In brief
- Gerry Duffy’s race report describes the Portumna Forest Marathon and its appeal.
- Founder Sebastien Locteau explains the benefits of a 5km looped course.
- A central headquarters creates atmosphere, camaraderie and easy medical and refreshment support.
This one is not written by myself but does talk about me so thought I would share:
Portumna has become a ‘must do’ event for those who know of its magic and what better way to describe it to other runners than from another runner’s race report. The following is an excerpt from one of Ireland’s best-known ultra marathoners – Gerry Duffy. Gerry has completed 32 marathons in 32 days and 10 full distance Iron Man events in 10 consecutive days. In his own words Gerry describes Portumna Forest Marathon….
Organised by Runners
“A clue to its attraction is that it is organised by runners. Its founder – Sebastien Locteau – is a French native who lives in these parts. By day Seb runs ‘Sports Ireland’ a high performance coaching company. Indeed, Seb’s sporting CV is longer than some of his endurance events.
Along with a great team -in his spare time- he gives back to sport by organising great events.
The Case for Looped Courses
From an organiser’s point of view, looped courses can make enormous sense and I often wonder why more races don’t employ its concept. Some might contend that it might be hard on the brain and therefore unappealing to the masses. Try it for yourself. The novelty can be well, novel, to say the least.
Here are Seb’s thoughts. “A lapped course means athletes can monitor progress. It also simplifies health and safety. It makes refreshments and marshalling a much easier delivery”, he explains. “But the most important element is that laps are great for building camaraderie and – over the years – I have witnessed participants support each other by a glance, a smile or a thumbs up as they pass.”
Atmosphere and Camaraderie
The busy headquarters which we passed through every 5km, was abuzz with atmosphere and helped lift spirits that might otherwise have waned. My own partner who was busy crewing commented on the relationships that were built up during what was a long day for many.
Running any of those distances takes time, no matter how fast the competitor. By the end of the day, she had made four or five new friends in the running community, which made her day more enjoyable too. It’s not all about the athletes!
It virtually guarantees atmosphere too as its focal point attracts spectators and supporters like wasps to a honey pot.
A central HQ on a 5km looped route means medical and physio cover can always be close at hand. It also simplifies water and race nutrition provided by organisers. It virtually guarantees atmosphere too as its focal point attracts spectators and supporters like wasps to a honey pot.
The sell-out crowd in Portumna, bears ultimate testimony to the popularity of this novel race.’
