A minute’s silence at the start was followed by a lone piper playing Amazing Grace and then the participants were set on their way by legendary Irish runner Harry Gorman who was celebrating his 76th birthday. Another athletics icon, Olympic 1500m Champion, Ronnie Delany, was also there to cheer the participants and encourage them.

There was a lovely touch too at the half- way mark as participants were treated to an uplifting set of fiddle tunes by Maurice Lennon, founding member of Stocktons Wing. This was a unique, deeply emotive, inspirational and very special day in the Phoenix Park as participants had to negotiate the various hills, bends and puddles on their journey to the finish line- a bit like life itself.

Non Chipped Event

Athletics Ireland Permit   YES