Running in Ireland: Half Marathon

Showing posts with label Half Marathon. Show all posts

Sunday, 20 May 2018

Run Killarney Half Marathon & 10K

This is the 9th year of The Gleneagle Run Killarney Half Marathon and 10k. It has grown from 500 participants in 2010 to expected numbers of about 3,000 this year. I visited Killarney on the 11th and 12th of May to run both the 10K and Half Marathon Routes. Apart from the spectacular scenery, there's a lot going on that should tempt a runner down to Killarney on the 28th of July:

10K

I ran the 10K on a beautiful Friday evening when I arrived. The race starts at the Gleneagle hotel and out the Muckross Road via Torc and back through the beautiful park on the same final 5k as the half marathon. The first half of this race is under very nice shaded trees. The road is closed, so make sure to take advantage of the racing line, as there are a lot of bends. The second half in the national park is pretty open. I'd recommend holding any fast finish until after Muckross Abbey. Here's my brief video recorded at the end of the route:

Half Marathon

Early Saturday morning I got up to run the Half Marathon route. You will be bused up to the start line in Molls gap, and the route brings you back down to the Gleneagle hotel. It can be overcast up at the gap, so bring a jacket, you can put it in a checked bag, and it will be brought back on the bus to the finish for you. The clouds burn off pretty early in the race, so although it might be cold, prepare for a potentially hot race (sun cream and water!).

This half is pretty down hill at the start. But don't go out too fast, or you will really suffer in the latter parts of the race. Go out easy and conserve energy. Enjoy the breathtaking views around mile 3 and 4 as the course brings you down hill with un-beatable views of the National Park (the only time of the year when this road is closed to cars).

Here's my description of the route, just after finishing it:

Other points of interest:

It's one of the really enjoyable finish lines. A great 'beer garden' type atmosphere
Usually a great medal
Nice finishers tshirt as well
Great town to visit and go out in afterwards

REGISTRATION LINK

Saturday, 7 April 2018

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:

Friday, 4 August 2017

JJ Reddy Danesfort Run

In this post I will be profiling the JJ Reddy Danesfort Run in Kilkenny. A remarkable event for such a small community, the run gets lots of votes from readers in our Annual Race of the Year Awards.

History

When you learn a bit about the history of how this race came to pass, you start to understand why it is so popular. The emphasis on quality and community that is part of the culture of this event stems from the man whom the race is named after, JJ Reddy.

From what I'm told, JJ was a bit of a legend in the community. He was a lifelong member and treasurer of Danesfort GAA club and worked tirelessly to help build a sports facility for generations to come. His untimely death in September 2011 left a huge void in the lives of the Reddy Family and the community of Danesfort. The first Danesfort 10k run took place in September 2011 just a week after his sudden passing.

All moneys raised from the event goes towards the development of a modern sports facility at Danesfort GAA, a cause so close to JJ's heart. So you can see how this race continues the legacy of JJ, and therefore the local community invest hugely in it. For that reason it has developed a real professional approach and has become highly regarded by runners.

About the Race

Expect 400+ runners for the 10K and 300+ runners for the Half Marathon. With a 5K on also (likely 300+, but could be more), then this event will get a decent turn out of over 1,000 runners. (They had 1,000 last year, and registrations are ahead compared to the same time last year).

More impressive about the race though, is that it also attracts some of the faster runners in the country, a good indication of quality and potential pace in the race. Have a look at the course records:

10K Male: 30:29 Seán Hehir

10K Female: 33:09 Fionnuala McCormack (Britton)

Half Male: 1:13:14 Brian Murphy

Half Female: 1:29:01 Donna Dunne

All finishers (half, 10K, 5K) get one of the really nice medals pictured above (I'm a sucker for a nice medal!). The Half Marathon runners also get the tech t-shirt above, with the 10K/5K guys having the option to buy this if they want.

There will also be chipped timing and pacers.

Course Profile

Half Marathon:

The half marathon course is essentially a large loop that comes back on itself at around 7.5 miles, then you follow a smaller loop. That means that your cover the section of the course from 0.8 miles to 3.7 miles a second time. So the short sharp climb you meet at mile 2, you get to see again at mile 9 (hurray!). Well, at least you'll know what's coming. But other than that, this looks like a pretty ok course, a couple of drags, but nothing to worry you really.

10K:

The 10K course goes along the smaller loop of the half above. So there's an early climb at just after 3K. Other than that it looks pretty fast.

5K:

The 5K is a straight out and back course, no turns, and no major climbs to worry about.

Added Support

If you register for the race, you will be invited to join a private running group called "JJ Reddy Run with the experts" where participants are offered free advice on Race preparation, nutrition and physical fitness and a forum to ask advice for from our three experts: Adele Walsh (Eat, Live, Train), John Kearns (JK Physical Therapy) and Jackie Varley (Optimal Health).

Register

Follow the link below to register online. Prices are now €35 for the half, €20 for the 10K, and €15 for the 5K (if you want it chipped). There'll be NO entries on the day (only for the 5K, non-chipped fun runners).

REGISTER

Thursday, 10 March 2016

Balbriggan Half Marathon & 10K

17th March

Another running event that takes place on St. Patricks Day is the Balbriggan Half Marathon and 10K. This event has been running since 2011. This race is run to support the Balbriggan Cancer Support Group.

Route

This is a challenging route, it's by no means flat, so view it as a pretty good work out. The 10K is a loop, with the half marathon being this loop twice, roughly. Expect around 5/6 climbs per loop, with the equivalent downhills to make up the time.

Here's a video of the loop

Registration

Entry for the half is €37.45 (incl. booking). Entry for the 10K is €26.75 (incl. booking).

Link to Registration

What you get

Here's the medal that you get for this race:

Monday, 22 February 2016

Meath Half Marathon & 10K

13th March

Organised by Bohermeen AC in Meath, this Half Marathon has been on the go for a few years now. The 10K will likely have smaller numbers than the half, which is often not the case, but this half marathon has a reputation, and is a pretty fast course. Expect somewhere around 1,000 runners for the half and around 400 for the 10K.

Route

The half marathon is 2 laps of the course (the 10K being 1 lap). As mentioned before, there is no significant climbs to face, so it is a good option for a fast time. However, one thing to be aware of is that the local roads are unlikely to be closed. There are a couple of points on the course where cars will be prevalent, so don't wear headphones or if you really have to, take them out around busy spots.

Registration

Entry for the Half Marathon is €26.73 (incl booking) before 1st March. After 1st March, this will go up to €32.

Entry for the 10K is €21.38 (incl booking) before 1st March. After 1st March, this will go up to €26.50.

Link to Registration

Further Details:

Race Medal

Tuesday, 16 February 2016

Mullingar Half Marathon

17th March

What else would you be doing on St Patrick's Day.......well in the morning at least! I'm just wondering will Mullingar have a half decent parade so that I can justify bringing the whole family up to watch it, really a thinly veiled excuse for me to run another race!

This is the second year of the Mullingar Half Marathon, with approx. 600 runners taking part last year. Last year this race raised €16,000 for Childline, which is really impressive!

Route

This is a pretty fast route, the only point to be aware of is the climb up to the fly-over just after mile 8. But there's a really nice few miles running along the canal at the end, anf a very nice finish in the town park.

Registration

You can register online for €35 with a €2.45 booking fee, or you can register on the day for €40 before 9:30 am. (Race starts at 10:30 am).

Link to registration here

What you Get

There will be pacers for 1:30, 1:45, 2:00 and 2:15. Since its St Patricks Day, you can't beat a good shamrock medal, another new one for the collection. This one might just draw in some tourist runners, sure you couldn't get a more Irish medal:

T-Shirts: there are t-shirts for everyone who enters online, I'll post the pictures when I see them going up.

Thursday, 4 February 2016

Rock and Road Half Marathon & 10K

Kinvara - 5th March

Returning for it's 6th year this year is the popular Kinvara, Rock and Road Half Marathon and 10K. Located beside the sea, near Galway, the race takes it's name from the scenic, stone walled routes.

This event will typically sell out a couple of weeks in advance, so you should enter by mid February.

You'll be joined by around 900 others in the Half and similar, if not more, in the 10K.

Route

Half Marathon

This is a pretty tough route, but with a nice finish. You have a slow steady incline for around the first 5 miles, then a bit of respite down to mile 6, before a serious climb peaking around mile 7.5. Relatively straight forward after that. However, one element you should factor in is the wind coming in from the Atlantic, makes it that bit more.......challenging!

10K

Relatively speaking the 10K is not as tough (I don't just mean it's half the distance obviously!). It's a fast start downhill, first challenge at 2K shouldn't be too bad as your legs will be fresh, and it should check the pace of those who went out too fast. The real challenge will come between 6K and 7K, but there is a pretty fast finish. Again, be wary of the Atlantic winds, shelter in groups where possible....but don't huddle!

Registration

The cost is €42.28 for the Half (including booking fee). The cost for the 10K is €26.42 (including booking fee).

Click Here for their Registration Page

What you Get

The race is pretty much run on all closed roads. There will be pacers for 40 / 50 / 60 minutes for the 10K and 1:30 / 1:40 / 1:50 / 2:00 for the Half.

I'm usually a major fan of medals over t-shirts, this race gives you both. Both are actually pretty nice, but for once, I think my preference is the t-shirt (long sleeve).

Tuesday, 2 February 2016

Run Mount Juliet

13th February

The Run Mount Juliet is back for its fourth year in Kilkenny on 13th February. This event offers a Half Marathon, 10K and a 2K Fun Run.

Last year there was approximately 200 Half Marathon finishers and 400 10K finishers.

Route

This is a pretty tough course, but also very scenic. Set in and around the grounds of the beautiful Mount Juliet, the Half Marathon course is two laps of the 10K course. The 10K course is pretty hilly, so double that for the half and you have yourself a real test!

A lot of people look for "a flat and fast" course, however you need the tough ones to improve, and this is one of those.

Entry

It seems that the organisers have taken feedback on the registration prices over recent years and brought the prices down. Entry for the Half Marathon is now €35; the 10K is €25; and the Fun Run is €10. You receive a technical t-shirt with your entry (although I'd imagine not for the Fun Run).

REGISTRATION CLOSES THURSDAY 4TH

REGISTER HERE!

32 Counties Challenge

For anyone who has signed up for (or thinking of signing up for) the 32 county challenge, Run Mount Juliet is a 10 point event on their scoreboard:

Thursday, 19 November 2015

Clonakilty Marathon Preview

Run Clon takes place on 5th December in Clonakilty and incorporates full marathon, half marathon and 10K races. This is the 6th running of the event, that started with just the marathon, but has expanded since. In 2010 the marathon had approx. 200 finishers, last year the marathon had over 400, the half marathon had over 700 and the 10k had nearly 800 finishers. With nearly 2,000 runners hitting Clonakilty, this will be one of the last big running events of 2015.

Route

There are three new routes this year for all the events. In the past, I was put off the event by the fact that the routes were loops of the same course (just something that I personally don't like). They have changed that now, so it will be interesting to see what the new routes will be like.

You are guaranteed spectacular views, as the routes cover some amazing views out over the Atlantic. However, you also need to expect to be tested over some hills and there'll likely be a strong wind from the coast in places (so hide behind some tall people!).

Registration

Marathon - €60
Half Marathon - €50
10K - €30

The Marathon seems to be good value for money at €60. The Half and 10K may be on the high side, however, unlike a lot of 10k races (and some half's) you get a pretty nice finisher medal and technical top. Registration here.

Race Info

Race start is at the Quality Hotel in Clonakilty and is planned for 9am.

When you arrive in Clonakilty town, take the Bypass Road towards the Quality Hotel, on the N71, parking will be at the showgrounds (beside the hotel).

Race packs and finishing t-shirts can be collected upstairs at the Carbery suite in the Quality Hotel on Thurs 3rd 6-9pm; Fri 4th 10am - 9pm; Race Day 6am - 7:30am.

Weather is usually around 8 - 10 degrees, so bring warm gear!

Other

The atmosphere at this race is always enjoyable, everyone in good spirits. There's also some nice perks that are worth mentioning:

You get Clonakilty Pudding - if you don't know what this is, you should enter just to find out!
Showers available in the Quality hotel
Post Race massage
Photo Wall - available after the race for you to get a proper high quality pic that you can then download for free afterwards

Monday, 9 November 2015

Clontarf Half Marathon & 5Mile

On Saturday 21st of November the 2nd 'winter' running of the Clontarf Half Marathon and 5 mile will take place. I say "winter" because the Clontarf half marathon has been run in July for a number of years now.

Last year was the first year that the organisers added an additional running of the event in November. The November event is cheaper (as they remove the race t-shirt) and also timed relatively soon after the Dublin marathon. The idea being that you will have all the training done, have enough time to recover, and therefore have a good chance of doing a PB.

One of the main selling points of Clontarf is the flat course. An out-and-back course along the Clontarf promenade and Bull Island, including a stretch along the strand, means that this genuinely does not have a hint of a climb......it is dead flat.

I ran this race previously in July a couple of years back. The event is very well attended and organised. They put on plenty of 'nice things' at the finish line (for winter I belive it's soup). My only gripe with the race when I ran it was a poor, generic medal, however they seem to have fixed that:

Don't worry about the sand, it is hard packed, so it won't slow you down.

Registration

The race is likely to sell out soon. There were around 1,300 who completed the half last year in November, expect numbers to be higher this time. (Organisers are guiding circa. 3k across all events on the day).

You have the option to register on Active or Fit Magazine, but Active appears to be cheaper here

Sunday, 8 November 2015

Preview of the Listowel Half Marathon & 10K

Next Saturday, 14th November, the Kerry Crusaders will host their inaugural half marathon and 10k in Listowel, Co. Kerry. The Crusaders are a sister club to the Clare Crusaders, and their objective is to raise money for disadvantaged children. So the funds of this event will go to kids with special needs.

Registration

Online registration is available on the Run the Kingdom website: click here

Paper registration is available from the Listowel Community Centre.

Cost is €40 for the half marathon and €25 for the 10k.

The race will sell out, so it's unlikely that registrations will be taken on the day.

Course

The half course is flat for the first 5 miles, before you start a small but steady climb. This becomes much steeper after 6 miles, however once you get past 7 miles, it's pretty straightforward (with a nice downhill). Here's the Garmin link to the route.

The 10k is similar, climb in the middle, decsending to the finish, link here.

Entrants

All runners will receive a finisher t-shirt and medal. Here's a picture of the nice medals:

Race Times

The Half Marathon starts at 10. The 10k starts at 10:15.
Number collections will be available Friday and Saturday morning.

Finally, here's the link to the crusaders site and the race flyer: