, half and the 10k. Loads of Midleton Ac supporters on the train.

Quick jog from the train into the start line about 1km, this was my warm up.

The start of the race was really busy, huge numbers turned up for the 10k which brought the support level for the marathon to the streets at the early time of 8:15am. 10k race didnt start until 8:45am, so people cheered on the start.

Race started and I was off, I originally planned to run with the 8min paces or 3:30.  When I got going, I checked my watch and I was moving along nicely in 4:42 per km or 7:30 per mile. Streets were quite at this time, when we rounded the city and came back to Patricks Street the 10k crowd were there in numbers to give support. 

We headed out north side through Blackpool, this was lovely as it was mostly shaded and cool. Put my headphones on here, needed a little pick me up. Once we looped back into the quays, we had the sun in our faces for the next 3.5 miles as we headed for the tunnel. I passed the 5 mile mark and took one of my salt tablets, my plan is to take one every 5 miles.

Passed the 10k and checked the watch, still moving along same pace. Made a deal with myself, let's keep this going for another few miles and see where we are at the halfway mark. Took my first gel here.

Ran through the tunnel, sureal to experience this as we only drive through it on a normal day. Missed the 7 mile sign either in the tunnel or outside. Passed the 8 mile mark fairly comfortable considering the whole last mile was relatively uphill. Started to pick off a few people from there on in. Turned heading towards Mahon into the sun again, only this time we has head wind. Really cooled the temp down.

Skipped through 9-10 very smoothly, took my second salt tablet here. We turned at Blackrock Castle and headed for the walkway which brought a nice cool breeze to the run, this was lovely. Took second gel at 12miles, I had a chat with a lad through the next 2-3 miles and practically floated to the halfway mark in 1:39mins.

Nice run from here into the city via marina walkway to Albert Quay. Put back in my headphones again, as knew this part of the course would be quiet and needed the motivation. Headed out of the city again towards turness Cross, really tough part of the course, few nasty pulls and alot of running through housing estates. Miles were rolling along nicely and the pace stayed the same, so felt I will try to keep this going. 

You could see the heat getting to a few on the course now. Took another salt tablet at 15 miles, went through a few water stops and took some lucozade sports drink when I could. Every water stop I took a little sip of water in small gulps.

Started to think about the finish home straight around the 20 mark, I knew I was about 2-3 miles from turning back and heading home in the last 3 miles.

Body felt good, hydration was good, pace was good. Took last gel, only half of it as I kept a little for later.

Next 2 miles were a bit messy in layout, in and out off streets and back via backroads until you turned back right on the main road heading for old tennis village.

Once I got here, I knew I had it in the bag, started the turn, I headed back the straight road leading into Cork. I recieved great support from club members along the way. Got the mind focused on the challenge ahead. Took the last of the gel here. 

Let's get this over the line, checked watch and still on the same pace, got a great kick out of this as I was anticipating that I might slow down coming to the end.

Great support for the last mile as we got back into the city. 

I was counting down the 400mts as I got closer to the end.

Rounded onto Patricks Street and was delighted to see Colette and the boys.

500mts to go, I lapped it up, by throwing my arms and trying to get the crowd to cheer more.

Looked at finishing clock and saw last 10 secs of 3:18.... Sprinted it to get under the 3:19.

Once I finished and walked, I could feel the instant pain in the legs, struggled to walk for a bit. Couldn't sit down, just kept walking. All good after initial body shock.

Really great marathon, enjoyed every second of it..

Great support from the Midleton Ac crew out on the course, especially Andre who was everywhere 👏.  Thanks to everyone 👍 

Hope this might inspire a few more people next year 💪

Till the next race Marc Out!