The Challenge...32 Marathons, 32 Counties, 32 Days
Gerry and Ken's Blog...

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Marathon 27 - Monaghan

(GD) My uncle Brian would have loved the camaraderie today. He is no longer with us sadly but his spirit is all around this part of Monaghan. Lough Muckno, Castleblayney to be precise. A gathering of my extended family took place today as the aunts and cousins were out in full attendance and they brought a great atmosphere not to mention some delicious catering for the spectators and our crew as well. To Phil, Ann Marie, Helen, Mickey and to Padraig for being our route co-ordinator today - a big bulaidh bas!

Our twenty seventh marathon promised much and delivered more. Firstly there was the sight of Barry Kerr, a Blayney man now with roots in Leitrim as he kept going for a second thirteen miles despite having trained for a half marathon. Two hours later he reappeared and savoured the applause from the waiting crowd.

Moment of the day however is possibly reserved for a very special lady, Tara Duffy (no relation). Tara had personal reasons to be here. She fought her way to the finish line with incredible bravery; just 150 metres from the finish line she paused, not to savour the moment but rather having cramped in pain from a tightening right calf muscle. Her family looked on and screamed encouragement as she bore the pain but remained defiant. Having regrouped Tara climbed the remaining metres undeterred and quite deservedly received the days loudest cheer. Tara, you made our day.

My buddy Ken and I had a ball. Paddy Cole blew the starters whistle and for the first six miles we were entertained royally by the always happy Nudie Hughes, a former football giant from these parts. We knew we were in the presence of a popular man when Ken received a request via text for Nudies autograph. He duly obliged.

Our run was thoroughly enjoyable. Both feeling significantly stronger than the day before, we were guided around the route by a lovely guard called Frances Merrick who kept us safe and entertained us with some great stories. At 25 miles I was feeling the strain just a tad, when Ken uttered those immortal words. "If we push it we might break 4 hours." I scarcely needed this but the opportunity was too good to pass on. We pushed the final yards and just dipped below the mark, finishing in 3 hours 58 minutes. A very satisfactory days work.

We are astounded at the amount of awareness now generated in the public domain about this event. The weekend has almost 250 runners waiting patiently for their run and Ken and I are very excited by this. Monday has 160 people registered and rising. We cannot wait!!

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