A runaway success

NO matter where you live in Ireland, you are now liable to see large groups of people dressed in high-visibility gear forming a fast-moving, bobbing peloton; red-faced and sweating their way along our suburban byways, packing into cycle lanes and country roads.

Many swear by running, saying it’s great for the health, as they push their (sometimes middle-aged) bodies to new limits of endurance, entering marathons and 10k races here and there.

I’m not sure just what it is that’s compelling so many people to run. Is it just a new fad that will burn itself out? Are all these people running away from something or are they all running towards a bright new future for Ireland?