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The Great Limerick Run, 2 May 2010

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Comments

  • #272
    baza1976
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,145 ✭✭✭baza1976


    --amadeus-- wrote: »
    I have "bought in" to what the RD wants to achieve and I have faith in his desire to do what he is promising. But I have the advantage of having met and spoke to him. As I said a while back I hope that people get the event that the RD wants to deliver.

    In teh meantime we can either crib about lack of communication, poor websites and teh like or we can use the channels that we have available and get the answers we want.

    Thanks Amadeus. Maybe it is just a bit of reassurance I was looking for.


  • #273
    OdettiSpaghetti
    Closed Accounts Posts: 49 ✭OdettiSpaghetti


    Hi D...p,

    Personally I dont think it is up to me to phone the race director everytime I have a query. Is he running a race or a call centre ... get real ... Lack of information is the issue and I dont think it realistic to have to read 18 pages on Boards.ie to get basic info for a race. Its a JOKE and I agree with Baza.


  • #274
    OdettiSpaghetti
    Closed Accounts Posts: 49 ✭OdettiSpaghetti


    And they are very aggressive in thier targets - they want to be the marathon that all other Irish marathons are measured against.

    ******

    YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ???!!! ...

    The Triathlon (of long standing) was registered on the race calendar months before this race was even dreamt up, yet they clash horribly with race territory, the Tri organisers must be pulling their hair out.

    Furthermore if you are the 'new boy on the block' and you make such sweeping statements - you need to put your money where your mouth is and hire the 'big boys' to get you off the ground, not a bunch of amateurs who couldnt organise a piss-up in a brewery !!!

    If I hadnt trained so hard I would pull out ... Im committed to this race ... lets see some of their committment ...

    My friend has just completed London, and said it was a dream. Has the RD even been to a real event or heaven help us ... run one???

    ... and dont give me the lark about paying for parking in London etc ... this is Limerick and the parking companies are greedy gits ... our cars will be locked in for hours due to road closures and we will be held to ransom over what I am sure will be increased tarriffs ... unacceptable ... what about busses to the city centre ... bed the RD didnt even consider that ... Sorry what was that ... we should suggest he talk to Bus Eireann or Euro Bus ... pull the other one ... it has bells on it!


  • #275
    OdettiSpaghetti
    Closed Accounts Posts: 49 ✭OdettiSpaghetti


    Better yet ... why not get the Race Director to give me a call. I will help him run his event ... being a highly qualified international event manager


  • #276
    donothoponpop
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,608 ✭✭✭donothoponpop


    OdettiSpaghetti wrote: »
    And they are very aggressive in thier targets - they want to be the marathon that all other Irish marathons are measured against.

    ******

    YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ???!!! ...

    The Triathlon (of long standing) was registered on the race calendar months before this race was even dreamt up, yet they clash horribly with race territory, the Tri organisers must be pulling their hair out.

    Furthermore if you are the 'new boy on the block' and you make such sweeping statements - you need to put your money where your mouth is and hire the 'big boys' to get you off the ground, not a bunch of amateurs who couldnt organise a piss-up in a brewery !!!

    If I hadnt trained so hard I would pull out ... Im committed to this race ... lets see some of their committment ...

    My friend has just completed London, and said it was a dream. Has the RD even been to a real event or heaven help us ... run one???

    ... and dont give me the lark about paying for parking in London etc ... this is Limerick and the parking companies are greedy gits ... our cars will be locked in for hours due to road closures and we will be held to ransom over what I am sure will be increased tarriffs ... unacceptable ... what about busses to the city centre ... bed the RD didnt even consider that ... Sorry what was that ... we should suggest he talk to Bus Eireann or Euro Bus ... pull the other one ... it has bells on it!
    Water shortages? Car parks and ransoms? Bus Eireann?!?
    WUM;)


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  • #277
    Krusty_Clown
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,531 ✭✭✭✭Krusty_Clown


    OdettiSpaghetti wrote: »
    Better yet ... why not get the Race Director to give me a call. I will help him run his event ... being a highly qualified international event manager
    Your comments are all in the form of complaints, which as an international events organizer, I'm sure you'd appreciate, would be best directed at the event organizers themselves, rather than repeatedly listed on a third-party website.

    Have you considered looking for a refund? Cork marathon is in 4 weeks time, and is a marathon of good standing being in its fourth year of operation. Were I in your shoes, heading into an event for which I had committed months of training, I wouldn't want it to be a negative experience. The closing date is the 10th May.


  • #278
    RacoonQueen
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 20,368 Mod ✭✭✭✭RacoonQueen


    I hope your Tri goes well next week OS....


  • #279
    donothoponpop
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,608 ✭✭✭donothoponpop


    baza1976 wrote: »
    Hi D.P

    Like I said, I mean't no offence to the pacers.

    I'm far too old and ugly to be offended by mere words:P

    Had a look over your log- some solid training there- you're going through a classic case of final week heebie-jeebies. It's an unproven event, and the whole thing could go belly-up, but I'd imagine thats unlikely, given the willingness to engage I've seen from the organizer. Yes, they certainly could have a better ask/answer feedback area, but its far more important to have road closures, route marshalls, feed stations, chip timing, organized, and they seem to have all the big stuff taken care of.

    We'll try and get some info about those barriers. Consider yourself part of a secret Boards cabal, and use that info to position yourself ahead of the pack in time for those barriers (should they still be there). Hold it together another week, relax, and best of luck in the race.


  • #280
    OdettiSpaghetti
    Closed Accounts Posts: 49 ✭OdettiSpaghetti


    Well that certainly stirred up a hornets nest ... and maybe sorted out a few things in a hurry as well.

    It is an unproven race and I was supporting Limerick ... my son is at University there and we all know the Midwest needs all the help it can get.

    Thanks for the suggestion; but Im not going to move to Cork as it will clash with Adventure Race & Triathlon training. Im actually going to stick it out and throw myself over the turnstile gate at the rivers edge ...LOL!

    Never be afraid to speak up and remember ... the position of Race Director is an all encompassing position and not a person. He is only as strong as his team, but he remains responsible and accountable.

    See you all there, possibly not next year though ...

    Have a great race and spend lots of money.

    Ciao


  • #281
    Krusty_Clown
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,531 ✭✭✭✭Krusty_Clown


    Fair play to you OdettiSpaghetti, that's a lot to take on in a short period of time. I think we all share your concerns about the gates. More so now, that I hear there are three of them.

    What's your target for the marathon? Look out for the boards singlet and come say hello.


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  • #282
    OdettiSpaghetti
    Closed Accounts Posts: 49 ✭OdettiSpaghetti


    Hi K-C,

    Will look out for you ... hoping to fin :D

    Will be my 4th marathon and training has been great ... aiming for a 4.30 (God willing and wheezing auld asthmatic lungs holding out ;))

    Have a super run and hope Limerick treats you well, I think the only way to get over the gates is to climb all over those near them ...:P ... ah Ive been reading too much Terry Pratchett and the devil is in me ... tee hee

    I will be running in a mad pink singlet though usually end up half naked trying to cool down ...:o

    My tactic for this race is to run like my hair is on fire and then when Im exhausted run some more ... never been great for negative splits and the course is so confusing I didnt even bother with place / paces ...mad hey.

    Far prefer cycling but hey ... This is my 2nd last marathon ... I would like to do the Mooathon and then I want to stick to adventure races and triathlon ... just more fun :cool:

    Till later

    Ciao


  • #283
    Cartman78
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,340 ✭✭✭✭Cartman78


    Krusty_Clown wrote: »
    What's your target for the marathon? Look out for the boards singlet and come say hello.

    Howdy Krusty - How does one go about joining Boards AC and getting a singlet?

    Getting pre-big race nerves now big time - went for a 90 min marathon pace toddle yesterday (was briefly a bandit runner on the Plassey 10k route for about 20 yards). Went ok but my left leg now feels like a wooden stump. Going for final physio session tomorrow night so that should set my leg (and perhaps more importantly, my mind) at ease.

    Disappointed to see the cloud of negativity still darkening the virtual skies here...I have faith and trust in the organisers (as I do for every race I've ever entered). This is a huge undertaking and has massive potential for Limerick City going forward, so it needs as much support as possible.


  • #284
    MarieC
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 918 ✭✭✭MarieC


    Cartman78 wrote: »
    Disappointed to see the cloud of negativity still darkening the virtual skies here...I have faith and trust in the organisers (as I do for every race I've ever entered). This is a huge undertaking and has massive potential for Limerick City going forward, so it needs as much support as possible.

    +1 to that. I thought we were going to be positive and constructive with our approach towards this Sunday. If there are issues lets do something about resolving them before d-day, spreading a load of negativity is not the way to go. I think we all have nerves/reservations about how Sunday will go but lets put our best feet forward and hope for the best!


  • #285
    Krusty_Clown
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,531 ✭✭✭✭Krusty_Clown


    OdettiSpaghetti wrote: »
    Hi K-C,

    Will look out for you ... hoping to fin :D

    Will be my 4th marathon and training has been great ... aiming for a 4.30 (God willing and wheezing auld asthmatic lungs holding out ;))
    I know how you feel about the asthmatic lungs, but if its any consolation I think it's the running that has really cleared up mine. I used to go through an inhaler a week, but now they last me 5-6 weeks.

    I'm really looking forward to Limerick now. It's one of the few cities that I've had very little experience of. Did anybody suggest a pub to have a few drinks in afterwards (immediately or later that night? (I know, I have issues)).


  • #286
    RedB
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,469 ✭✭✭RedB


    Krusty_Clown wrote: »
    II'm really looking forward to Limerick now. It's one of the few cities that I've had very little experience of. Did anybody suggest a pub to have a few drinks in afterwards (immediately or later that night? (I know, I have issues)).

    Pubs in town will probably be busy as the Munster game is on in the afternoon. I'll be heading for the Curragower on the strand just down from the Treaty Stone (heading towards the Strand Hotel). Another good spot is The Locke just around the corner from Arthurs Quay but that might be very busy. Nancy Blakes is also good, as is Tom Collins's, Flannerys, Myles Breens, Souths, etc (and you think you've got issues :)).

    Any other suggestions?


  • #287
    Krusty_Clown
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,531 ✭✭✭✭Krusty_Clown


    Cartman78 wrote: »
    Howdy Krusty - How does one go about joining Boards AC and getting a singlet?
    You have to be able to achieve the qualifying standards, which I think is set at 2:59 for males, and 3:15 for females over the marathon distance, on an AAI approved course. <just kidding! Everybody's welcome!>.

    You fill out the membership form (it is an AAI affiliated club, so you can't be a member of another AAI club at the same time). Membership is 30 euro (I think), with most of that fee going to the AAI, and then you can buy the singlet for €25. Best to read up and post any questions here:
    http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055743555


  • #288
    RedB
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,469 ✭✭✭RedB


    Just so the out-of-towners can see what we've been on about. These are the areas that the route goes through between 10-12M.

    There may be congestion here and they can't be temporarily moved as I had hoped previously.

    4553812981

    More photos here : http://www.flickr.com/photos/redmondb/


  • #289
    donothoponpop
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,608 ✭✭✭donothoponpop


    Good man RedB. Sure, you'd hurdle most of them;)

    I sent that list of q's (and a few more) to the RD, so we'll see what he has to say about things.


  • #290
    Reaganomical
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 218 ✭✭Reaganomical


    Yip, can't wait for this now. Signed up for it before Christmas so it feels like it's been a long time coming! The weather forecast for Sunday is looking daycent, 16-17 degrees.

    I think supping creamy pints of Guinness outside the Locke on Sunday is definitely on the cards for my gang, after the hard earned endeavours. I'd say Limerick will be jointed with a great oul buzz going. Anyone around on Saturday should check out the Great Limerick BBQ (maybe not ideal pre-race nourishment :D) and the currach racing. There's also the street markets along Michael Street.


  • #291
    aburke
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 606 ✭✭✭aburke


    RedB wrote: »
    Just so the out-of-towners can see what we've been on about. These are the areas that the route goes through between 10-12M.

    There may be congestion here and they can't be temporarily moved as I had hoped previously.

    4553812981

    More photos here : http://www.flickr.com/photos/redmondb/
    Are ALL of these on the route?


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  • #292
    Krusty_Clown
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,531 ✭✭✭✭Krusty_Clown


    Thanks RedB. The only one that really bothers me is the Riverbank Gate. If that could be taken off it's hinges for the day, I reckon we could live with the rest. I hate the idea of a throng of people (such as a group that you might get following a pacer) arriving at that gate together. Anyone got an Acetalyne torch? :)


  • #293
    --amadeus--
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,095 ✭✭✭--amadeus--


    aburke wrote: »
    Are ALL of these on the route?

    To my understanding, yes


  • #294
    Van.Bosch
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,032 ✭✭✭Van.Bosch


    Are these just on the full course? or are there some on the half course too?

    Thanks


  • #295
    RedB
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,469 ✭✭✭RedB


    aburke wrote: »
    Are ALL of these on the route?

    Nearly - there are 5 locations that I had a difficulty with (they're only on the full course):

    1) UL Boatclub onto Riverbank @ 10M - I had to go to the right hand side (RHS) of the boatclub and that involved a bit of off-road as shown. That section is actually very uneven and narrow and should be filled in and levelled or preferably bypassed through the adjacent Boatclub Yard which has a proper link onto the riverbank as shown (if they open the gates which shouldn't be a problem).

    2) Riverbank gate @ 10.5M (just after riverbank bridge and shown in 2 photos) - upon closer inspection, the nuts holding the central part of the gate are welded and it can't be temporarily removed as I had hoped. The gate swings and it'll involve a bit of a shuffle through.

    3) Canal gate @ 11M - This wide gate can open so shouldn't be a problem.

    4) Canal RHS + LHS are at the junction of the Canal and Park Road @ 11.25M - you only go through one.

    5) Canal - Lelia St junction are at the end of the Canal stretch @ 12M.


  • #296
    aburke
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 606 ✭✭✭aburke


    --amadeus-- wrote: »
    To my understanding, yes
    Assuming they're not going to be fully removed...
    One gate is enough to cause congestion, and even if you were on you're own, they'll destroy your rhythm.

    The thing is, I'll admit, that you'll really only know how much affect they have until you run a race through them.

    Glad I won't have to practice my hurdling half way through a marathon :-)
    Or even queuing at a gate!


  • #297
    Reaganomical
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 218 ✭✭Reaganomical


    Van.Bosch wrote: »
    Are these just on the full course? or are there some on the half course too?

    Thanks

    Just on the full, the half is *relatively* trouble free


  • #298
    Amazotheamazing
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,048 ✭✭✭Amazotheamazing


    I'm not running any of the races this year but those gates could be a disaster. I really hope something can be arranged.


  • #299
    RedB
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,469 ✭✭✭RedB


    donothoponpop wrote: »
    Sure, you'd hurdle most of them;)
    Spot the mountain runner :D
    aburke wrote: »
    Assuming they're not going to be fully removed...
    One gate is enough to cause congestion, and even if you were on you're own, they'll destroy your rhythm.

    The thing is, I'll admit, that you'll really only know how much affect they have until you run a race through them.

    Glad I won't have to practice my hurdling half way through a marathon :-)
    Or even queuing at a gate!

    My initial concern with this route was based on an awful 2008 Plassey 10k where the starting gun went, a few hundred people raced the first 6-700m down to the riverbank and then everybody had to stop and filter through a similar gate which took ages :(. I'm hopeful that the field will be sufficiently spaced out to avoid any congestion as serious as that but there may be mini-hotspots as groups (such as paced groups) hit the 3 worst pinchpoints (riverbank gate and either end of the 2nd half of the Canal). I'd advise the pacers to pre-empt that by spacing out their groups if possible between 10-12M or at least warning them about the stop/go possibility.

    As regards destroying your running rhythm I must admit it didn't bother me as much as I thought it would when I ran the bulk of the course on a 20 miler last month but everyone is different. I had been anxious about it but now I've just come to accept it as a quirk of the course similar to hills or headwinds on other courses (which of course Limerick won't have ;)).

    Taper madness is easing for me now and so I'll be going with a Zen-like approach to this section :). (Might not be feeling so chilled on the latter stages though :rolleyes:).


  • #300
    MarieC
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 918 ✭✭✭MarieC


    Hows the calf RedB?


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  • #301
    MarieC
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 918 ✭✭✭MarieC


    RedB wrote: »
    As regards destroying your running rhythm I must admit it didn't bother me as much as I thought it would when I ran the bulk of the course on a 20 miler last month but everyone is different. I had been anxious about it but now I've just come to accept it as a quirk of the course similar to hills or headwinds on other courses (which of course Limerick won't have ;)).

    +1

    Fore-warned is fore-armed re. these gates and sure we know about them now, so my tactic will be to make myself do three sections where I pick up my pace for just 2-3 seconds, that way no time lost due to the gates. Twill all be alright on the day :-)


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