A record 9,000 runners will set off for the Dublin Half Marathon this Saturday 24thSeptember in the Phoenix Park. This is the fourth and final race in the SSE AirtricityRace Series before the sold out Dublin Marathon which takes place on Sunday the 30th of October.
In the women’s race, former London Marathon winner Catriona McKiernan will compete in her first Race Series half marathon. 2015 winner, Karen Alexander and 2012 Olympian, Catriona Jennings are also likely to be in the mix.
Freddy Sittuk, the winner of the Frank Duffy 10 Mile in August will have to contend with last year’s winner Eoin Callaghan and Irish 50K record holder, Gary O’Hanlon.
Race director, Jim Aughney has been delighted by the success of the 2016 SSEAirticity Race Series and increased interest in the half marathon this weekend;
“As the distances in the SSE Airtricity Race Series are increasing, so too, are the entries. It’s such a testament to the dedication these runners have towards their goals and we are so happy we get to play a part throughout runners’ entire marathon journey. Getting involved in the race series is a great way to keep the momentum building and set little challenges for yourself.
A half marathon is a big achievement; so well done to all who have gotten this far from the 5K start. We look forward to cheering you across the line on Saturday!”
Pacers will be provided for runners at target times of one hour 30 minutes, one hour 40 minutes, one hour 50 minutes and two hours. A cut off time of three hours, 15 minutes will be in place.
Runners are advised to allow plenty of time as there will be road closures in place from early morning in the Phoenix Park. Shuttle buses will be supplied on race day from Parkgate Street by the Frank Sherwin bridge from 8:30 am, with the last bus departing at 9:30 am. Busses will be available upon race finish at the Phoenix Monument, to transport runners back to Parkgate Street.
The culmination of the 2016 SSE Airtricity Race Series will be the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon which takes place 30th October, starting at Fitzwilliam Square.
For more information or to follow the action, visit the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon website at www.sseairtricitydublinmarathon.ie and stay updated with Facebook/DublinMarathon or @dublinmarathon