Michele Cooke, 2026

Run to the Pub and I have a good history spanning almost a decade - including while pregnant with two of my three kids. It is one of my favorite races of the year and is always a great start to the race season.

In 2025, while laughing with my friends about how incredibly long the half marathon drawing was taking, I was beyond surprised to hear my number called. Racing in 2025 wasn’t possible for me - I needed a little more planning time for those kids. I tried to get into the Spring Dublin half but wasn’t chosen in the lottery. Lucky me, Run to the Pub was willing to let me enter the Connemara International Half Marathon in/near Ireland’s beautiful Connemara National Park. The race had some decent hills, including a big climb towards the end. The scenery was breathtaking, and the race had fun/positive Run to the Pub energy (they also run in all variations of weather - this year thankfully it was perfect).

Before the race, we spent some time in Dublin exploring the city, including the Guinness Brewery, Irish Whiskey Museum (highly recommend), Trinity College, and all the delicious food. After the race, we spent some time on the Wild Atlantic Way, driving through the sheep-filled green hills of Ireland, hiking around loughs and cliffs, and visiting castles (including staying at one).

I can’t thank Run to the Pub enough for this opportunity! I will continue to keep running the Run to the Pub every year I can - it’s become a yearly trip for me and my friends (hopefully one of them is picked next year)!