If you have never thought about running a marathon, put the Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon on your list. Yes, I said ‘never’. 8 months ago, I was barely a novice runner and it wasn’t until I met Bob and Ia Hilliard, that they convinced me to run their Marathon. While it may be the toughest course in Ireland, or as the locals like to put it, “The Gentle Slopes of West Cork”, I promise, it is worth it.

The breathtaking scenic views, the smell of the ocean, the multi-colored ponies, the castles, and going “down the rabbit hole” that is Rathbarry, the scenes are out of a fairytale. But it was the people who truly made the experience one of the most inspiring and motivating trips of my life.