Preview of the 'Evening Echo Ladies Mini Marathon' 4 mile road race...Sun 28th Sept 2008 (1pm)

First of all, a quick note of caution. I hear that they have around 9,500 entries for this race. Now we all know that the vast majority are walkers or people who might jog and walk. So, if you are running this and you want a good time, get there early and make sure you get up near the front.

Course...The start of this race is on the Centre Park Road.

Mile 0-1. The first mile or so is very flat with only a slight uphill around the 0.8 mile mark as the road joins the Marina. This should be a very fast mile as long as you stay clear of the mass of runners.

Mile 1-2. Dead flat along the Marina. Probably the most scenic part of the run. Again, it should be a very fast mile. If you have started too fast, this is about where you should find out. Pace yourself for the first 2, you can pick it up over the last 2 if you have gone too slow.

Mile 2-3. This section includes the only real hill. There is a nasty pull from the 2 mile mark up to St.Michael's church, a distance of about 300 metres. You are going to lose some time here. After that, it's reasonably flat with a slight fall downhill into Beaumount about the 2.7 mile mark. Then past the AIB bank and Post office and take a sharp right down Maryville Road. Around the 3 mile mark, there is a very steep downhill section. By far, the hardest mile.

Mile 3-4. After the initial downhill section, the remainder of the mile is flat with the finish on the Monaghan Road, near Kennedy Park.

Click on the map above for a closer look. If you are not sure what part of the city the map shows above, click on this LINK

Entries for this race closed on Thursday, the 25th of September. The weather forecast is that there may be cold front over the country but it should be a weak affair. I'd expect that it will probably be a dry day. Just remember, get there early and avoid the crush.

.......and enjoy it!! ;o)