ON THE RUN… Catherine McCurry
ON BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY thousands took to the streets for the Belfast Marathon, including our own Herald reporter Catherine McCurry.
Catherine was one of more than 18,000 competitors who took part in the various events, which included a team relay and a fun run.
She completed the full marathon route, which began at City Hall and finished at Ormeau Park in a hugely commendable time of four hours and eight minutes.
Catherine was tacking the 26.2 mile route for the very first time and speaking afterwards admitted it was a huge challenge.
“It was just as tough as I expected it to be, to be honest I didn’t think my legs would be in as much pain as they are. It takes a lot of will power to keep going, but the crowds and a running partner really helped.”
Asked whether she ever felt like giving up Catherine said it never once entered her head.
“I never thought of giving up as I had trained so hard for it, but there were times I felt like walking it.”
She continued: “The hardest part was the 19th mile until the end. Between the pain in my legs and feet it was very tough to keep going.”
Keep going she did though, completing the marathon in a time many more experienced runners would be proud of. Entering the race under an injury cloud Catherine was happy to report she was almost in tip-top shape come the finish.
“The only injuries I suffered was losing a few toe nails to the pressure of the run, but there were far worst casualties so I’m thankful.”
And how did it feel to cross the finish line?
“I was relieved, excited and in disbelief when we crossed the finish and was extremely proud of our finishing time.”
Same again next year?
“Will I do it again? Well never say never!”
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