From the 5K fun-runner to the experienced triathlete, there’s a running event for everyone all across Ireland this summer. None
So bring the family along, take in the scenery and treat yourself to the post-run festivities. Here’s a selection of some of the best run events Ireland has to offer this summer.
GloHealth Mullaghmore Triathlon 2014 – June 14
Every year, hundreds of athletes test themselves in the GloHealth Mullaghmore Triathlon, and this year is going to be even bigger and better.
Forest Marathon 2014 – June 14
This marathon in Portumna, Galway, is perhaps one of the most uniquely scenic of the Irish marathons as dense forest surrounds the runners almost throughout. It’s a challenging course with some steep climbs, but well worth the effort. It features 100km and 50km events, as well as the marathon and half-marathons. www.forestmarathon.com
Kildare Thoroughbred 10k & 5K Father’s Day Run – June 15
Make that son or daughter proud with a run through the tranquil grounds of The Irish National Stud on Father’s Day. The course is as flat as you’d expect on a stud farm, and there’s some family fun and entertainment waiting for you in The Square in Kildare when you finish.
Curlew Warrior Challenge – June 15
In 1599, Red Hugh O’Donnell defeated British troops after they arrived weary and hungry after being fooled into chasing his men from Boyle to the Curlews mountain pass. You can retrace their steps in this novel race, but don’t worry – the closest you’ll come to battle is some runners in fancy dress.
Celtic Traverse 2014 – June 22
Serious beauty for the serious competitor in this one – six-day foot race The Celtic Traverse takes in Glendalough, the Wicklow Way and the Mourne Mountains. It’s a holiday as well as a race, with comfortable accommodation at seaside locations all part of the package.
Film Trail Run – June 28
And …… action! Set in the Belmont & Killruddery estates, you can be part of the locations of iconic films such as ‘The Tudors’, ‘Camelot’, ‘My Left Foot’, ‘Becoming Jane’, ‘Far & Away’ and ‘Angela’s Ashes’. You can bring the family along for the 5KM Run/Jog & Family Walk, or just meet them for the post-race BBQ in the walled garden of King Arthur’s Barn.
Clontarf Half Marathon – July 5
You’re set to see considerably more Vikings than usual at this half-marathon. It’s the 1014 Battle of Clontarf anniversary race this year, so a special collectors medal awaits you at the finish line.
Achill Half Marathon – July 5
There’s no shortage of things to see and do on Achill, one of Ireland’s most popular holiday destinations. The half marathaon, which has been staged in Achill since 2007, is the centerpiece in a full weekend of events and entertainment on the picturesque island.
Ultimate Survivor Mud Run – July 5
Leave those pristine whites at home as you get down and dirty in Donegal. If you’re not sure if you can take the gruelling terrain of the Donegal Hills wilderness, there’s always the still-challenging, but shorter 5K course.
Race2Glory – July 12
This 40k multi-sport adventure race takes in cycling, running, hill running & a river run. There’s the 10K mountain run steep ascent to 850ft, a road/bog run, a steep decent back to start 23K cycle, followed by a 27K river run of road, river and country track. If you’re tired after reading that, best move on…
The Brandon Bay half marathon & 10k run – July 12
Ireland’s first and only running event entirely run on a beach takes place on the golden sands of Castlegregory, Co. Kerry. Starting and finishing in the famous Maharees peninsula, a spot of sunbathing (hopefully) and plenty of craic at the Castlegregory Summer Festival (defiantly) awaits after this run.
Marathon des Escargots – July 12
Marathon Des Escargots is a race with one focus – to raise funds for Irish Autism Action and LARCC Cancer Support.
Energia Belfast 24-hour race – July 18
‘Beyond Limits’ – the slogan on the t-shirt of this ultra-marathon says it all, really. Take to the track and whoever runs the furthest in 24 hours wins the £500 prize.
Ireland’s Toughest Muckers – July 19
Organisers have “a surprise in store” for entrants to this adrenaline-fuelled 10K obstacle course, littered with natural and man-made obstacles to traverse. The course was designed by firemen who got silver medals in the world police and fire games last year –not the type of people you expect do things by halves.
Blayney Rockets AC 10-mile Road Race – July 26
You can take in the sights and sounds on a scenic loop around Lough Muckno, Castleblayney on this 10-miler. It’s a pretty flat course with just a few short hills so should appeal to amateur and competitive runners alike.
Article taken from the Irish Examiner.