If you’ve ever seen the film Caddyshack you’ll know that a ‘looper’ is another term for a golf caddy, presumably because they walk endless loops of the course transporting golf clubs for their patrons. If you’ve never seen Caddyshack then you really should. Since seeing that movie I’ve often thought it would be an appropriate term for runners. How often have you seen a 10k course described as a ‘flat single loop course’ - most often I suppose when there’s a bloody big hill about halfway ‘round.

The ‘loop’ to be on this weekend, if you like well-organised, friendly, flat and highly enjoyable marathons, is around Longford. This year’s event is the sixth edition of the race and each subsequent year since the inaugural edition has seen an improvement in all aspects of the Marathon and Half-Marathon races. A number of Athenry AC members will take part this time including Ray O’Connor, Paul Keane and James Lundon. There are probably some other lurkers from the club out there who haven’t yet told us that they intend to run, and if there are we wish them the very best on Sunday.

We’re looking forward to the reports.