• IMPORTANT NOTICE – MEMBERSHIP

    Registration/renewal for 2024 is closed – Club membership runs from Jan – Dec, registration for 2025 will open in early November

     

Rita Whealan

Q1.When did you start running and what got you interested in it

I’m running marathons since 2001 I got started as I gave the ladies mini marathon (10k) a go in 1999 and a few of us (drunken at the time) decided to give the marathon in Dublin a go the following year.

Q2. How many marathons have you run?

13 marathons and 1 30mile ultra.




Q3. What’s your favourite event?

Ironically I had a fabulous run the day of the 30mile, nice and handy, conditions were favourable. Eventually I would like to try some longer events than marathons, I think I’m more of an endurance runner than a speedy one!



Q4. How many miles do you run in a typical week?

30-40 when training for a marathon.

Q5. What’s your best ever running performance?

I ran a good race in the Kinnity Castle Half Marathon in 2010, it was a half marathon pb for me.

Q6. What running shoes do you wear and do you wear racing flats?

I’ve been wearing asics for 6 years now, and the 2160’s. I dont wearing racing flats.

Q7. What was your worst marathon experience?

In Dubai Marathon 2009, the start of the race it was 15 degrees but roll on 4 hours later it was 25 degrees and the race was along beach road, the heat was coming up from the ground, I got a few dizzy spells and fainted at the end, and ended up lying flat – I had taken in too much water but not enough salt, I was delirious but glad to see the finish in 4 hours 01 minute.



Q8. How fast could you run a mile on a track?

6.35 secs

Q9. What’s your marathon PB?

3.59.27 – this was on 7th July 2011 in ‘5 marathons in 5 days’ in Sixmilebridge

Q10. What’s the best piece of training advice you were ever given?

Even splits for races if possible and never attempt to run a marathon if you’re feeling poorly.

Q11. Have you ever had a serious running injury?

No




Q12. What training session do you find the hardest/dislike the most and what’s your favourite session?

I find the speed sessions the hardest. I find the LSD the easiest as you can chat and enjoy the scenery and the gossip !

Q13. What is the longest race you have completed?

I ran the Eddie Murphy Memorial in Sixmilebridge in November 2011, it was the 30mile Ultra that I completed.

Q14. Do you have a Favourite quote running or otherwise?

‘no pain no gain’

Q15. Weirdest food you’ve ever eaten during a marathon?

Olives

Q16. Strangest thing you’ve ever seen during a marathon?

Seeing women in Dubai running in abayas, baking heat.

Q17. What usually goes through your head as you cross the finish line of a marathon?

Exhilaration, thrilled at having completed another goal.

Q18. Do you get narky if you don’t get a run in?

Yes

Q19. Have you ever considered how you’d handle it if you couldn’t run again?

No.
Q20. What event have you not yet completed that you would like to do the most in the future?

50k portumna

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  • Welcome to the Marathon Club Ireland / 100 Marathon Club Ireland website.

    Marathon Club Ireland was formed to encourage all aspects of marathon running in Ireland, from participation to organisation. Formed in November 2010 the club is a non-profit body run by a committee of elected volunteers.

     

    Club membership is open to those who have completed one or more marathons and achievement awards can be purchased to mark the completion of 25 , 50, 75 & 100 marathons.

     

    Achievement medals/awards for 20, 50 or 75 marathons can be purchased by members, following verification of their marathon list, for presentation by a selected member at one of our club events, Please note, while we may sometimes be able to arrange to present medals at non-club events, it is not always possible to do so.

     

    The prestigious 100 Marathon Medal is usually awarded free by the club, on condition that the recipient is a paid club member for the relevant year and at least one year immediately prior to the year in which they receive the award.

    Members wishing to receive any achievement awards should submit their list of completed marathons, on an excel spreadsheet (sample provided below) to marathonlists@yahoo.ie for verification, allowing at least 2 weeks for processing. Once the list has been verified medals can be paid for in person or via our online shop

    Marathon lists for should give full details of each marathon completed (official event name, location, date, race number and finish time and links to results website where possible)

    Download a sample marathon list spreadsheet  here

  • Benefits of joining:

    Sharing marathon experiences throughout Ireland and abroad.
    Sharing knowledge and tips on events, training and travel.

    Authorised to wear official ‘Marathon Club Ireland’ gear, (or ‘100 Marathon Club Ireland’ gear if you have completed 100 or club validated marathons)

    Reductions on entry fee to Marathon Club Ireland events.

    Discounts for entry to Marathon Club Ireland events  throughout the year.