SUNDAY May the 6th 2012 might be a day when you head to a DIY store to pick up a few things. It might even be the middle of a well deserved long weekend. For some however it will be the culmination of weeks and months of training as the Great Limerick Run comes to our streets once more.
One man who will be taking to the roads one more time is Phonsie Clifford from Garryowen. Phonsie, 82 years young in October, will once more run the Limerick Marathon having already collected titles this year.
Phonsie has won the Dublin City Marathon, over 80 section, twice now as well as winning the Ballycotton 10. The first Limerick man to do so.
Last year, Phonsie ran the Dublin Marathon in an impressive time of 6.40.12. The former meat factory worker only took up running in his 60’s.
“You should starting walking first and then work your way up to a slow jog. It is all about pacing yourself” advises the marathon winner.
Readers of the Limerick Post Newspaper will remember Phonsie’s story from last year and people will be glad to know that Phonsie intends to make the Limerick Marathon a part of his schedule as he plays to return to Dublin looking for a hat trick of titles.
“I’ll be back” says Phonsie when talking about his plans for next season already. Phonsie, the father of well known Limerick athlete, Richie Clifford has also managed to fit in a climb of Croagh Patrick in 2011 also. “I enjoyed that too. The lads we were raising money for were a good fun and it was a great day out” continued the champion runner. Truly mind boggling.
To join Phonsie in the Great Limerick Run, log on to www.greatlimerickrun.com
