Tipperary athlete has memories to last forever after Olympic Games marathon run

Aoife McGrath of J&N training group, Clonmel was one of 20,024 lucky everyday athletes who were awarded the opportunity to participate in Marathon Pour Tous - the first-ever mass participation marathon held at the Olympics on the same course and same day that the elite athletes competed in the marathon.

Talking about this once in a lifetime experience, Aoife says -

“Each wave started with a light and music show. The first 15 kilometres were electric- fast and flat. And also very hot and humid!

“In this section the athletes passed so many famous sights. It was a feast for the eyes. Every inch of the route was lined in support, loud and thick. Live music stops entertained the crowd throughout.

“By 15 kilometres the night was cooling slightly and we were moving out of the city, where the hills began. Television did not do the hills justice!

“There was a significant incline for five kilometres, with only a few flat reprieves throughout. Water and feed stations popped up every 2.5 kilometres.

“The Olympic commitment to sustainability meant water was served in reusable cups. This was a little time-consuming but the frequency of water was beneficial.

“Feed stations were stocked with bananas, cake, jellies, sugar and salt cubes, crackers and raisins. There was plenty for anyone who wanted it.

“The Palace of Versailles was just after halfway. Again the crowds were thick and the live entertainment was in full swing. A 1am party!

“It was onwards then to the ‘big’ hill. The incline of ‘the wall’ didn’t look possible. But on the athletes all hiked and reached the top, where big screens were displaying motivational messages from former French Olympians who themselves were running the course. There were just 12 kilometres to go.

“A glimpse of the Eiffel Tower glistening in the distance lifted tired spirits. A sharp downhill followed…. The stook flying mile of Paris.

“At around 33 kilometres athletes were back on flat ground and it was a straight run in along the Seine to the Eiffel Tower.

“Here they turned and looped around to the finish line in Invalides. The same finish line Tola had crossed that morning, and where Hassan took gold on later that day.

“It was an incredible journey from start to finish”.

Aoife finished the race with a new PB and memories to last a lifetime.