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).
