​Virtual 2020 DHM entry continues to grow

Almost 100 entries have been received for the 2020 Virtual Donegal Half Marathon scheduled for the last weekend in August.

The T-shirt for the event, being held in association with the Kernan’s Retail Group, was unveiled this week.

“Given that there might not be a lot of long-distance road races this year, the 2020 Virtual Donegal Half Marathon T-shirt could well be something of a collector’s item,” commented race director, Brendan McDaid.

After much deliberation, the organising committee took the decision in June not to proceed with an actual race this year because of the Covid-19 restrictions.

“With the race not now taking place in an organised form, we are appealing for as many of the running fraternity as possible to get involved and run the half marathon distance over the last weekend of August – Friday 28th, Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th. There’s also the option of entering a three-person relay team, with each member completing 7K.

“We are happy with the entry so far and we are expecting the numbers to rise over the coming weeks. Holding a virtual race is providing a new challenge for us as a committee and given the number of entries so far, there is an obvious appetite out there for something like this,” he added.

The early bird rate of €25 is the fee for the 2020 Virtual Donegal Half Marathon.

To enter the 2020 Virtual Donegal Half Marathon click on the link below

https://www.njuko.net/donegal-half-virtual/select_competition

Local charities to benefit from 2020 Virtual Donegal Half Marathon
The proceeds from the 2020 Virtual Donegal Half Marathon, which is being held in association with Kernan’s Retail Group, will go towards the purchase of a defibrillator.
The defibrillator will be installed at Kernan’s Spar at Tullygay on the outskirts of Letterkenny.
A donation to fund the provision of an acute stroke unit at Letterkenny University Hospital , c/o consultant geriatrician, Professor Ken Mulpeter, will also be made from the proceeds of what will be an event with a difference this year.
Last month the Donegal Half Marathon Committee decided not to hold the actual race this year. Instead they opted to organise a virtual race over the weekend of Friday, August 28th to Sunday, August 30th.
Race director, Brendan McDaid, said entries are increasing gradually.
“We’ve exceeded the 100 mark and expect a late surge nearer race weekend itself,” he added.
“We gave a lot of thought to who should be the beneficiaries from the 2020 Virtual Donegal Half Marathon and we are happy that the money raised will be spent locally. Kernan’s Spar at Tullygay is located on the Donegal Half Marathon course. It is an extremely busy stretch and we believe it is an ideal location for a defibrillator in case of an emergency in the area,” he commented.
“We are inviting runners both at home, throughout Ireland and all over the take on the challenge and be part of the Virtual 2020 Donegal Half Marathon over the last weekend in August. For those not up for the 21K distance, there is also the option of the relay event which involves three-person teams each competing 7K.”
To register for the 2020 Donegal Virtual Half Marathon click on the link below
https://www.njuko.net/donegal-half-virtu…/select_competition

The organisers of the Donegal Half Marathon have announced that this year’s event will be held in a virtual format at the end of August.

Swimming and running compliment each other in so many ways, and when it comes to fitness, recovery, and feeling good, an hour in the pool is worth as much, if not more, as an hour on the roads.

While many of us run purely to get fit and burn calories, eating the right food can be critical in getting the best out of your training. A great way to stay on track with your diet is to consume healthy snacks throughout the day, and both before and after a run.

Après Marathon!

Well, it’s all over!  I really hope you enjoyed the experience of the half or full marathon.  It was a great day with great support on the route.  The numbers participating were amazing too so well done one and all.  I finished the full marathon in 3.38 which considering the heat and the hilly course (a big challenge at times) I was delighted with.  I hope you did well too.

So what so we do now?  Well, I’m taking 2 weeks off from running but will get walking a few evening and plenty of stretching and generally looking after myself and basking in the glory of the achievement

Well done and take care!

21st August 2014

Well here we are! The last few days of preparations for the Donegal half and full marathons!  Can you believe it!  These few days are about preparing your mind to run the distance.  Training wise, take it easy and if you run then go for a short lazy run.  It’s all about conserving energy now, getting plenty of rest and eating well to build up the reserves in the body for the big day. 

Eating well and sensibly such as reducing or staying off the alcohol until after the race, eating iron containing meat and vegetables and later in week pasta and white meat.  Getting to bed early and having a good night’s sleep.  Mentally, I’ll take some time to think about the course, visualise myself finishing it successfully and preparing myself to enjoy the experience of the day.  I really mean that... enjoy every minute... we have trained all summer long so it’s a day of celebration. 

The celebrations look good for the Aura with the family day so they’ll be plenty of noise and support as you finish your race.  Volunteers are in place and its all go.  Get registered early Saturday (between 12noon and 6pm) and chat about the race to friends and colleagues.

Finally, don’t chance wearing anything new for the race – stick with what works and even if your socks have gone grey in the wash (like mine have) stay with them.  It’s not about looking good to everyone else but about feeling good in what you wear so don’t change an item of clothing that you have worn for your longer runs. 

Thanks for checking in each time the blog was updated and thanks to the Donegal Marathon Committee for asking me to contribute of the last few months.  Well done to you all for bringing the ultimate race back to the North West.

Best wishes to all and good luck!!

Well here we are! The last week of preparations for the Donegal half and full marathons!  Can you believe it!  I write this week as I’ll be preparing myself as best I can all week next week, both physically and mentally.  Training run wise, I’ll be finishing the Sunday long runs with a 10 to 12k jog and intend to run two 5 ml runs during next week. 

More importantly, it’s a week to take care and prepare well for the 24th.  Eating well and sensibly such as reducing or staying off the alcohol for the week, eating iron containing meat and vegetables and later in week pasta and white meat.  Getting to bed early and having a good night’s sleep.  Mentally, I’ll take some time to think about the course, visualise myself finishing it successfully and preparing myself to enjoy the experience of the day.  I really mean that... enjoy every minute... we have trained all summer long so it’s a day of celebration. 

The celebrations look good for the Aura with the family day so they’ll be plenty of noise and support as you finish your race.

Finally, don’t chance wearing anything new for the race – stick with what works and even if your socks have gone grey in the wash (like mine have) stay with them.  It’s not about looking good to everyone else but about feeling good in what you wear so stay with what you have done your long runs in. 

Thanks for tuning in each time the blog was updated and thanks to the Donegal Marathon Committee for asking me to contribute of the last few months.  Well done to you all for bringing the ultimate race back to the North West.

Best wishes to all and good luck!!