News has reached us here in AthenryAC.com that Martin Keane was third in the V7 (he doesn't want people on know his real age so thinks it's better to give this rather than the more conventional M65 nomenclature) category of the recent National Marathon Championship.

I am so happy for the chap. He trained hard for the European Masters in Denmark back in May 2009 and raced well out there. He was unlucky in the National Half up in Ballybofey in September, coming 4th in the same category, easily breaking two hours. He'd done a lot of good work in preparation for Dublin this year - putting people only 65% of his age to shame in the process i.e. me - and reaped the rewards, clipping nearly 20 minutes off last year's time: 4:29 versus 4:48!

I am gratified that I played my own small part in this success. At about 8:42AM on race morning, Martin and myself strolled up the lane to the start but found ourselves very far back - we probably entered at the four hour mark. We decided to take our chances, reverse back out and enter the race much further up the field. This were effected with ease. This move allowed Martin to cross the start line perhaps as much 60 to 90 seconds earlier than he/we would have. Fourth M65, sorry V7, in the National Marathon came home 115 seconds after Martin! Our move may or may not have made all the difference there?

Anyway, the man is an inspiration to all of us here in Athenry, especially myself. I hope I'm still on the road as a V7. Long may Martin grace the tracks around Derrydonnell Woods and further afield!

P.S. I cannot forget Peadar Nugent either who successfully completed his 30th and everpresent Dublin City Marathon in the safe hands of Maire Treasa Beatty. Both were observed jogging along the course on more than one occasion during this historic day!