Dublin Gets Ready to Rock and Run in 4th Annual Affidea Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin Half Marathon

More than 13,000 runners are ready to take over the streets of Dublin and run near some of the city's most notable landmarks. Photo: Ryan Bethke

The fourth annual Affidea Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin Half Marathon takes place this weekend and more than 13,000 runners are ready to take over the streets of this classic European capital city.

Anyone who has been fortunate enough to travel to Dublin will tell you the same thing: there’s no place like it on Earth. From the rolling, green countryside on the city’s outskirts, to the seven-story Guinness factory, to the narrow cobblestone streets, to the classic Irish pubs and in particular to the uncanny friendliness of the locals, Dublin should be a must-visit city on anyone’s travel bucket list—especially for runners.

Word of Dublin’s wonders has spread to the adrenaline-junkie fitness types. More than 13,000 runners and walkers have signed up for this weekend’s event. In total, 53 countries will be represented, including Americans from 47 of the 50 states.

“We are thrilled with the growth we’ve seen in Dublin since we started the event a few years ago,” said Stacey Campbell, Vice President of Global Events for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. “There is such a robust running community here in Ireland, and the charming city attracts runners from around the world.”

The jump in participation is owed in part to the addition of two races, Saturday’s 5K and a 10K coinciding with Sunday’s half marathon.

Nearly 1,800 runners have registered for the 5K, many no doubt wanting to take home extra bling as part of the Remix Challenge. Runners who take part in the 5K and come back Sunday for the half marathon or 10K, collect medals for both, plus a third for completing the weekend’s challenge.

Participation in the half marathon is mushrooming, too. The total number of participants in last year’s 13.1-miler was just under 8,000.

One of the lures of the half marathon is the scenic, historic course that runners tour. After starting along the Docklands, runners pass the Samuel Becket Bridge, the heart-shaped bridge that crosses the River Liffey. Another half mile down the road, the course will cross 200-year-old Ha’penny Bridge, one of Dublin’s most famous landmarks.

At 1.8 miles, runners rise uphill to Christ Church Cathedral, founded nearly 1,000 years ago. Just shy of the 3-mile mark, runners pass the Guinness Brewery, no doubt tempted to stop and sip some of the famed rich, dark ale. Near Mile 4 runners hit Kilmainham Gaol, site of the infamous 18th-century jail that played a pivotal role in the struggle for Irish independence 100 years ago.

Mile 8 brings the Wellington Monument into sight, the largest obelisk in Europe. History lesson: it was built to commemorate the victories of the Dublin-born 1st Duke of Wellington. About 1½ miles later, with images of the post-race beer garden racing through runners’ minds, comes the Papal Cross, erected in 1979 for the Pope’s visit where more than 1 million people gathered for the appearance.

The race finishes in spacious Phoenix Park, the largest walled park in Europe. There runners can enjoy a finish line festival with live concert headliner by The Strypes.

The race again serves as Ireland’s National Half Marathon Championship, but new champions will be crowned because last year’s winners, Paul Pollock (1:05:10) and Lizzie Lee (1:13:28), are both on their way to compete in the marathon at the Rio Olympics. With bands at every mile, a post-race concert and festival and Dublin’s rugged beauty, the city will be rocking come Saturday and Sunday.

The post Dublin Gets Ready to Rock and Run in 4th Annual Affidea Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin Half Marathon appeared first on Competitor.com.