Clare Burren Marathon course conditions
Mon, 19/04/2010 - 21:15
Has anyone run the Clare Burren Marathon before? There is not a lot of information on the course conditions or profile on the website.
I'm thinking of entering the full marathon but struggling to find out any detailed information about it. All website says is that it is a "road, green road and trail challange" and hard to tell from map how off-road it is. Are normal running shoes fine for the surface or would trail runners be recommended? Do you generally stick to well used trails or is there lots of small tracks?
Finally - what is the profile of the course like? I completed the Connemara marathon last week and how does the Burren marathon compare in terms of hills/climbs etc?
Thanks for any advice
Mon, 19/04/2010 - 21:36
#2
Tue, 20/04/2010 - 13:26
#3
I ran the half marathon last year under the impression that a "bit" of it was off road, thinking that the green roads were like boreens!!! how mistaken was I! The first two or three is on the road and then you hit the burren for about 6 or 7 miles- and its mountain running,. As far as I can remember I think you get back onto the road around mile 10.
Having a said all that I thought it was great race but you need to be aware of what you are letting yourself in for and I even managed to give Brendan Gleeson a pat on the shoulder.
I was hoping for 2 hours but finijsed in 2.15
Wed, 21/04/2010 - 19:13
#4
I did the half last year too, not realising what I was letting myself in for. Definitely mountain running therefore trail shoes recommended. Last year was wet, wet, wet. Mucky underfoot and soaked to the skin and when I saw the mountain rescue folk with a stretcher at the ready I realised that I shouldnt really be there. At about mile seven I decided that the only silver lining was that I never had to do this again and I was closer to home to keep going than to turn back. Having said that great sense on achievement at the end and while trail runnng isnt for me I was glad I gave it a go. From talking to others I believe the full marathon is even more challenging and involves jumping walls and negotiating a cliff edge.
Go for it! The view is fantastic.
Wed, 21/04/2010 - 21:42
#5
Ah fect it I've signed up for the full! Nothing to do now only brag about it when I finish so if none of ye are going to join me:-) ....that's a challenge by the way! but I know it will defo be a long run walk strategy....many many hours of lovely sceanery for my slow run. It defo said in the literature I read that trail shoes were compulsory and a safety talk would be given for the full so that is an indication of what is at stake, they also give you a list of kit you need on their websight for the day
Tue, 11/05/2010 - 10:50
#6
A few questions??
The website would lead you to believe that you should pack for the race as if planning an assault on Everest....and yet on their FAQ they advise against "sandals and high heels"
Can someone advise whether the usual set up for a half marathon road race is sufficient i.e. a pair of runners and a capri sun!
Tue, 11/05/2010 - 14:50
#7
I ran the inaugural one, and thankfully opted for the half mara. It was a bit of a joke. So badly marked that the winner went off in the wrong direction and ended up finishing by clambering down a hillside covered in muck and blood. Myself and about 30 others suddenly stopped halfway down a hillside having managed to avoid breaking our ankles in typical Burren rock holes. Luckily a guy knew the way down to the road.
Definitely a mountain run - not a normal half marathon (unless it has changed dramatically). Forget doing your personal best on this thing !! It's all fair enough if they tell you this in advance, but lost on a mountain top in shorts and light top after running ten miles in a fairly cold wind could get some people in trouble....
Tue, 11/05/2010 - 17:51
#8
Hi,
Can you say what the 10K is like...this must be mostly road .. .and runners would be fine ? :-)
Thu, 13/05/2010 - 07:51
#9
Yes, friends ran the 10k and it was fine with runners
Thu, 13/05/2010 - 14:29
#10
Ran the 10K and its all on road, perfect with runners. Nice Scenery too. No records of winners or any positions last year which was disappointing after coming 3rd in my first 10k, but this year its all chipped, so hopefully we will get some results.
Very enjoyable tho, and the soup & a Pint of G after are great!
Sun, 23/05/2010 - 13:36
#11
Did everyone finish yesterday in 1 piece. Got to say I loved it, except for the heat. Not a course for PB's but def a enjoyable and tough run, that was well organised. Will be back again next year.
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Was looking for a bit of info myself and found this, its not your standard road race.....see the terrain half way though this vid.