When they come to write the history of the Belfast Marathon the 2012 version may well rank as one of the most remarkable. The 31st running of this annual battle of man against the miles was unique in many ways. Firstly, it set a new record for participants with over 22,000 runners and walkers of all shapes sizes and abilities taking part. Secondly new records were established in both Men's and Women's races, in spite of cold wet conditions. It was also the first marathon during which I changed shoes and socks twice and still ended up with wet feet. And with several from the East Down club making their debuts at the distance and most of their more experienced colleagues recording PBs it turned into a very memorable day – a unique one in fact. Come to think of it all the debutants had PBs as well!
First of the bunch was Ryan Hagen looking comfortable on his way to an excellent 3.15, with Emil Danis close behind in 3.18. Ryan surely has it in him to break 3 hours. Michael McKeown, while short of his best, was happy with 3.23 but the first “Smile of the Day” entry belonged to Gavin Oakes who cracked the 3 and a half hour barrier with 3.29.39, a result which will work wonders for his confidence in going on to ever better times.
Michael Cultra was the first of the first timers to finish, hitting the mat in a highly respectable 3.39, having hit the wall at around 20 miles and struggling over the last few miles, possibly hampered by a vest borrowed from James Magennis and more accustomed to more sedate progress. Great first effort.
The next serious contender for the Smile of the Week award however was Gerard McAuley, who almost slipped past unnoticed in CLIC Sergant colours, oblivious of the chorus from the East Down ensemble at Ormeau Park, so wrapped up was he in whatever sound was being pumped through his earphones. Not only that but he risked disqualification by bursting into song as he crossed the finish line in a new pb of 3.42 – not a pretty sound, but a great result.
Declan Teague, fresh from his London exertions, paced the 4 hour group to an enviable 3.58 and must have made a lot of people very happy.
In spite of the ongoing recession and its affect on the building trade the infamous wall appeared in the path of Stephen Heasley, another of the debutants, but he scrambled over it in spite of a spot of sciatic nerve trouble and held his other nerves together to post 4.18. Grimaces don't count in the Smile competition Stephen but well done on a brave performance.
The first of the Smile contenders among the Ladies was Linda Cunningham, in fact she hasn't stopped since, as she sidestepped the wall and romped home in 4.07, a massive 9 minutes inside her previous best. She was ably assisted in this effort by coaching guru Simon McGrattan who led from the back until 18 miles had passed by and then produced his usual metronomic finish to see Linda home and record a net 4.04 himself. He was of course seeing Linda home in the metaphorical sense.
And perhaps Aurla McLoughlin had the best idea of all. She didn't even see the wall, never mind hit it, and crossed the line in 4.44, a great first effort and no doubt it set her mind thinking what she could do with some more structured training. So another contender for Smile of the Week award but I think they all deserve a prize – entry to next year's? By now all will have forgotten their aches and pains and the joys of descending stairs and will be thinking about how they can do better next time. My advice? Sit back and enjoy the moment.
Joe Quinn 14 May 2012
