Monday October 26th sees the annual showpiece of the athletic calendar in Dublin for the 30th running of the Dublin City Marathon.
Waterford Triathlon Club will have 11 runners (correct me if there are more) going to post:
The following is a pinstickers guide towards picking the first runner home:
4/6F Barry Lambe: A sublime running talent who has flourised as the season developed. Virtually unbeatable on his day, he is sure to carry the burden of favouritsm on race morning. Ticks all the boxes and is sure to gather a lot more support as the race draws near, so at the current price of 4/6, represent great value. Should be careful, though, not to entertain any mind games from his fellow runners in the lead up to the event!
3/1 Michael Bowes: Has been progressing well on the Tramore gallops in recent weeks and on his day, could present a real challenge to Lambe. Rumoured to have had a meticulous preparation and at 3/1 is worth a punt.
3/1 Stefan Green: An immense talent who is set to stamp his mark on the race. The 'Pride of Poleberry' has had a fantastic preparation and his season has grown from strength to strength since going on a diet of stewed apples, albeit of the Limerick variety!
8/1 Noel Dillon: A man for the big occasion. Tremendous aptitude for the big day but he will have to run in a zone that he never ran in before if he is going to challenge Lambe. Rumoured to have a very precise race strategy in place that may involve some 'off the ball' incidents prior to the start of the race.
10/1 Brian Slattery: Coming into this race off the back of a great preparation. Beautifully poised runner who is sure to attract massive levels of support from his adoring fans. Given the expected support, he is likely to be blinkered on the big day. Represents massive each way value at 10/1.
12/1 Marc O'Cathasaigh: A powerful performer who is no stranger to Dublin on marathon day. Finely tuned prepartion is sure to reap dividends for the 'Tramore Tornado'.
12/1 Gavin Quinlan: Reports from Waterford this week of Quinlan running in a pink costume have been dismissed as 'rubbish'. The Quinlan camp is expected to unleash a hugely prepared participant this year and, at 12/1, is attracting a large amount of each way interest.
14/1 Stephen Doyle: If he could swim the course he would set a course record but notwithstanding this, he has become an overnight running sensation this year. Will be high on confidence coming off the back of a win in the Ballinasloe triathlon.
16/1 Simone Giorgi: If this was a cooking competition, the bookies would already be paying out on the Italian. Supreme runner who has shown his pedigree already this season. If Giorgi pulls this one off, it will be the greatest achievement by any italian against Irish opposition since Toto Schillaci put Ireland out of the World Cup all of 19 years ago.
33/1 Roisin O'Grady: Hugely talented runner in her maiden season, this is here biggest test yet but one leading bookmaker has taken a massive four figure sum on O'Grady pulling off what would be a sensational victory.
33/1 Una O'Shea: Rumoured to be hampered by a persistent leg injury this week, the latest reports for the stable companion of Brian Slattery is that O'Shea 'will be running through the pain barrier'. A win for O'Shea would undoubtedly set the bonfires blazing in South Kilkenny on Monday night.
100/1 bar.