Plans for Athlone's first ever half marathon gather pace

THE first ever Athlone Half Marathon (the Flatline 2012) is edging ever closer, and organisers are expecting a healthy turnout, in the region of 300 participants, to take part in the event. Organised by an eight-strong committee of athletics enthusiasts (Adrian Dolan, Nick Friel, Des Howlin, Mick Murphy, Tommy Murray, Stephen O'Reilly, Richard Ross and David Seery), the 21km (13 mile) race is scheduled for Saturday, September 15 (11am start), and entries are currently encouraged through the race's official website (www.athlonehalfmarathon.com). The race, which costs €20 to register online (or €25 to register on the day), starts at St Aloysius College, The Park, Athlone, and takes competitors along the banks of the river Shannon out to Clonown, before entrants return in the Ballinasloe Road back to Athlone. With a total elevation gain of just 79 metres, the course constitutes the flattest half marathon circuit around (hence the name 'the Flatline'), according to one of the organisers, David Seery. "We are looking to establish the Half Marathon as a regular and successful annual feature of Athlone's sporting calendar," said organiser David. "Reaction so far has been very positive. The organisers of TriAthlone were very good to us, they allowed us put promotional information in the TriAthlone goody-bags. We're not only aiming for the Elite athletes. Those who will find the event as perfect preparation for the Dublin City Marathon six weeks later, but also those who run for sheer enjoyment and to stay fit. If there's people out there currently doing 5km or 10km races, or simply doing some jogging on their own, they would be in perfect condition to run our race by following 12 week beginner, intermediate and advanced training plans on the website. The route can also be viewed on our website. The demand is certainly there for races like this, and we're very hopeful of running a successful race this year and then building upon it," David added. The Flatline wanted to thank their sponsors, Action Physio, Maguire's Bar, Michael Moore Car Sales, Trizone, and they also encourage (though it's not obligatory) to support one of the race organisers' three charities (Console, the Irish Wheelchair Association and South Westmeath Hospice).