Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon 2014 (AAI National Half)

RayCun wrote: »

They say they'll bring your gear bag from start to finish, but still a pain in the arse

RacoonQueen wrote: »

Someone's journalism degree went to good use there! :P

pistol_75 wrote: »

Ah but you see they have worded it so much better quick sign up straight away.

Starting in Dublin’s Docklands area, running along the north side of the Liffey River, runners are in for a treat as they pass all of the fan favorites! After crossing over Memorial Bridge onto the south side, the route passes the famous Ha’Penny bridge (cue the photo opps!), Christ Church Cathedral, Brazen Head Pub (Ireland’s oldest pub), James Joyce Museum, and of course, no tour of Dublin would be complete without… the Guinness Brewery. Although, the smell of hops and barley will be fleeting, as runners continue on past the Royal Hospital and Kilmainham Gaol into Phoenix Park, one of the largest walled city parks in Europe. It’s there that the journey turns scenic as the route winds its way through the lush park, taking in the Wellington Monument, the Papal Cross, the President’s House (Áras an Uachtaráin) and the famous Dublin Zoo, finishing with a rockin’ concert in the park!

Starting in Newtownsmith a delightful row of terraced houses with sea views and running towards the historic Queen’s Road, runners are in for a treat as they briefly pass the Royal St. George Yacht club. Turning onto Marine Road thoughts can now wander to crossing the Irish sea and perhaps going on one of Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead’s famous booze cruises. Passing the newly built Marina and running parallel to the Dort you now make your way back to the main road passing the third oldest pub in Dublin, The Purty Kitchen, where many a love story has begun. Your journey then takes onwards though the stomping grounds of Meno and Martha, where the footpaths can tell many a harrowing tale as 20 mile LSRs grind slowly to a halt usually in March or September. Leaving the coast behind for a while you are in for a treat as 15th century village of Monkstown is just around the corner, once linked with Royalty, it’s now linked with restaurants and 2nd hand car dealers. No 10k of it’s worth would be complete without some climbing to test your running skills (our 10 week course on how to run hills is now available at a 5% discount to participants for €95) and you make your way to the high point of the course and Dublin’s 2nd most famous roundabout, Sallynoggin Roundabout (seconded only by Walkinstown). Downhill now and time to check out a recently refurbished roundabout and if you're lucky a glimpse of Killiney Towers. Still going downhill (a treat for the 2nd half of any race) you run through the magnificent residential streets of Glenageary and soon you pass the start line again, no time to stop for a Teddy’s ice cream though that will have to wait for later boys and girls the end is in sight now as crowds at least 2 deep applaud your efforts.

TRR wrote: »

Is that route fro real? Obviously they will have to have buses to bring gear from start to finish. I hope there are shuttle buses at finish bringing people back into the city as public transport that end of the park isn't great!