Just after 10am, the team boarded the Aer Lingus non-stop flight, bound for New York. Twenty people travelled from all over Ireland to run on behalf of BHF. Great mixtures of new and previous participants gathered to run the NYC Marathon for Beaumont Foundation.

Seven hours later the group arrived in New York, it was November the 2nd and the weather was expected to be good for the marathon on Sunday. As check-in at the hotel was very busy when the group arrived, Louise suggested that the group should go to the race Expo in the Jacob Javitts Centre instead and check-in later at the hotel. This would have the benefit of freeing up Friday for everyone. So after a brisk walk across 42nd Street the group got to the Expo to collect the packs. An hour later it was back to the hotel for check-in. After which a few decided to have a light meal at a local diner followed by “ several night-caps” in a nearby bar.

Some serious shopping was done on the Friday, others went sightseeing, overall a very enjoyable start to the event. A number of the team rose early on Saturday for the International Friendship run from the United Nations buildings to Central Park. Then it was time to put the feet up after that for the rest of the day.

It was a 4.30am wake up call on Sunday – Marathon Day. This was it. For the participants this was what the months of training, the hours spent out in the cold day in day out, the sacrifices and the effort was about. Everyone assembled in the lobby before the short walk to the buses departing for the start line. That was the last the supporters club of Mary and David saw of the team for a few hours. Mary took up her position after the bridge and later David welcomed and thanked all the participants on arrival back in the hotel. Everyone was very pleased with the challenge and that they all had finish well and healthy.

Some spent Monday recovering other soaking up the atmosphere of New York City and subsequently soaking up a few pints at the Sports Travel dinner.

On Tuesday afternoon it was time to depart and head back to Dublin. Congratulations and sincere thanks to all whom completed the New York Marathon in support of Beaumont Hospital Foundation.