One month to go! The 5th edition of the Wild West Run in Kenmare on Saturday,February 28(11am start) is set to be the biggest yet.
Places are filling up fast towards the 250 limit with runners drawn by this demanding half-marathon challenge amid the grandeur of the Kerry Way. Organised by Kenmare AC in association with leading running shop Pure Running, the start and finish is in Kenmare and the course presents one of the most challenging uphill starts on the running calendar on an out-and-back route on the Kerry Way cutting through the mountains to the turnaround at Galway Bridge – retracing the steps and dropping back down into the town. Race Director Sean McKeown says: “ We think there’s something for everyone in that route mixing as it does tarmac and trail and appealing to both runners and walkers. “There’s a Mizuno technical T-shirt, High 5 energy gels for all who enter and over €1500 in prizes for the top three men and women. There’s also lots of spot prizes and special rates from our accommodation partner Kenmare Bay Hotel, Resort and Spa,” he says. Much needed funds from the race will be going to the ‘So They Can’ charity working with communities in Africa on educational and infrastructure projects – as well as the Our Ladies Children’s Hospital in Dublin. Two worthy causes. The first three editions of the race were dominated by Riocht AC’s James Doran ; but last year it was Farranfane Maine Valley’s George McCarthy who took the honours. With runners this coming from Belfast, Dublin, Galway as well as the South-West, it looks like it could be an exciting race! You can sign up at www.Runireland.com. Entry cost is €35. Registration on the day will be at the Supervalu Shopping Centre in Kenmare near the start.