AMERICAN husband and wife running coaches Patrick and Melissa Savage are all set for their visit to the Mid-West region this May for the Barrington’s Hospital Great Limerick Run.
Patrick has been involved with the Chicago Marathon, one of the top five marathon events in the world, since its inception as a head coach and referee. While, his wife Melissa is a personal trainer and coach offering multi-sport and triathlon programs.
Patrick told the Limerick Post this week that the pair were excited about their visit to Ireland for the Great Limerick Run and has even convinced some Irish relatives, renowned in their own sporting fields, to take part in the event.
“We always look forward to our trips home to Ireland but we are especially looking forward to this trip as I know I have recruited 12 to 20 cousins and friends to run,” Patrick enthused.
Patrick’s grandmother Katherine Mary nee Loughnane was born in Feakle and the running coach is organising a big family reunion to coincide with his Limerick visit.
“I have a number of Loughnane cousins that live in and around Limerick. Olive Loughnane, four time Irish Olympian, will be at the reunion and, although I have not seen him in years, there is hope that my second cousin, Ger Loughnane, will be there,” he revealed.
Savage has an extensive coaching background in the Chicagoland area and also remains active in the Illinois running community. He served as the head race referee for the 2006 and 2007 Chicago Marathon, and head men’s referee in 2008.
Asked if he had any tips for runners taking part in the Great Limerick Run on May 4, he commented, “They need to do the training for whichever race they choose to run. Running hills in practice is very good preparation for any race as is getting in the long runs. Another important factor is dressing for the weather and taking liquids during the race.”
For more details log onto www.greatlimerickrun.com.
