Blackrock A.C. supported Michael Ferndale with his unique challenge of running backwards in Phoenix Park last Saturday.
Running Backwards in Phoenix Park
Michael Ferndale’s run was part of a unique challenge: Starting in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, he will be doing 5 marathons running backwards in Dublin, Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh before finishing with his final one in London over a 5-day period.
Thanks to all our members who came out to assist Michael Ferndale as he set out to raise money for The Change Foundation and Lord Taverners. More info on the story behind it is here.
Those involved were Donal Cassidy, Gerry Flaherty, Helen Collins, Imelda Curran, James C and D, Pat O’Brien and Ted Burke. Some were there before dawn to ensure that Michael was accompanied around the Phoenix Park as he ran backward and made sure hazards were avoided as he did. Thank you all for coming out and being involved on behalf of Blackrock A.C. and we wish Michael and the team well for the rest of the challenge.
A special thanks also to James Dowling who planned and organised the whole Dublin event and motivated members of the club to help out.
Parkun
Congratulations to Dee O’Mahony who completed her 250th parkrun today and to Emer Murphy who completed her 100th parkrun. Both wonderful milestones taking years of commitment and dedication. We had a good turnout from the club and an excellent performance by run director Johnny.
Wicklow Marathon and Half Marathon
Congratulations to Ger O’Toole and Bryan Shiels who took part in the Wicklow Hospice Marathon on Saturday. Ger sailing home in 3rd place with Bryan Shiels being equally as impressive completing his 74th marathon on the day.
A special mention to those who entered the half marathon. Blackrock A.C. was well represented here also with members Brian Caulfield, Andrew Flynn and Rob Carey coming in 2nd, 4th and 6th respectively. Well done everyone and more information on the results can be viewed here.
Fit4life Virtual Event – 10km Challenge
From now until the end of the October, we are going to continue the series and have a 10km virtual challenge. Just log a 10km each week for any of your runs or even enter an average over a longer run. This is a good opportunity to do a weekly tempo run with a recommended pace of half marathon pace or a 10km race time +5 minutes. You can log your results here: 10km Virtual run
Upcoming Events
The following are some other races recommenced for Blackrock A.C. members:
Date | Event | Link |
17th October 2021 | Spar Autumn Open Cross-Country, Abbotstown | Website |
17th & 18th October 2021 | Great Pink Virtual run | Website |
24th October 2021 | Thoroughbred Marathon Kildare | Website |
23rd – 25th October 2021 | Dublin Virtual Marathon | Website |
28th October 2021 | Dublin Airport Central 5k | Website |
31st October 2021 | Dublin Senior Cross Country, location TBC | TBC |
19th & 20th November 2021 | Mountain Trail Running Festival – various trail runs, 10k to 100k (!) | Website |
20th November 2021 | Run The Line (13k and 26k mountain run, Glencullen) | Website |
27th November 2021 | Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon (Half and Full) | Website |
27th November 2021 | Clontarf 5 mile and Half Marathon – SOLD OUT | Website |
9th January 2022 | Dublin Masters Cross Country, location TBC | TBC |
15th January 2022 | World Half Marathon Festival | Website |
6th February 2022 | Trim 10 Mile | Website |
12th February 2022 | Donadea 50k (back in the forest!) – nearly sold out | Website |
20th February 2022 | Seville marathon | Website |
24th April 2022 | Connemarathon 2022 | Website |
Check out www.myrunresults.com or www.imra.ie for other races coming up soon.
Blackrock A.C. Tip of the week
Different people have different reasons for running road races, but one of them is simply the incentive to get out and run, increase your mileage and feel good: The medal (aka Bling) simply signifies the successful completion of training, not just the finishing of a race (Hal Higdon Tips).

Training Reminder
Training continues as normal this week and great to see good numbers at each session. Members are required to wear a high viz vest from now on at training.
Anyone who had not completed the Covid-19 survey can do so at the following link (Covid19 form link). If anyone is not feeling well in any way or injured you should not come to training. For those currently on trial, if you want to join the club and become a member you can register now. Membership prices are reduced as it is past August.
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