Tipperary runners light up the streets of London in 'The Big Half'

The sun was shining and the streets were closed off as over 20,000 enthusiastic runners from all over the world pounded the streets of London in a race they called "The Big Half".

For the 28 J&N Group of runners from Clonmel, it marked the first outing in a major race event outside Ireland.

While the group had some experienced distance runners who were experienced at big event preparations, there were many in the group running their first ever Half Marathon and experiencing the wonderful atmosphere of a mass participation race event.

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Not even the London Underground transport strike could dampen the spirits of the group, as they gathered early on Sunday morning of September 7 for a 7am coach ride to the start line at Tower Bridge.

It was a very relaxed atmosphere at the start when Clonmel’s largest adult running group arrived. The gathering of the J&N Fluorescent green and black colours were prominent at the start and the baggage area.

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Everyone soaked up the wonderful buzz in the air, which was further amplified by the stunning morning sunshine and the enthusiasm of the announcer as he welcomed the participants in a way that made you feel like he was talking specifically to each individual runner.

Head coaches John Laste and Niall O’Sullivan thanked and congratulated everyone who made the trip such a tremendous success.

It certainly was a memorable event, with everyone getting to experience the atmosphere generated around the historic streets and iconic sights of London. It will certainly encourage J&N as an ever-expanding group to consider another such event in the future.