Athletics Ireland announced today that they will host a Barefoot Mile race on the 16th of August – the final evening of the ‘Live at Leopardstown’ Music and Racing festival. The event will take place after the final horse race of the evening at the famous South Dublin race track. The Athletics Ireland Barefoot Mile will be accurately measured with chip timing and the race is a mixed race, open to men and women of all standards.
The race offers athletes a unique opportunity to experience the freedom of running barefoot over the classic distance of a mile at the venue that hosted the world cross country championships in 2002. Participants have the added bonus of enjoying a thrilling night of horse racing prior to competing in the Barefoot Mile. The evening will conclude with a live concert by the Saw Doctors in the Festival Big Top Marquee.
Ciaran Conroy Commercial Manager said ‘’ We are delighted to welcome Athletics Ireland and all participating athletes to Leopardstown Racecourse the site of the 2002 World Cross Country Championships. This is a very unique event which offers participants a wonderful night out coupled with the opportunity to race barefoot on the track which has witnessed many world class athletic performances. Runners can follow in the footsteps of Sonia O’ Sullivan who led the Irish women’s team to a famous team medal in 2002.’’
Athletics Ireland CEO John Foley also welcomed the event. “This is another new quality event that Athletics Ireland will organise. We have already delivered some very successful events this year including the RTE Operation Transformation 5k, The Run with Ray D’Arcy, 5k Countrywide Series and the Samsung Run Dublin at Night event.”
For €20 participants gain admission to the evening’s horse racing and the live Saw Doctors concert as well as entry to the Barefoot Mile and a souvenir race t-shirt. There is prize money on offer for the top three male and female finishers with a first prize of €300, second prize €200 and a third prize of €100.
The line-up for the evening is
1st Horse Race: 4.50pm
Last Horse Race: 7.55pm
Barefoot mile (Over Grass): 8.00pm approx
Live Saw Doctor’s Concert: 8.30pm approx.
Leopardstown Racecourse is easily accessible from the Luas green line with dedicated shuttle buses running from the Sandyford stop. Leopardstown is located off exit 14 or exit 15 on the M50 southbound or exit 15 M50 northbound. Ample free parking is available on site.