Run Kilkee

New Race - The Run Kilkee Half Marathon and 10K

The team that organise the Dingle Marathon and Half Marathon have decided to put their efforts into a new event, the Run Kilkee Half Marathon and 10K. Similar to Dingle, they've selected another spectacular route for this event, Kilkee, the picturesque coastal town in Clare. These guys have won our "Half Marathon of the Year" Award for the last 3 years in a row, so you can be sure they'll know how to put on a great event in Kilkee as well.

The race will take place along the spectacular Loop Head Peninsula in Co Clare on Saturday 14th July 2018. The course consists of a 13.1 mile Half Marathon and a 10km route set along the stunning sea cliff panoramic views of the Loop Head Peninsula. This is a 'must do' event in one of Ireland's must beautiful locations on the Wild Atlantic Way with the course designed for runners and walkers to enjoy its breathtaking scenery and beautiful rugged coastline.

The event opened for registrations on Thursday this week, and by Friday registrations were already into the hundreds. With spaces limited for safety reasons for the first year, this is one to book sooner rather than later.

There will be a finishers medal and t-shirt, the design for these will be released soon. (But have a look at what they provide for Dingle, and you'll get an idea of what they give!)

For more information and registration, check out their website: www.runkilkee.ie

Routes:

Run Clare Series

In 2014 a group of runners in Clare came together to provide a series of quality races in the county, and the "Run Clare" race series was born in 2015. The idea for the series had come on the back of their very successful 10K race in 2013, the "Eamon Moloney 10K". From looking at feedback on these races year over year, and looking at what the organisers are providing for runners, this does seem like a series of races that you should strongly consider travelling for.

What is it:

This is 4 races over 4 months: a 5K, a 5 Mile, a 10K and a 10Mile. But each race is now in a different location around Clare, giving you the opportunity to experience some of the best of the beautiful banner county.

The 5k will be in the lovely village of Barefield, it'll be a great way to start the journey around the country lanes. The 5 mile takes you to the seaside town of Lahinch where the views on your route will be breathtaking. Back to Ennis for the Eamon Moloney 10k, where the urban location is known for its family atmosphere and fast, flat route. Finally, you head to East Clare and Tuamgraney for the 10 mile, you'll have spectacular views over Lough Derg in your last event before collecting your great finisher's gift.

What you get

The organisers each year strive to improve the quality of their medals / souvenirs / gifts. In an age where many runners will travel for a nice medal (a little bit guilty there myself!!), they certainly have some nice pieces for the collection.....check out the picture below:

Registration

I have put in the links for the registration for each race below, however, it's definitely worth considering the €70 option. Last year, around 700 runners completed the full series, but this year the registrations are already up over 800 with another 2 months to go. I expect this series is going to be hugely popular this year (and probably into the future), so don't go kicking yourself for missing out when you see others posting their pictures online!!

FULL SERIES LINK

5K Regisation

5 Mile Registration

10K Registration

10 Mile Registration

Eamon Moloney 10K

26th March

Another finalist of our annual race awards, the Eamon Moloney 10K was short listed as one of the best 10K races in Ireland last year. Based in Ennis, this will be the third year of the race, and there will be a 3K distance on the day.

Route

Starting near the courthouse in Ennis town, the route takes you out onto quite country roads for the vast majority of the race. It is a very flat route with a long very gradual downhill in the last 3k. This course if pretty fast, so if a PB around this time of year on a 10K is your goal, then it's a good place to come.

Registration

Online entry for the 10K is €21.40 (incl. booking fee) however you can enter on the day for €25. Online entry for the 3K is €10.70 (incl. booking fee), and I presume you can enter this on the day as well, likely for €15.

Link to Registration

What you Get

The first 400 runners to register got a t-shirt. They hit this mark in November, so the t-shirts are gone, but at least you can be sure of a good crowd. There are pacers for 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 minutes and there's suppose to be a decent spread afterwards. Main draw for me, as often the case, is the nice medal, here it is:

Official Race Flyer