A message from the Race Director

Well the dust is well and truly settling in Connemara after almost 6,000 feet felt the heat of the hell of the west.

To anyone who had gripes, which I was very happy to have aired in public on our forum, I want to assure you that I have taken serious note of every single comment and, as I have done in previous years, will make changes to the event to strive for perfection (which I know we will never achieve - but it'll be fun trying). And on the more positive note I want to thank everyone who took the time to say they enjoyed the Connemarathon this year. Every Race Director gets rewarded by some amazing highs but some of us are more sensitive than others and do experience lows as we trudge along, ordering barriers, sorting out volunteers, organising an army of orange cutters and the few other tasks that we encounter. The 2007 Fáilte Ireland Connemara International Marathon has allowed me to experience an unbelievable high now that I look back. It has taken three weeks to finally sit down and truly assess how the day went, so, yes I am happy that the event was a success.

To get the problems out of the way, traffic was the main difficulty this year. We had made huge improvements on previous years. With the assistance of the County Council and the Gardai we were able to close the road for the last 4 miles which took a lot of strain off the finish area. We will sit down with everyone concerned soon and plan for next year to see if we can further improve this. There were a few other comments, lack of supporters buses from Clifden, baggage area not organised enough, Leenaun being used as a loo, temporary water shortage at finish (it was unseasonably hot), down to t-shirt sizes all of which will be looked into and improved if possible. I will not comment on individual correspondence, but the above represents the most common areas for improvement.

And so on to the positive... Wow, the 2007 Connemarathoners who enjoyed themselves REALLY enjoyed themselves. We always receive hundreds of "thank you's" and "well done's" but this years event seems to have touched a lot of people in a much deeper and more meaningful way. This was evident in the length and depth of the well wishes received, some of which are below for you to enjoy. As race organisers it is very important to listen to constructive critism, and sometimes just criticism, but the people who take the time to tell you that you did a good job are the source of our energy and enthusiasm in going forward for another year with confidence. So I would like to take this opportunity to say thanks for saying thanks, and thanks for making me smile (see below). And also a big thanks to the positivity shown by the locals. They are previliged to live in such a beautiful part of the world and we are priviliged to be allowed to take the roads over for a day. Their understanding of the disruption caused is greatly appreciated. April 6th isn't too far away, over 200 entries are already in, and the planning is underway. And you know what... I can't wait.

I'd also like to share my personal high of the day. It wasn't when the half marathon started on time, or the introduction to the Ultra briefing began. Nor was it when the last bus safely arrived at the start line, the last bag was placed on the truck, and it wasn't when the last Ultra Marathoner crossed the line after 8 long hours on the road. No it was none of these things. It was much simpler than that. It was the moment at the start area in Leenaun, after presenting the first defibrillator from the Croi fund in Frank Haines' memory, when Elizabeth, Frank's mother gave me a spontaneous hug and held on for a moment whispering thank you.

To everyone who finished this year, well done. You conquered one of the toughest challenges out there. Wear the t-shirt with pride. You are now a Connemarathoner.