June 21, 2009 Wheels start turning when walking in Ireland One of the things that my wife and I did on our vacation in Ireland was to take in some of the various sights that tourists often do. One such trip involved a sight that not that many visitors really get to see up close. The main reason is that it is a hike of 12.8 kilometers (roughly 7 1/2 miles) in the mountains. The hike was through the Gap of Dunloe that is an opening between two mountains that was created by a glacier many years ago. As you arrive at the starting point, there is a small pub and cottage that once belonged to Kate Kearney, a well-known moonshine producer of fine beverages that she both sold and drank. Our guide that drove us to the start informed us that, because of this drinking of her moonshine, she died at the age of 103 years during childbirth. Motorists are strongly advised that the road through the Gap is only one lane, and cars are discouraged from driving through. There are horse-drawn carriages available for those individuals that are not able to hike the 7 1/2 mile distance up a climb of 1,100 feet. This is often why many tourists do not attempt this scenic visit, as the drivers of the “traps” (carriages) warn them that this is a very difficult trip and they will gladly take them through for a small fee. My wife and I opted for the hike and the challenge of a hike between two mountains. The hike was the highlight of the trip, as the scenery and view were outstanding. Old rock remains of houses, lakes, high mountains on both sides and a number of bridges to cross made from rocks were some of the sights to see on the trip. The one good thing about having so many scenic landmarks is that a person will stop and take a photo, and thereby get a little break from the walking. It seemed that, as we started up the climb to the top of the ridge, the photo opportunities increased. I remember looking up at the top and seeing other hikers against the outline of the sky, and thinking that, from down where we were, it looked like a real long climb to get there. The stop at Lord Brandon’s Cottage on the other end of the road where we could get refreshments was looking good after we reached the summit of the climb. One thing about being a race director is that, whenever you go for a run, or a bike ride, you think about this route being a potential race in the future. This hike would be a great race for long-distance runners. One problem is that it is a point-to-point distance, and the only way back after reaching the other side is a boat ride for an hour and a half across some rivers and three lakes. I remember that the Decker Challenge in Austin had two races to try. One was a “single Decker,” and the other was a “Double Decker” where you did the 11-mile loop twice. I figured the 7 1/2 mile distance over and back through the Gap of Dunloe would only be 15 miles; and for a long-distance runner this would be an easy challenge. A name like the “Double Gap” or “Double Dunloe” would really be a draw for runners. Running to the top of the 1,100-foot ridge would be a tough challenge; but the nice finish of a long downhill would more than make up for that challenge. And a stop at Kate Kearney’s pub and cottage after the race would be a real treat for those runners that finished the run. I am not sure what it would take to organize such a run over in Ireland, but it would be a real draw for runners from all over the world. The city of Killarney is just a short drive from the start; and since it is a tourist town, there would be plenty of rooms and places to stay before the race. Getting the portable toilets out along the route would be a hassle on some of the curves, but very feasible. A few aid stations along the way and a nice design for the shirt would make for a great race. If you are not up for the Gap of Dunloe run, do not forget the Firecracker 5K Evening Run here in San Marcos on Thursday evening, July 2 starting at 7:30 p.m. at the River Ridge Business Park. Dr. Maurice Johnson - better known around San Marcos as “Moe” - is a professor in the Department of Health, P.E., Recreation and Dance at Texas State University - San Marcos. Moe has been a fixture in the San Marcos running community - both as a runner and race organizer - since way back when Moby Dick was a minnow. His column on running and fitness appears each Sunday in the Sports section of the San Marcos Daily Record. • Recent “Running With Moe” Columns • Home • About the Club • Current News • Club Runs • Places To Run • TX Running Clubs • Running Links • Useful Stuff Upcoming Races • Race Results • Country Roads 10K & Kids Run • ARA-Moe’s Better Half Marathon • “Running With Moe” Contact Us!