Belfast Marathon 2025
Two Harriers travelled to Belfast to take part in this year’s Belfast Marathon. On a lovely Bank Holiday weekend it was another weekend of beautiful weather maybe not conducive to long distance, endurance running. Fiona Cushnaghan and Kirtsin Arthur started together and finished together in what Fiona insists is her final marathon.
Fiona’ Story
Last year when l turned 60 l decided l wanted to do a marathon in my new age category. Having been in Belfast 2 years ago and discovered the marathon was on a May long weekend it suited perfectly. My husband wasn’t that bothered about going to support me in another “race” so Kirstin was coming to be my supporter. This was a 50th gift to her and then, as you do, she decided to sign up as well.
Just four weeks pre-race she got badly burned at the top of her legs but her first thought was to ask the nurse if she’d be OK to run. I had had a bad fall on a training run so our training wasn’t the best but we were doing it. We flew to Belfast on the quickest flight ever 20 mins! In the afternoon we had a wee visit to Carrickfergus to meet an old Uni friend of Kirstin. We went to the expo on the Saturday to collect out numbers and then took an open top bus tour taking in some of the route and sights of the city.
Sunday was a lot hotter than expected and I have a lovely sunburnt club vest outline to show for it. A new course record was set 2.13:41 but not by me. Overall 6500 runners, 2750 relays teams with 5 stages and 1200 x 8 mile walkers ensured it was a busy course and changeover points were a bit crazy but support on the route was outstanding from start to finish. The end was never ending and again very busy and apparently they ran out of marathon medals as relay runners at the end seemed to take them instead but thankfully we both got ours! Sadly we read the standing race director died on Monday and there have been great tributes about him and was a poignant end to my Belfast journey. Kirstin’s 4th marathon, my 27th and l was 13th in my new age category.
Definitely recommend it as easy to get to, organisation and goody bags excellent just a bit congested at times as a mass start with no starting pens although Stormont Castle is great place to start the race and a great city to finish my marathon journey.
Kirstin’s story
When Fiona asked if I’d support her marathon I didn’t hesitate, I mean at least I didn’t have to run. But as the weeks went by I realised the FOMO was real and the thought of everyone celebrating while I’ve not endured it was too much, so I signed up. However 4 weeks ago I doubted I’d be standing at the start line after a nasty scalding incident resulted in the loss of skin to my inner thighs. Some quick healing later and we were in Belfast.
My first visit to N Ireland meant a planned reunion with an old friend and some amazing craic to be had especially as Fiona can talk to anyone AND everyone so lots of new friends were made. Pre-marathon was well organised with great freebies and goodie bag to be had. After being freezing for two days (despite the sun) with a cold northerly breeze (make that strong wind) and more jumpers bought, marathon day arrived with sunshine and blue skies and very little breeze. Thank goodness I had a hat with me. We knew this would be a slow one with hampered training and 10 years since I said NEVER AGAIN the last time.
However at halfway we were at 2h 19 min and I was seriously regretting my life choices. I had already developed cramp in my calves my old neck injury was playing up while my hip flexor was tight and my back was sore. However, Fiona was looking strong ahead and I had the advantage of longer legs to catch her back up on the walking breaks. Several suggestions to Fiona just to go ahead fell on deaf ears and she continued to hold back for me while I made myself comfortable in the pain cave. I knew I’d get to the end eventually and I was never bothered about my time – survival was the name of the game. I did desperately want Fiona to get her sub 5 however every time my calves locked up I knew I risked tearing them if I continued to try and run. The crowds were amazing, the signs being held up hilarious to read (my favourite being “No one likes a fast finisher”) and several extra aid stations from charities and general public handing out sweeties. We ploughed on, no mile markers anywhere though which was strange as watches are not always accurate and several ‘helpful’ “almost there”’s were very misleading as the end went on FOREVER.
It’s a hilly course which is not advertised, but the long slow inclines were not helping my cramping calves despite 4 litres of electrolytes and 8 salt capsules consumed. Finally at mile 26 there was a banner stating we were almost there and we both felt eternal relief but where on earth is was finish?
No where to be seen.
I had to dig even deeper, finally, around a last corner appeared the end with Fiona holding back for us to cross the finish together. We were moved on quickly through what felt like a prison yard, to fetch yourself some warm water then having to ask where the medals were was a strange end to a really well organised, friendly event. Further through the dusty yard with metal fencing to keep the public out a medal was thrust in our hands and bag collection done I’m still looking for my banana.
All in all Belfast was fab (except for the running and lack of bananas at the end 
).
Oh and NEVER AGAIN .