To Race or Not to Race? The Half Marathon Dilemma Before Dublin
By Eoin Flynn, Running Coach Ireland
www.runningcoach.ie | @running_coach_ireland
Eoin, just back from an intense and inspiring week working at UTMB amidst the world’s best trail runners and the electric atmosphere of Chamonix, now turns his attention back home, switching focus to the road ahead and the final crucial stages of preparation for the Dublin Marathon build-up, where every decision in training and racing will count toward that finish line time.
With the Irish Life Dublin Marathon fast approaching on October 26th, many athletes are lining up for tune-up races like the Ratoath AC Half Marathon this Saturday or the Irish Life Dublin Half Marathon on Sunday week, September 21st. These are fantastic events, perfectly placed in the calendar in the lead up to Dublin to help boost confidence, test logistics, sharpen focus and also to enjoy a nice day out running after some hard weeks of training put in. However, I´m of the opinion that they also come with a trap that too many marathoners fall into: racing a half marathon all-out at PB pace, in the final 5-7 weeks before their big marathon day. To race or not to race. Let´s discuss.
Why it’s risky
A half marathon raced at PB effort demands recovery time. Even the most experienced and resilient runners often need 10–14 days before they can resume full marathon training. That’s precious time lost in the final and most marathon-specific phase of your preparation.
For less experienced athletes, the cost can be higher:
- Lingering fatigue that dulls key long runs.
- Minor niggles turning into injuries.
- A dip in confidence if the race doesn’t go to plan.
As Arthur Newton famously put it: “It is always the distance, never the speed, that has to be acquired.”. In the marathon build-up, stamina and good health is king. The cost of chasing speed and PB runs too close to race day are highlighted in the 3 bullet points above and this can lead to inconsistency and worse and stop in training - the one thing you cannot afford in this phase.
The better way to use a half marathon
Instead of treating Ratoath or Dublin Half as a PB attempt, use them as marathon dress rehearsals. Run them at your planned marathon race pace—the pace you want to sustain for 42.2 km on October 26th.
This approach brings huge benefits without derailing training:
- Nutrition practice: perfect your gels, fluids, and timing.
- Gear check: shoes, kit, and socks you plan to wear in Dublin.
- Nerve management: get used to the race-day buzz without overreaching.
- Confidence: lock in the rhythm of marathon pace over a controlled 21 km.
- Quick recovery: finish strong, jog a cooldown, and be ready for a normal training weekend the following week.
You’ll step away from the half not broken, but sharpened—carrying lessons forward rather than fatigue.
Who can race a half?
Yes, very seasoned athletes with a deep aerobic base, years of high-volume training, and a proven ability to recover quickly might handle a half marathon PB effort and still get back on track. But even then, it’s a gamble. As Renato Canova notes, even elites tread carefully with tune-up races—their specificity phase is too valuable to risk.
For the vast majority, restraint is wisdom. Save your best for Dublin and make the effort to peak like you are running your very own Olympic Games final on October 26th.
Final word
When you toe the line at Ratoath or the Dublin Half this month, remember: the goal is not to prove fitness - it’s to protect it. Run steady, practice like a pro, and keep your eyes on the real prize: the Dublin Marathon on October 26th.
Train, don’t strain. Race the Half smart and save “going to the well” for when it matters most. Arrive healthy and strong to that start line on Leeson Street Lower.