Given the current weather conditions here Dermot Bates and Conor Kenny have started the plans for a Sportsworld trip out of snow infested Ireland. There has been a number of very successful club trips away over the years. The half marathon allow newer runners to get their first half marathon, more established runners to get Personal Bests or add to a growing list of places they have done half marathons in. The trips away also get club members to meet other people in the club they might not train with and you get to combine a holiday with exercise. So the contenders for the trip are -
The Hague March 14th
Lisbon March 21st
Berlin March 28th
Edinburgh April 18th
Sheffiield April 25th
Wexford May 2nd
There is a comment section below if you have done any of the races before and can comment on the type of course, likely weather conditions and if it was well organised. Generally the most popular race among the people who want to go is the one chosen.
Berlin, which many of us ran in 2008, is as flat as you can possibly get. Full of atmosphere and weather similar to Dublin. A very good course if it's your first time or searching for a PB.
Lisbon is famous for the bridge element of it's run. Should be warmer than Berlin but not sure what the course is like.
I understand Sheffield is quite hilly.
Many ran Edinburgh in 2007 and were not over excited about it.
Wexford is new but doesn't quite fit the romance of an International Half Marathon.
I believe The Hague is fast and flat.
Our intention (and pretty soon) is to declare the most popular choice as our destination.
Aer Lingus flights are good value at this time of year and aiming for a Spring Half Marathon is the perfect Winter goal.
As Michael says, The Club has many happy memories of trips abroad.
Make sure you are part of the next.
Add your voice, add your vote, the majority will decide.
I would be itching to go back to Berlin to do damage to my PB half marathon time. Food was good last time and the weather for me was ideal for running. German beer is pretty good too
Berlin was special. Starting by the Brandenberg Gate, accelerating to the finish through Checkpint Charlie and 200,000 lined the streets.
Also, many can't make March. Lots of important races.
Please, do add your voice. Once there is consensus there will be activity and bookings.
Don't get left behind. Make your mark instead.
+1 for Berlin…awesome course, great support the whole way round, excellent organisation, easy to get there, plenty of places to stay…
One other one maybe for consideration is the Prague half marathon which is on the same weekend as Berlin, except on a Saturday as opposed to Sunday…it has a good reputation as well…and, well, it's on in Prague
Prague?
That could be very interesting – and different.
It would make our International tally even more interesting.
Would be good to run a Half on a Saturday. Less hanging around, more relaxed Saturday evening
(assuming 'relaxed' is the right word)
Anywhere but Wexford (not coz it's Ireland, may 2nd should be as good weather down there as Egypt is now) but coz they're too commercial ha ha!!
Yeah, Prague would be something different. It shouldn't prove too expensive to get over there – between Aer Lingus, Ryanair and Czech Airlines, there'll be a lot of flights to choose from.
The race is on Saturday at midday and is a lovely looking course, looping around the city centre with a few river crossings (the Vltava?) splitting the route
There's a youtube clip here of the Prague Half Marathon in 2008 – weather looks pretty similar to Berlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpHtddqUk2E
There are a lot less runners than in Berlin…10,000 vs 40,000…
The official website is http://www.praguemarathon.com for all the information – that's enough from me, people will start thinking I'm working for the Czech Tourist Board if I add any more!
Praque sounds good but I have always wondered about what the road surface might be like in that race as thre are a lot of cobbelestone streets in the old part of the city – Or maybe thats just me been over cautious.
Personally I thought Berlin was brilliant – great fast flat course (which I remember with fondness)and great night life (not all of which I remember !)
I would be on for Pragus as it's on a Sat so we can enjoy the place as well as having the race
By the way ERM warriors was me. Trevor
Prague sounds good to me. Cool city. Other wise Lisbon works
hey guys, theres a recession 'going on around here'!
Sheffield – cheap flight, cheap hotel, cheap beer
plus
beat the sassanachs!
and hills !
Killian.
Killian has a good point.
Easy journey, easy everything
http://www.praguemarathon.com/en/2010/hervis-prague-half-marathon-10/hervis-prague-half-marathon/map
Prague would be good. When you look at the map and elevation it should be fast enough. Most of it is on the river bank.
Prague is a beatiful city and Czechs brew good and cheap beer:) (I did a full marathon there couple of years ago and I really enjoyed it).
or maybe Warsaw:) 28/03/2010?
http://www.polmaratonwarszawski.pl/en
There is no doubth that Praque is a beautiful city but I dont think it is a place for a half marathon because of the cobblestone surface in parts of the course (or am I mistaken ?)- have a look on utube videos of previous races there – personally my vote would be for either Berlin or Sheffield
The Hague looks good too.
Package :- race,one night hotel, breakfast, medal, etc. – 89 euro or 115 in a better hotel.discount for non-runners.
World record there in 2007.
http://www.cpcloopdenhaag.com
Hey everyone,
I have not been down at the club in a while but hoping to get back and would love a half to aim for. Any decisions made?? i would opt for Edinburgh as have not been there yet and it gives me bit more time to get fit!!!!
Mary