Marathon Men And Women 1982

Society

The third Radio 2 Dublin City Marathon is won by Jerry Kiernan of Listowel, with Debbie Mueller of the USA the first woman over the line.

Over ten thousand runners surged past the starting line in Dublin city centre today, as the third Radio 2 Dublin City Marathon got underway.

Supporters lined the route throughout the course, with large numbers turning out at the Phoenix Park and also in Raheny, where runners hit what is known as 'The Wall'. Refreshments were handed out here by volunteers, among them Taoiseach Charles Haughey.

At this point, Kerryman Jerry Kiernan had left his fellow competitors far behind. This is the first marathon for the long distance runner from Listowel, who finished at two hours and thirteen minutes, and appreciated the support from members of the public,

I remember specifically the crowd going into Ballyfermot...and Raheny.

Not all runners could match Kiernan's time, but they ran, jogged and walked over the finish line, with the majority in good spirits, despite sore muscles.

Almost one thousand women entered this year’s marathon. Mary Purcell from Dublin was tipped as the favourite for the best women’s time but was beaten by American Debbie Mueller who finished at two hours and forty one minutes.

Libby Pfeiffer from London was also one of the leading women in the race. She rates Dublin’s marathon highly,

It’s a bit tougher than London, because of the hills.

Ten wheelchair athletes also competed, with Gerry O’Rourke from Dublin first over the line.

The Saint John Ambulance Brigade provided emergency medical assistance to runners suffering from cuts, blisters, cramp and fatigue. Alan Bunworth from Limerick explains why people put themselves through the ordeal of running a marathon,