Members of the Moate Athlone Running Group (MARG ) are in conserve energy mode this week as they prepare to take on the challenge presented by the 39th Dublin City marathon on Sunday afternoon.
Perennially growing in numbers, the group, which originated in December 2014, courtesy of running enthusiast, Athlone native, Thomas Burke, will line up in the various waves awaiting the start of the 26.2 mile run which this year boasts 20,000 camber treaders.
Dedicated and detailed training plans have been to the fore in recent months with coach, Mick Murphy, hosting invaluable running sessions each week at Burgess Park.
Stamina building long runs, the feature of preparations in advance of the weekend marathons, have been noticeable by the commitment levels shown each Sunday morning, with 8.30am the starting time for all as they fine tune their preparations.
Now, with marathon morning firmly in sight, three key words will dot the vocabulary of each MARG Dublin City marathon participant - rest, hydration and focus.
MARG always welcomes new runners of all levels. The group meets in Burgess Park each Wednesday night at 7.30pm with Sunday morning runs departing Kilmartins at the N6 roundabout at 8.30am.
