Mar 16, 2018

My wife and I decided 2018 was going to be the year we took a race-cation, as we have been talking about it for some time. Dublin, Ireland has always been at the top of our travel wish list–really, a bucket list item for me. We’ve never been to Ireland–or to Europe, for that matter–and when we saw that the Affidea Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin was happening this August, we knew this was it. The event would be a magnificent chance to visit, explore, and run where our family’s roots run deep.

Our decision was made: I signed up for the half marathon and we both signed up for the 5K. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to us!

The planning process had begun. Thankfully, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin website made things easier and best of all, cheaper. We booked our hotel stay at one of the official race hotels, the Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin, at a fantastic rate. Next, we saved a few hundred dollars on our airfare through the discount offered by United Airlines, also a race partner. A major benefit for us is that we can fly direct to Dublin from New Jersey out of Newark Liberty Airport. The savings were a huge relief and we deeply appreciate Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin organizers and partners for it.

After viewing the 2017 race highlight video, I can’t wait to run this race. I’m so excited to run past the historic Christ Church Cathedral, Guinness Brewery, and the extraordinary Royal Hospital Kilmainham, and through Phoenix Park and all the other beautiful sites along the course.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin has some sweet finisher’s medals, too–some of the coolest I’ve seen, in fact. I’m looking forward to earning my half marathon, 5K, and Rock ‘n’ Roll Remix Challenge medals during my time there. I can’t wait to show them off back in the US. If I end up running another Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon or marathon in another country this year, I can earn the Limited Edition World Rocker Medal, which would be an awesome bonus!

My wife and I can’t think of a better event for our first international races than the Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin Half Marathon and 5K. Everything is booked and our passports are ready.

Come raise a pint with us and listen to some great music at the finish. We’ll see you soon Dublin!