Ironman takes swings at marathon golf event
Posted by Chris Wagner / The Post-Standard May 13, 2009 6:41PM
Li-Hua Lan / The Post-StandardDoug Cronin, of Manlius, will attempt a novel biathlon on Monday when he runs a marathon while playing more than 100 holes of golf. Cronin has completed two ironamn competitions and four marathons.

Doug Cronin has completed two ironman triathlons. He’s finished four marathons. And he’s competed in numerous endurance competitions.

But he’s never done anything like what he plans Monday.

On that day he will create a novel biathlon by running a 26.2-mile marathon while playing more than 100 holes of golf at Skaneateles Country Club.

“Yeah, it’s a little wacky, but I’m doing it to raise awareness — and hopefully some money — for the McMahon-Ryan Child-Advocacy Site,” said Cronin, 30, of Manlius.

Although he has completed triathlons that involve swimming 2.4 miles, bicycling 112 miles and running 26.2 miles, he expects this event to offer it’s own particular challenge.

“To be honest, I don’t know how this will turn out,” said Cronin, co-owner of Crown Risk Management. “It looks like the weather is going to be good, so I think I’ll make it through. But it’s going to be a long day.”

To complete his goal of 100 holes would require playing five full rounds plus 10 additional holes. However, to travel the official marathon distance at Skaneateles CC — a course that measures 6,422 yards — he would have to play just over seven rounds, or 127 holes.

“If you want to be official, that’s probably it, but I don’t necessarily hit it that straight,” laughed Cronin, a former scratch golfer in college who now holds a 3-handicap at Onondaga Golf & Country Club. “A little Army golf will add into my yardage. But I’ll keep going for the official marathon distance. I’m trying to get a GPS hooked up to me so I can figure out exactly how far I’ve gone.”

Cronin said he came up with the idea for the running-golf test after playing in the McMahon-Ryan 100 Holes 4 Kids charity tournament the past two years. The event generates revenue to help local child victims of physical and sexual abuse.

“This year, with the economy with the way that it is, it’s been tough on charities trying to raise money,” he said. “I wanted to bring as much awareness to McMahon-Ryan as I could and thought that maybe I could do that by making it just a little bit harder on myself.”

Cronin offered these observations on the event:

What have you done to prepare for the event?

It’s kind of hard to train for it. But I’ve done a lot of things where I’ve run four minutes, walked one minute, run four minutes, walked one minute. In endurance training, you need that walking because you have to change up the muscle groups you’re using.

Does adding a dynamic movement, like swinging a golf club throughout a 12-hour day, add certain stresses to a body used to repetitive motions like running, swimming and biking?

Yes, it does. With the other things, you just put your head down and go. But I figure I’ll be taking 250 to 300 full swings during the day.

You’ve played the 100 Holes 4 Kids twice before — but while riding in a cart. How did you feel after those events?

Dog tired — and I was in good shape. The biggest part that really gets sore is my lower back. That’s what I’m most concerned about on Monday, so I’ve done a lot of core work leading up to this because I need my back and stomach to be strong.

What’s your biggest obstacle?

The weather is the real determinant. If it’s too hot, that’s bad for me. Or, it could get so cold to the point where I couldn’t hold onto the club. Rain wouldn’t be great to try to keep dry and be able to swing. But a little mist and around 60 degrees is A-OK for me. I just need a good Syracuse spring day. (The forecast is for 63 degrees and partly sunny.)

How much have you raised in pledges?

I don’t know, I’ve been on the road a lot lately and haven’t checked. But our goal is to raise about $3,000 per golfer. I’d like to be around that spot.

How can you donate?

Just go to the McMahon-Ryan Web site (www.mcmahonryan.org). All the golfers (22 total) are listed there. Just click on the one you want to donate to. No donation is too small.