This weekend marked the 4th time the Affidea Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin Half Marathon rocked the streets of Dublin. More than 13,000 runners and walkers took part in this weekend’s event, which included a 5K on Saturday followed by a Half Marathon, 10K and Family Fun Run on Sunday. Runners from 53 countries participated with 47 of the 50 states of America represented on the streets of Dublin.
“We are thrilled with the growth we’ve seen in Dublin since we started the event a few years ago,” said Stacey Campbell, VP of Global Events for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. “There is such a robust running community here in Ireland, and the charming city attracts runners from around the world.”
The jump in participation is owed in part to the addition of two races, Saturday’s 5K and a 10K coinciding with Sunday’s half marathon. Runners and spectators were treated to live music from a selection of bands along the course and a finish line festival with live concert headliner by The Strypes.
Participation in the half marathon exceeded all expectations too, with total participants registered just under 8,000. Nearly 1,800 runners registered for the 5K, with many also running on Sunday to take home extra bling as part of the Remix Challenge. Runners who took part in the 5K and come back Sunday for the half marathon or 10K, collected medals for both, plus a third for completing the weekend’s Challenge.
One of the lures of the half marathon, particularly for tourists, is the scenic, historic course that runners tour. After starting along the Docklands, runners pass the Samuel Becket Bridge and then shortly cross the famous H’penny Bridge. Following that, runners rise uphill to Christ Church Cathedral and pass the Guinness Brewery which brings them to Mile 4 at Kilmainham Gaol. Mile 8 brings Wellington Monument into sight and the race finishes further afield in Phoenix Park.
