The October bank holiday weekend is normally a time when marathon runners converge on Dublin City centre to complete the iconic 26.2 mile distance. Unfortunately due to the Covid restrictions in place, this year’s Dublin City Marathon was cancelled and replaced by a Virtual event. Runners had the opportunity to set their own route close to home and run with a phone app that would record their time and distance. 3 Donabate friends Alex Bell, Paudie Byrne and Sean Greensit had trained hard all year and were filled with the usual excitement and nerves that most runners will be familiar with on the day of the big event. The overnight rain and strong winds thankfully subsided right on queue as they set off down Portrane Road at 8:30 on the Saturday morning. Sean had designed a route that took in almost every nook and cranny around the beautiful peninsula before finishing in Newbridge Park. The trio kept a metronomic pace throughout and were delighted to finish in 3 hours 21 mins 55 secs, a huge personal best for Alex. They were wonderfully supported by family and friends throughout with local clubs Lusk AC, LSA and St Patrick’s GAA all out in force to cheer them on. All 3 were thrilled with the local support and delighted to be greeted by family members and club mates as they completed the distance close to the steps of Newbridge House.