It’s that time again in Belfast, when
you are guaranteed to see nothing but keen runners out on the streets morning,
noon and night. Yes, it’s Belfast Marathon time when thousands of runners take
to the streets on May Day come rain,
hail or sunshine – usually one of the latter since we’re in Northern Ireland!
This great day out
has become a fixture on the calendar for both the serious marathon enthusiasts
and the many amateur runners who take part in the team relay. In 2014 there
were close to 4000 participants who enjoyed a road run in glorious sun shine.
For the last five years our manager, Nora Douds, has entered 3-4 relay teams’,
raising money for various charities from Parkinson’s UK to the Children’s
Kidney Fund. In 2015 the official charity of the Belfast Marathon is Marie
Curie with many relay teams running in support of this wonderful body who
provide support for people with terminal illnesses in Northern Ireland.
People run marathons
for many reasons – for some it’s a once in a lifetime event, for an elite few,
the serious athletes, it’s an opportunity to win and for others it’s another
marathon completed in a long list of marathons. There is no doubt in my mind
that running 26.2 miles is an amazing feat and one to be celebrated. The
Belfast Marathon has also become a great team relay event and there are so many
reasons why it has become so popular with fun runners. For our teams it’s a day
to get together to run as part of a team while raising money for a worthwhile
cause. Not all are serious runners but they all set themselves a goal to work
towards whether a quick 3.1 mile in the glory, finishing leg or the punishing
7.2 mile run up the Antrim Road. The team spirit created is invaluable – our
team member’s sense of achievement at the finishing line is exhilarating, even
in the pouring rain! The whole process has the great added benefit of making
exercise a fun and social activity.
The discussions of
running times, team finishing times and the excitement of the day last long
into the evening. Of course the celebration BBQ with drinks is always a great
way to enjoy the success of the day.
Belfast Marathon day
has had a great impact on the team spirit of our company, Tara Lodge Belfast.
The owner of Tara Lodge, Conor O’Donnell is a regular participant, our chef
Colin Douds a leading fixture, our manager Nora, the chief organiser and
regular team mate and Pauline McCullough, our Front Office Manager is also an
occasional team athlete. Our breakfast waiter Dave Quinn ran the whole marathon
in 2011 – a feat not yet matched by any of our Tara Lodge team but as they say,
never say never…..
The Tara Lodge hotel
team has benefited greatly on a personal level from the Belfast Marathon. At
Tara Lodge hotel we know that this race is a marathon not a sprint. Are you
taking part in the Belfast Marathon this year and need a place to stay where we
understand your needs as an athlete? If you would like to benefit from the
wonderful team spirit and customer service that our Tara Lodge squad provide
why not book one of our boutique hotel bedrooms.
We still have some rooms available on Sunday
3 May, the night before the race and we can offer you some of our famous
Power Porridge with banana and honey that will provide you with rocket fuel for
the race.
Why not book with Tara
Lodge later this year to
experience the great, award winning team spirit that we offer for the benefit
of all our great guests. Contact 028 9059 0900 for a pep talk or beat the rest
by booking online at www.taralodge.com.
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