Swords local is rocking her way to Vegas

A NORTHSIDE woman is celebrating after winning a prize that will include a trip to Las Vegas later this year. 

Suzanne Alcock-Thompson, from Swords, was announced as the first Rock ‘n’ Run Idol by the organisers of the Affidea Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin Half Marathon. 

The inspirational mum-of-two fought off competition from five other finalists in a public vote to become Ireland’s first Rock ‘n’ Run Idol. 

Suzanne, who is currently training to take part in the Affidea Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin Half Marathon in August, will be rewarded with a trip to Las Vegas to take part in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon and Half Marathon.

Suzanne started running in 2012. However, she felt so embarrassed of her ability that she would only run when it was dark at night and wear her husband’s woolly golf hat so no one would notice her. 

To gain confidence and reach her goal of completing a 5k, Suzanne decided to start a group called Sloggers to Joggers. Having started with five ladies the group now boasts 250 active running members.

After taking part in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series in Dublin and Liverpool over the last few years, Suzanne wanted a new goal to achieve and decided to enter the Rock ‘n’ Run Idol competition. An expert panel of judges could not ignore the incredible achievements of the Sloggers to Joggers founder and announced her as a finalist in March.

Over the past few months an astonishing 15,642 votes were made by the public for their favourite idol on runrocknroll.com/dublin/rock-idol/. 

As part of her prize, Suzanne will receive a once in a lifetime trip to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & ½ Marathon in November, the world’s largest night-time running event which takes place on the Las Vegas Strip at night.

All six finalists represented a broad array of the running community with their personal stories of perseverance, motivation and inspiration.

Each finalist will receive two complimentary entries into this year’s Affidea Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin Half Marathon which has expanded into an action-packed festival of running with an all-new 10k and Saturday 5k race added. 

The popular race will start in Dublin’s Docklands and finish in the Phoenix Park on a new date of August 7.

Suzanne said: “I am so overwhelmed to be announced as the first Rock ‘n’ Run Idol. 

“I would like to extend a massive thanks to all my family, friends and everyone else who voted for. Join me on August 7 to take part in the Affidea Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin Half Marathon.”

The contest was judged by sports personality Anna Geary, editor of Irish Runner Frank Greally, running coach Ash Senyk and two time Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin champion Lizzie Lee, who is currently training for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Stacey Campbell of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series said: “We are so thrilled to announce Suzanne as Ireland’s first Rock ‘n’ Run Idol. 

“All our finalists have been incredible to work with and should be so proud of their achievements. “They are all winners in our eyes and we can’t wait to welcome them and thousands more to the Affidea Rock ‘n’ Roll Dublin Half Marathon in August.”