This Manchester marathon run began in earnest on December 26th as Gearoid Rohan & Jane Anne Meehan, Athenry who have been training companions for the last few years signed up for the Manchester marathon. Call it a sudden burst of drive or telepathy or whatever you like but both decided at the same time they were up for the challenge – another marathon! Both hoping for a sub 3hour. Last marathon: Dublin October 2014. And so the training plans were actioned and the paperwork in order for entry to the race. Manchester is a flat course relative to Dublin and together with the ideal running conditions played a massive part in their individual runs. Gearoid knocked a whopping 10mins off his PB set in Dublin by crossing the finish line in an exceptional time of 2:54:10; a top 240 finisher despite a minor setback of nursing a niggling leg injury and having to put in a savage effort for the last 3 miles. It was fitting that his training companion Jane Anne Meehan romped home alongside him in the exact same time; 6th lady home overall. Not alone did Gearoid do so well but his whole enthusiasm about running is almost contagious. He roped in his wife Mary who competed in the first half of the marathon relay finishing in a whopping 1:38 knocking 5mins off her PB for a half marathon. Together with her relay companion Esther Leahy, Athenry AC, they finished 2nd ladies team home. A massive accomplishment indeed for Gearoid & Mary and the other 4 Athenry AC runners. There could be a lesson here for us all as we sincerely congratulate them both – what might appear to be a daunting task is not just achievable, but enjoyable (especially the mojitos…..) Their next endeavour? Who knows…..Well well well done.