Carton House 6K Trail Race

The 3rd Annual Carton House 6k Trail Race & Fun Run, Thursday 26th July 2018.

The 3rd annual Carton House 6k Trail Race & Fun Run, in partnership with Athletics Ireland, takes place on Thursday 26th July 2018 at 8pm. This mid-week, summers evening race hosted in beautiful surroundings providing a stunning course where runners ramble through the prestigious Carton House Estate situated in Maynooth Co. Kildare in very close proximity to Meath & Dublin and also very accessible via M50, M4, etc. 

The race attracted a large entry in 2017 with 540 finishers on the night representing numerous clubs from all over Leinster and further afield.

Start of 2017 race

Features include…

• Medals for all finishers.
• AAI Permit Event – Chipped Timing
• Post Race Refreshments
• Prizes: for Mens, Ladies, Age Categories and Club Teams
• Race HQ: Grasshopper Inn, Clonee Village
• Please contact Dunboyne AC or Keith Eglington (086 814 4012) with any enquiries
• Participants must be 16 years of age or over.

To Enter...

• Online entry is now open.  €15 (+€1.05 transaction fee) https://register.primoevents.com/ps/event/DUNBOYNEAC2018
• Entry on the night: €18
• Any profits from the event will go to Dunboyne Athletic Club (Track Development Fund).

Clonee 10K Race Preview

The 4th annual Clonee 10k Road Race & Fun Run, in partnership with Athletics Ireland, takes place on Thursday 28th June 2018 at 8pm. 

The mid-week, midsummer, evening time, race attracted an entry of almost 700 in 2017.  The flat course offers great potential for athletes to target a fast time and also gives first time participants a great friendly introduction to the 10k distance.  The emphasis is on a fun evening in a friendly and safe environment.

The 2017 race proved a great success with many comments from competitors on how well it was run and the quality of the organisation shining through (down to ensuring a scheduled fresh pizza delivery for the participants from the back of the pack).

Features include…

• Medals for all finishers.
• AAI Permit Event – Chipped Timing
• Post Race Refreshments. (Pizza)
• Prizes: for Mens, Ladies, Age Categories and Club Teams.
• Race HQ: Grasshopper Inn, Clonee Village.
• Please contact Dunboyne AC or Keith Eglington (086 814 4012) with any enquiries.
• Participants must be 16 years of age or over.

To Enter...

• Online entry is now open.  €15 (+€1.05 transaction fee) https://register.primoevents.com/ps/event/DUNBOYNEAC2018
• Entry on the night: €18
• Any profits from the event will go to Dunboyne Athletic Club (Track Development Fund).

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

Day of Irish PB's

An exciting and interesting new event has just been announced by Pop Up Races, the "Day of Irish PB's". This event is aimed at runners of any level who want to break their 5K PB (personal best). It will be held on Saturday 14th July on the Le Cheile AC track in Leixlip, Co. Kildare.

How it works

Encompassing 12 and half laps of the track, each 5,000m race will provide the competitor with the ideal conditions to secure that elusive PB. Each race will be paced by experienced athletes, including Olympians and elite level Irish runners, with the mission of bringing the competitor to their target time. The aim is to provide a family friendly and exciting race day experience that will be one to live long in the memory.

Beginning at 2pm, the first paced race (30 minutes) will start proceeding. The day will build with a crescendo, deploying an all-action packed timetable of graded races.

The Attraction

I'm sure most of you that, like me, are keen on any opportunity to hit a PB, but if it's not immediately obvious how this event can get you there, let me give you a couple of main attractions:

• International Standard Track - this is built for speed, and obviously no hills to worry about!!
• Paced Groups - If you've ever trained on the track, you'll know that running with the group is easier than on your own if you are chasing a time. Added to this is the benefit of the experienced pacers for each group, and this is a unique opportunity
• Track Setting / Atmosphere - with most races the crowd usually gathers around the finish line. This event gives your family / friends the unique opportunity to support you all the way around (12 and a half times). This will also surely encourage better performances. 
• Camaraderie - With numerous paced groups, there will be lots of other runners watching events either before or after their run. Again adding to the support.

From the Organisers

Anthony Flannery, Race Director said: 'As a keen runner, I wanted to create the ideal conditions for athletes of all standards to compete and thrive. We at Pop Up Races are devoted to the athletics' community, constantly seeking to help each and every athlete achieve their goals. It is my long-held belief to make track and road running accessible to all, within a friendly and exciting race day environment. This truly is an event organised by runners, for runners.'

This is yet another step from Pop Up Races towards improving running in Ireland. At the end of last year, the launched the Kia Race Series, which injected money and an exciting format to a Nationwide series of races. With this new event, they are further adding to the diversity of races available to the Irish runner, helping improve times across the country.

Registration and Group Times:

Follow this link to register, and to see the different pace groups.

Weekend Races 27th - 29th April 2018

Races This Weekend - 21 races so far, see below! Where are you Running?

                                                                                                                               

Here's the list of running races on by county this coming weekend. If there are any that I've missed, just chat a message below and I'll update.

Connaught

• Roscommon: Friday 27th - Roscommon Harriers AC series - 5K
• Galway: Saturday 28th - Connemara Adventure Challenge
• Galway: Sunday 29th - Fr Micheal Mannion Annual Road Race - 5K / 10K

Leinster

• Dublin: Sunday 29th - Rith Cois Life - 5K
• Wexford: Sunday 29th - Pettitt’s SuperValu Wexford Half Marathon - 10K / Half Marathon
• Meath: Sunday 29th - Duleek Cystic Fibrosis Remembrance Run - 10K
• Wicklow: Sunday 29th - Rith na Lochanna - 5K
• Kildare: Sunday 29th - Sallins National School Community Fun Run - 5K

Munster

• Limerick: Friday 27th - Michal Rejmer Memorial - 5Mile
• Waterford: Saturday 28th - West Waterford AC Series, Waterford to Tramore - 7.5Mile
• Clare: Saturday 28th - Clare Island Adventure Race
• Cork: Sunday 29th - Ballymore Cobh AC, Sonia O'Sullivan 10 mile - 10Mile
• Kerry: Sunday 29th - Tarbert Run - 5K / 10K / 10Mile

Ulster

• Down: Friday 27th - Scrabo Striders, Run the Runways - 5K / 10K
• Cavan: Saturday 28th - Run with Catherina - 5K / 10K
• Derry: Saturday 28th - Rampage, Adventure Race
• Tyrone: Saturday 28th - St Ciarans run - 5K / 10K
• Armagh: Saturday 28th - Almac fun run - 5K / 10K
• Antrim: Saturday 28th - PAT 2018 Run - 10K
• Tyrone: Sunday 29th - Killeeshil Road Race - 5K / 10K
• Down: Sunday 29th - Seapatrick run - 5K / 10K

Weekend Races 20th - 22nd April 2018

Races This Weekend - 20 races so far, see below! Where are you Running?

                                                                                                                               

Here's the list of running races on by county this coming weekend. If there are any that I've missed, just chat a message below and I'll update.

Connaught

• Roscommon: Friday 20th - Roscommon Harriers AC series - 5K
• Galway: Saturday 21st - Hurt Locker Duathlon
• Mayo: Sunday 22nd - Run for Boylo - 5K / 10K
• Roscommon: Sunday 22nd - Athlone Run - 5K / 10K

Leinster

• Longford: Saturday 21st - Royal Canal Run - 10K / Half Marathon / Marathon / Ultra
• Kildare: Saturday 21st - Clane GAA Run - 5K / 10K
• Wicklow: Saturday 21st - Roundwood Reservoir Run - 10K
• Wexford: Sunday 22nd - 5 for the Dive - 5Mile (postponed)
• Dublin: Sunday 22nd - Sumo Run - 5K
• Kildare: Sunday 22nd - Newbridge Educate Together fun run - 5K

Munster

• Limerick: Friday 20th - Michal Rejmer Memorial - 5Mile
• Cork: Sunday 22nd - The Great Railway Run - 10K / 25K
• Kerry: Sunday 22nd - Kingdom Come Run - 5K / 10Mile
• Tipperary: Sunday 22nd - MMRA League, Silvermines - 7.4K (trail)
• Waterford: Sunday 22nd - Angela Burns 10K, Ferrybank - 10K

Ulster

• Tyrone: Saturday 21st - The Cormac Run - 5K / 10K
• Tyrone: Saturday 21st - Gortin Run - 5K / 10K
• Down: Saturday 21st - Ballynahinch Lions - 10K
• Armagh: Sunday 22nd - Run Armagh - 10K
• Derry: Sunday 22nd - Run DC - 10K

Weekend Races 13th - 15th April 2018

Races This Weekend - 27 races so far, see below! Where are you Running?

                                                                                                                               

Here's the list of running races on by county this coming weekend. If there are any that I've missed, just chat a message below and I'll update.

Connaught

• Roscommon: Friday 13th - Roscommon Harriers AC, 5k Series - 5K
• Mayo: Saturday 14th - Up and Over Challenge - 14.5K (hill running)
• Galway: Saturday 14th - The Delphi Tri Event
• Galway: Sunday 15th - St. Olivers Family Fun Run - 5K
• Galway: Sunday 15th - New Inn Run - 5K
• Sligo: Sunday 15th - Easkey Castle Run - 5K / 10K / 10Mile

Leinster

• Wicklow: Saturday 14th - Festival of Running - 5Mile / 10Mile / 15Mile/ 20Mile / Marathon
• Dublin: Sunday 15th - The Great Ireland Run - 5K / 10K
• Kilkenny: Sunday 15th - The School Run - 5K / 10K
• Meath: Sunday 15th - Lismullen races - 3K / 10K
• Kildare: Sunday 15th - Kildare 5K

Munster

• Limerick: Friday 13th - Michal Rejmer Memorial - 5Mile
• Waterford: Friday 13th - Butlerstown - 4Mile
• Cork: Saturday 14th - Cork BHAA, Gas Networks - 5Mile
• Tipperary: Sunday 15th - Killea Road Run - 5K /10Mile
• Clare: Sunday 15th - Run Clare, Tuamgraney 10 - 10Mile
• Kerry: Sunday 15th - Cromane family fun run - 1K / 5K / 10K
• Cork: Sunday 15th - Rathpeacon NS run - 4Mile
• Cork: Sunday 15th - MMRA, Trail Race, Curragh Woods - 7K (trail)
• Cork: Sunday 15th - Karen Fenton Memorial - 5K
• Cork: Sunday 15th - Firmount NS fun run - 6K

Ulster

• Antrim: Saturday 14th - Glenarm Castle Challenge - 5K / 10K / Half Marathon
• Antrim: Saturday 14th - Run round the Castle, Randalstown - 5K /10K
• Tyrone: Sunday 15th - Creggan Road Race - 5K / 10K
• Derry: Sunday 15th - Garvagh Trail Run - 21K (trail)
• Armagh: Sunday 15th - Portadown - 5K / 10K
• Antrim: Sunday 15th - Centra Run Together Pairs Event Queens

ASICS Gel Nimbus 20

Product Review - Asics Gel Nimbus 20 - 28th March 2018

When taking advice about any runner or reading review like this, you should always consider the perspective that the writer is coming from when doing a review. Mainly for runners, you need to know what runner the writer regularly runs in, this will give you an idea of when he/she says "soft", "spacious" etc, how that compares with your definition of the same.

For me, although I have around 5 different runners, at present, my 'go-to' runner for the past few years has been the Asics Cumulus. I will include this in comparisons below, along with other runners.

About the Nimbus

The Nimbus has always been Asics soft runner and probably the choice runner for marathon runners around the world. In the last version, the Nimbus 19, Asics introduced their Flytefoam technology to the Nimbus and made it a much firmer runner. So if you have been running in the Nimbus for years and have yet to make the move to a pair of 19's or 20's, you might need to prepare yourself for a change. It's not the soft cushion it once was.

Narrow vs Wide

I'm told also told that the latest Nimbus is much narrower than previous versions. This is one of those situations where perspective is important. To me the Nimbus 20 feels like a wide base runner, this would be compared to the Cumulus and especially the GT-2000. I've actually put them all 'sole-to-sole' and it's especially true in the forefoot.

So if you are used to Nimbus, it's narrower, if you are used to other runners, it's probably wider. But what does that mean? Well the positive is more stability on the longer runs. The negative, but maybe this is in my head, is that the others would be better for speed.

Airy vs Porous

The engineered mesh is a very open, designed to be more breathable and flexible. And it certainly delivers on this. So if you are a runner who suffers from heat in your feet, and there are many, this is a brilliant update.
A word of caution though, it's not just the air that gets through, I took them out in the rain one day and my feet were soaked!

My Nimbus 20's in the cold weather in Cork, then in the very hot temperatures in Florida, the famous 10 mile clay loop. The airy structure was good here. See Instagram for more.

What I liked

These are a great runner to take out on longer runs. Although they may not be as soft as previous versions, they had plenty of softness for me. And they have a good solid structure, so still an ideal runner for marathoners. 

What I didn't like

I won't be using them for short races, but to be fair I don't think that's where Asics are positioning them. There are far better runners in the Asics line that are built for speed. 

I also wasn't mad about the wet weather performance, as I'm ok with the standard level of ventilation of other runners.

Final Verdict

There's not a huge difference between Nimbus and Cumulus, but you can expect to see these Nimbus 20 on my for the Dublin Marathon this year!

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:

West Waterford AC Summer Race Series

Below is details of the annual Intersport Elverys / Asics Summer Road Race Series. This is a great series, organised by West Waterford AC, for anyone in the South East, and has been running for 24 years. But with 12 races on the list, and the most of these being Friday or Saturday, if you are taking a weekend break in the South East during the summer, it's worth making it down in time for some competitive action!

Race Entry

Online entry for each race is €7, or on the night entry is €10. Or you can enter the entire series of 12 races for €40, which is great value. Here's the link to register for the full series.

There is also a "rewards scheme" in place, any runner that completes 7 of the 12 races in the series will qualify for an Intersport Elverys/Asics voucher to the value of €30 (redeemable at the Intersport Elverys Sports store in Dungarvan for Asics product).

Weekend Races 6th - 8th April 2018

Races This Weekend - 24 races so far, see below! Where are you Running?

                                                                                                                               

Here's the list of running races on by county this coming weekend. If there are any that I've missed, just chat a message below and I'll update.

Connaught

• Roscommon: Friday 6th - Roscommon Harriers AC race series - 5K
• Sligo: Saturday 7th - Chartered Accountants Run - 5K
• Mayo: Saturday 7th - Clare Island Run - 10K
• Roscommon: Sunday 8th - Marie Corcoran Memorial - 6K
• Mayo: Sunday 8th - Liquid Motion Duathlon
• Galway: Sunday 8th - Ballinderry Run - 5K
• Galway: Sunday 8th - Rembering Aoibhe Renville Challenge - 2.5K / 5K / Duathlon
• Mayo: Sunday 8th - Belcarra 8K

Leinster

• Dublin: Saturday 7th - BHAA, DCC Raheny - 10K
• Dublin: Saturday 7th - Rás UCD - 5K
• Wicklow: Saturday 7th - Jack Whites Run - 5K / 10K
• Kildare: Saturday 7th - Donadea Castle Run - 2.5K / 5K / 10K
• Carlow: Sunday 8th - Run With The Lions - 2K / 5K / 10K
• Dublin: Sunday 8th - The Grocers Fun Run - 5K / 10K
• Kildare: Sunday 8th - Newbridge Hockey Club Run - 5K / 10K
• Offaly: Sunday 8th - Edenderry AC Race Series - 5K

Munster

• Waterford: Friday 6th - Ballinroad - 5K
• Limerick: Friday 6th - Michal Rejmer Memorial - 5Mile
• Cork: Sunday 8th - Cork BHAA UCC - 10K
• Cork: Sunday 8th - Duhallow AC road race - 10Mile
• Tipperary: Sunday 8th - MMRA, Slievenamon - 10K Trail Race
• Clare: Sunday 8th - Sonny Murphy Memorial - 10Mile

Ulster

• Tyrone: Saturday 7th - Spar Omagh Half Marathon - 5K / Half Marathon
• Antrim: Sunday 8th - TQ10K - 10K

Weekend Races 30th March - 2nd April 2018

Races This Weekend - 36 races so far, see below! Where are you Running?

                                                                                                                               

Here's the list of running races on by county this coming weekend. If there are any that I've missed, just chat a message below and I'll update.

Connaught

• Leitrim: Friday 30th - Noel McManus Memorial Run - 5K / 10K (and 40K cycle now if interested)
• Roscommon: Friday 30th - Kilronan Mountain Challenge - 10K
• Sligo: Friday 30th - Grange 5K
• Roscommon: Saturday 31st - The Ros Run - 10K / Half Marathon / Marathon
• Galway: Saturday 31st - Colemanstown 10 - 10K
• Galway: Saturday 31st - Cleasathon, (Inis Oírr) - 7K / 13K / 10Mile
• Galway: Saturday 31st - Cornamona 8K
• Sligo: Monday 2nd - Carney Lissadell Road Race - 10K
• Mayo: Monday 2nd - Ballyglass Fun Run - 5Mile / 8K

Leinster

• Dublin: Friday 30th - The Good Run, St Anne's Park - 5K
• Carlow: Saturday 31st - The Fighting Cocks GFC Run - 5K / 10K
• Wicklow: Saturday 31st - Bray Cliff Run - 10K
• Longford: Saturday 31st - Granard Fun Run - 5K
• Kilkenny: Sunday 1st - Easter Bunny Run - 5K / 10K / 10Mile
• Kildare: Sunday 1st - Spartans Way - 100K
• Meath: Fr Murphy AC Road Race - 10K
• Wexford: Monday 2nd - Rosslare 10K
• Longford: Monday 2nd - Longford AC Annual Run - 5K / 10K
• Kildare: Monday 2nd - Jog For a Dog - 5K
• Dublin: Monday 2nd - Raheny AC, Battle of Clontarf - 10Mile

Munster

• Tipperary: Friday 30th - Loughmore School road race - 5K
• Clare: Saturday 31st - Eamon Moloney 10K
• Kerry: Saturday 31st - Kenmare Bridge Run - 5K / 10K
• Kerry: Saturday 31st - Run Ballybunion - 10K / Half Marathon
• Waterford: Saturday 31st - Tallow 5K
• Waterford: Sunday 1st - Bunny Fun Run - 5K / 5Mile
• Waterford: Monday 2nd - Aglish Run - 5K / 10K
• Cork: Monday 2nd - Boherbue to Kiskeam road race - 4Mile

Ulster

• Antrim: Friday 30th - Belfast to Dublin
• Antrim: Saturday 31st - Solas 5K
• Cavan: Saturday 31st - Easter Bunny Hop - 5K / 10K
• Tyrone: Saturday 31st - Beragh Road Race - 5K / 5Mile
• Down: Sunday 1st - Ballygalget Community Road Race - 5K / 10K
• Tyrone: Sunday 1st - Clogher Valley 5K
• Donegal: Letterkenny AC - 3K / 5K 
• Antrim: Monday 2nd - Whitehead Easter Monday Race

Sport Ireland 2018 grants for Athletes

The number of elite athletes receiving the maximum funding from Sport Ireland has reduced. Just 12 of Ireland’s sporting elite have received the maximum ‘podium’ amount of funding for 2018, compared to 16 last year. Irish Athletics drop further down the list, while Paralympians now top the list.

€1.85 million was announced today under the Sport Ireland International Carding Scheme: a total of €1.9 million has been budgeted for the year with the rest to be allocated by the end of the year.

Thomas Barr, the only Athletics Ireland athlete to receive the maximum funding.

Funding by Governing Body:

Paralympics Ireland : €352,000.00

Cycling  Ireland : €250,000.00

Rowing Ireland : €212,000.00 

Athletics Ireland : €184,000.00

Irish Athletic Boxing Association : €172,000.00

Swim Ireland : €152,000.00 

Irish Sailing Association : €116,000.00

Canoeing Ireland : €64,000.00

Pentathlon Ireland : €64,000.00

Hockey Ireland : €45,000.00

Irish Clay Target Shooting Association : €32,000.00 

Gymnastics Ireland : €25,000.00

Irish Judo Association : €24,000.00 

Table Tennis (Para) : €20,000.00

Triathlon Ireland : €12,000.00

Irish Taekwondo Union : €12,000.00

Funding by Individual:

Athletics Ireland Thomas Barr Podium €40,000.00

Athletics Ireland Ciara Mageean World Class €20,000.00

Athletics Ireland Fionnula McCormack World Class €20,000.0

Athletics Ireland Brian Gregan World Class €16,000.00

Athletics Ireland Mark English World Class €16,000.00

Athletics Ireland Alex Wright International €12,000.00

Athletics Ireland Brendan Boyce International €12,000.00

Athletics Ireland Christine McMahon International €12,000.00

Athletics Ireland Michelle Finn International €12,000.00

Athletics Ireland Paul Pollock International €12,000.00

Athletics Ireland Sara Treacy International €12,000.00

Total Athletics Ireland €184,000.00

Badminton Ireland Chloe Magee World Class €20,000.00

Badminton Ireland Sam Magee World Class €20,000.00

Badminton Ireland Joshua Magee International €12,000.0

Badminton Ireland (Para) Niall McVeigh International €12,000.00

Total Badminton Ireland €64,000.00

Canoeing Ireland Liam Jegou International €12,000.00

Canoeing Ireland (Para) Patrick O’Leary World Class €20,000.00

Canoeing Ireland Jennifer Egan World Class €20,000.00

Canoeing Ireland Tom Brennan International €12,000.00

Total Canoeing Ireland €64,000.00

Cycling Ireland Felix English World Class €20,000.00

Cycling Ireland Lydia Boylan World Class €20,000.00

Cycling Ireland Lydia Gurley World Class €20,000.00

Cycling Ireland Marc Potts International €12,000.00

Cycling Ireland Mark Downey World Class €20,000.00

Cycling Ireland Robyn Stewart World Class €20,000.00

Cycling Ireland Shannon McCurley International €8,000.00

Cycling Ireland (Para) Colin Lynch World Class €20,000.00

Cycling Ireland (Para) Katie George Dunlevy & Eve McCrystal Podium €60,000.00

Cycling Ireland (Para) Peter Ryan & Sean Hahessy International €18,000.00

Cycling Ireland (Para) Ronan Grimes International €12,000.00

Cycling Ireland Men’s Under 23 Development Team Pool Funding €10,000.00

Cycling Ireland Women’s Pursuit Team Pool Funding €20,000.00

Total Cycling Ireland €250,000.00

Irish Athletic Boxing Association Joe Ward Podium €40,000.00

Irish Athletic Boxing Association Brendan Irvine World Class €20,000.0

Irish Athletic Boxing Association Kurt Walker World Class €20,000.00

Irish Athletic Boxing Association Kellie Harrington World Class €20,000.00

Irish Athletic Boxing Association Sean McComb International €12,000.00

Irish Athletic Boxing Association Michael Nevin International €12,000.00

Irish Athletic Boxing Association Christina Desmond International €12,000.00

Irish Athletic Boxing Association Grainne Walsh International €12,000.00

Irish Athletic Boxing Association Kieran Molloy International €12,000.00

Irish Athletic Boxing Association Michaela Walsh International €12,000.00

Total Irish Athletic Boxing Association €172,000.00

Irish Clay Target Shooting Association Ian O’Sullivan World Class €20,000.00

Irish Clay Target Shooting Association Aoife Gormally International €12,000.00

Total Irish Clay Target Shooting Association €32,000.00

Irish Sailing Association Annalise Murphy Podium €40,000.00

Irish Sailing Association Ryan Seaton World Class €20,000.00

Irish Sailing Association Finn Lynch International €12,000.00

Irish Sailing Association Aoife Hopkins International €12,000.00

Irish Sailing Association Seafra Guilfoyle World Class €20,000.00

Irish Sailing Association Aisling Keller International €12,000.00

Total Irish Sailing Association €116,000.00

Irish Judo Association Megan Fletcher International €12,000.00

Irish Judo Association Ben Fletcher International €12,000.00

Total Irish Judo Association €24,000.00

Paralympics Ireland (Athletics) Jason Smyth Podium €40,000.00

Paralympics Ireland (Athletics) Greta Streimikyte World Class €20,000.00

Paralympics Ireland (Athletics) Michael McKillop Podium €40,000.00

Paralympics Ireland (Athletics) Niamh McCarthy Podium €40,000.00

Paralympics Ireland (Athletics) Noelle Lennihan Podium €40,000.00

Paralympics Ireland (Athletics) Orla Barry Podium €40,000.00

Paralympics Ireland (Athletics) Paul Keogan International €12,000.00

Paralympics Ireland (Athletics) Patrick Monahan International €12,000.00

Paralympics Ireland (Athletics) Orla Comerford International €12,000.00

Paralympics Ireland (Swimming) Ellen Keane Podium €40,000.00

Paralympics Ireland (Swimming) Ailbhe Kelly International €12,000.00

Paralympics Ireland (Swimming) Barry McClements International €12,000.00

Paralympics Ireland (Swimming) Nicole Turner World Class €20,000.00

Paralympics Ireland (Swimming) James Scully International €12,000.00

Total Paralympics Ireland €352,000.00

Pentathlon Ireland Kate Coleman International €12,000.00

Pentathlon Ireland Sive Brassill International €12,000.00

Pentathlon Ireland Natalya Coyle World Class €20,000.00

Pentathlon Ireland Arthur Lanigan O’Keeffe World Class €20,000.00

Total Pentathlon Ireland €64,000.00

Rowing Ireland Paul O’Donovan Podium €40,000.00

Rowing Ireland Gary O’Donovan Podium €40,000.00

Rowing Ireland Denise Walsh World Class €20,000.00

Rowing Ireland Mark O’Donovan World Class €20,000.00

Rowing Ireland Sanita Puspure World Class €20,000.00

Rowing Ireland Shane O’Driscoll World Class €20,000.00

Rowing Ireland Aifric Keogh World Class €20,000.0

Rowing Ireland Aileen Crowley World Class €20,000.00

Rowing Ireland Monika Dukarska International €12,000.00

Rowing Ireland Men’s Under 23 Programme Pool Funding €40,000.00

Total Rowing Ireland €212,000.00

Swim Ireland Oliver Dingley World Class €20,000.00

Swim Ireland Mona McSharry World Class €20,000.00

Swim Ireland Shane Ryan World Class €20,000.00

Swim Ireland Conor Ferguson World Class €20,000.00

Swim Ireland Alex Murphy International €12,000.00

Swim Ireland Brendan Hyland International €12,000.00

Swim Ireland Jordan Sloan International €12,000.0

Swim Ireland Nicholas Quinn International €12,000.0

Swim Ireland Men’s Freestyle Relay International €12,000.00

Swim Ireland Men’s Medley Relay International €12,000.00

Total Swim Ireland €152,000.00

Table Tennis (Para) Colin Judge World Class €20,000.00

Total Table Tennis (Para) €20,000.00

Triathlon Ireland Russell White International €12,000.00

Total Triathlon Ireland €12,000.00

Irish Taekwondo Union Jack Woolley International €12,000.00

Total Irish Taekwondo Union €12,000.00

Gymnastics Ireland Rhys McClenaghan Pool Funding €25,000.00

Gymnastics Ireland Andrew Smith

Total Gymnastics Ireland €25,000.00

Hockey Ireland Team Funding Pool Funding €45,000.00

Total Hockey Ireland €45,000.00

Weekend Races 23rd - 25th March 2018

Races This Weekend - 22 races so far, see below! Where are you Running?

                                                                                                                               

Here's the list of running races on by county this coming weekend. If there are any that I've missed, just chat a message below and I'll update.

Connaught

• Mayo: Saturday 24th - Western Greenway - Half Marathon / Marathon / Ultra Marathon
• Mayo: Saturday 24th - Westport Leisure Park Duathlon
• Galway: Sunday 25th - Craughwell 10 - 10K / 10Mile
• Sligo: Sunday 25th - Change your Mind Festival - 5K

Leinster

• Dublin: Saturday 24th - The Purple Run, Phoenix Park, (Down Syndrome Ireland) - 1K / 5K
• Dublin: Saturday 24th - Run for Rita, Tymon Park - 5K
• Wicklow: Sunday 25th - Gaol Break - 10K / Half Marathon
• Kildare: Sunday 25th - Clane AC, Clongowes 5K
• Kildare: Sunday 25th - Kilcullen annual fun run - 5K / 10K
• Kildare: Sunday 25th - Run for Sophia - 5K
• Kildare: Sunday 25th - Galco Naas Duathlon Series
• Offaly: Sunday 25th - Ferbane AC, Hugo Smith Memorial - 5K
• Westmeath: Sunday 25th - Run with Robbie - 5K
• Meath: Sunday 25th - Dunboyne AC - 4Mile

Munster

• Clare: Saturday 24th - Ennis 10K
• Limerick: Sunday 25th - Monaleen Cancer Support Group Fun Run - 5K / 10K
• Kerry: Sunday 25th - MMRA Trail Race in Glanageenty - 9.5K (Trail)
• Cork: Sunday 25th - Mallow 10 Mile Road Race - 10 Mile

Ulster

• Tyrone: Saturday 24th - Washingbay Green Run - 5K / 10K / Half Marathon
• Antrim: Saturday 24th - Larne Half Marathon
• Down: Sunday 25th - East Down AC, Jimmy's 10 - 10K
• Derry: Sunday 25th - Lavey Girls - 5K

Dunboyne AC 4 Mile

Preview of the 49th EirGrid Dunboyne 4 Mile Road Race

The 49th EirGrid Dunboyne 4 Mile Road Race & Fun Run takes place on Sunday 25th March 2018 at 3pm. The race over the classic 4-mile distance is a landmark event on the Irish road racing calendar, attracting an entry of almost 1,000 runners in 2017.  The course offers great potential for athletes to target a fast time and also allows supporters to provide plenty of encouragement along the way with athletes crossing the village 3 times en-route.

The race attracts a top field, with last years event won by Mick Clohisey (Raheny AC) in a time of 18:46. In the women’s race Ciara Durkan (Skerries AC) stormed to victory in a time of 22:06.

Juvenile Races

The day’s programme includes boys’ and girls’ races in the following age groups: 

• Age 9 and Under: 600m 2.00pm (start adjacent to 4 mile start)
• Age 12 and Under: 800m 2.15pm (start adjacent to 4 mile start)
• Age 15 and Under: 1 mile  2:30pm (start adjacent to secondary school)

Entry for these events is just €2, payable at the start line on the day. Every finisher will receive a souvenir medal. 

Prizes

Cash prizes of €400 for the first man and woman home, and a €250 bonus for anyone who breaks the men’s (18.09) and women’s (20.00) course records, currently held by Glynn Thomas (Coventry Godiva Harriers) and Rosemary Ryan (Bilboa AC).

• Men: First 6 Seniors; First 3 O/40, O/45, O/50, O/55, O/60; First 2 O/65, O/70; First 3 Juniors U19; First 4 Club Teams (4 to score)
• Women: First 6 Seniors; First 3 O/40, O/45, O/50, 0/55, 0/60; First 2 O/65, O/70; First 3 Juniors U19; First 4 Club Teams (4 to score).
• Colman Jarrett Cup: Awarded to the first Dunboyne AC athlete home

Features This Year include…

Flying Mile!

Like its name suggests, it’s a mile where you can put the foot down and see what you can do.  And what better mile to do this than in Mile 4.  Entrants must use Strava to take part and there is a Dunboyne 4-mile segment on Strava.  There will be prizes for both men and women.  Main prize winners will be excluded from the Flying Mile prizes.

Corporate Team Challenge

Get your team organised for the #dunboyne4mile corporate team challenge – four to a team and see if you’ll bring the Glory Trophy to the office or the staffroom!

Pacers

Do you want to challenge yourself to a goal pace this year? Dunboyne AC 4 mile have made this easy for you by providing Race Pacers for 26, 30, 32, 35, 40 & 45 minutes targets.  Look out for coloured balloons at Start-line.

3 Race Package

This year the organisers are offering entry to the Dunboyne 4 Mile, Clonee 10K (29th June) & Carton Trail Race (27th July) for €40, a saving of €10 if you are interested in participating in all 3 events. The Clonee 10K & Carton Trail Race are mid-week evening races in the Summer.

Entry

Online entry is now open. Online entry is €20 per adult and entry on the day is €25 per adult. Entry includes a wonderful 52 week running diary and a great newly designed technical t-shirt, exclusive to Dunboyne 4 mile entrants.  Entry also includes chip timing and post-race refreshments. Any profits from the event will go to Dunboyne Athletic Club.

Link to Online Registration

Spartan Race Ireland

There was great excitement among the Obstacle Runner Community when it was announced that the legendary obstacle course race organisers, Spartan Race, was finally coming to Ireland. The Spartan Race is a global phenomenon in the Obstacle Running world, with races in over 30 countries. Many believe that it is the pinnacle challenge for obstacle runners, or if not that, just the most fun!

Race Options

Spartan Race Ireland will be located at Punchestown Racecourse in Naas. There is likely to be many of the usual challenges which are the hallmark of the Spartan Series of races. Expect plenty of mud, climbs, trails, fast flats, and most importantly......the unexpected!!!

There are two distance options for you to choose from, the Sprint or the Super.

The Sprint

If you are a beginner, you can't go wrong with the Sprint. It's the shortest distance, coming in at least in 5km. However there'll be lots of action, with at least 20+ exciting obstacles for you to complete on the way. Spartan estimate that it takes the average runner around 2 hours to complete the Sprint. If you estimate (which I do), that the average runner's 5km time is at least down below 40 minutes, you get a sense of the challenge involved.

The Super

If you want to push yourself a bit more, then maybe The Super is the distance for you. It will be just over 12km, but you could be facing anything up to 29 obstacles. So make sure you are prepared for this one, not just physically, but mentally!

What you get

Plenty of good things come included in the race price. There's the iconic medal, which people across the globe treasure (you can probably expect some Spartan Tourists coming to Ireland to get the Irish edition to add to their medal haul!). There's also the free Tech T-shirt, free photos, chip timing and Beer......yes Beer (I'M SOLD)!

Special Discount

All sound good, and you are interested? If so, then here's a special treat for fans of Running in Ireland.....a nice 20% discount. Sign up for the race using the link below, and use the code RUNNINGINIRELAND.

Registration Link

Weekend Races 9th - 11th February 2018

Races This Weekend - 21 races so far, see below! Where are you Running?

                                                                                                                               

Here's the list of running races on by county this coming weekend. If there are any that I've missed, just chat a message below and I'll update.

Connaught

• Mayo: Saturday 10th - Ballinrobe Duathlon
• Mayo: Sunday 11th - Valentines Run - 5K
• Galway: Sunday 11th - Gorgeous Gort - 5K

Leinster

• Wexford: Sunday 11th - Enniscorthy 10K
• Kildare: Saturday 10th - Irish National 50k Championships
• Kildare: Sunday 11th - Athgarvan GAA community fun run - 5K / 10K
• Kildare: Sunday 11th - Naas Adventure 5K
• Meath: Sunday 11th - IMRA Mullaghmeen Hill Run - 10.8K 
• Louth: Sunday 11th - Erin Run - 5K

Munster

• Waterford: Saturday 10th - Anne Valley 5 Mile Challenge - 5Mile
• Kerry: Saturday 10th - Gneevaguilla AC, Killarney Spring 5k Series - 5K
• Kerry: Sunday 11th - IMRA 8km Trail Race, Tralee
• Clare: Sunday 11th - Bodyke NS, Fun Run - 5K / 10K
• Cork: Sunday 11th - Cork BHAA, Janssen - 6K
• Cork: Sunday 11th - Kilmacsimon Rowing Club - 6K / 10K

Ulster

• Antrim: Saturday 10th - The School Run - 5K / 10K
• Tyrone: Saturday 10th - Parkanaur 10 Mile
• Down: Saturday 10th - Bangor Festival of Cross Country
• Down: Sunday 11th - Dune Half Marathon
• Derry: Sunday 11th - The OCahans Trail Run
• Antrim: Sunday 11th - The Mathieson Cup