The run clubs, fun runs and marathons to get involved in around Ireland …
DUBLIN
There’s a huge community feel to running in Dublin now. Runners of all levels are coming together via social media or word of mouth to join the ever growing number of run clubs in the capital. There’s been a surge of people trying their hand (or feet) at various marathons or half marathons all over the world, especially since Covid, including the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon 10k road race that takes place every June long weekend in the city centre. The largest women’s event of its kind worldwide, for its first year in 1983 9,000 women took part, while over one million have entered the event over its 42 years, with an estimated €230m raised for charitable causes. Women of every age are welcome, with the oldest recent participant an amazing 93 years old! Numerous bands and dancers provide entertainment to add to the carnival atmosphere of the day, so show your support on the streets if you’re in the area.
CORK
Run or walk the marathon, half marathon or 10km Cork city equivalent, also on June 1. Almost 11,000 people will lace up at the start line, with 2,500 running the full marathon, 4,200 the half marathon and 4,200 the 10km race. Cork City Hall is hosting an expo showcasing exhibitors, including Sanctuary Runners, The Runners Diary, The Irish Runner and many charities. Even if you’re not participating, head along to stock up on some of your favourite apparel for the coming season.
Some fun clubs to know about are Runday Club (@rundayclubcork), West Cork Running Club (@awestcorkrunningclub) and Frontrunners and Briskwalkers; an LGBTQIA+ inclusive running and walking group based in the city. (@frbwcork).
Galway is also overflowing with clubs, from Connexions for a fun run (@connexionsrunclubgalway), Running On Beans and Top Shelf Coffee Bar (@topshelfcoffeebar) for a run and coffee guaranteed (@runningonbeansgalway), Galway Bay Brewery for a social run with a free beer (@galwaybeerrun), Galway Sanctuary Runners where asylum seekers, migrants and Irish citizens #RunAsOne together (@galwaysanctuaryrunners) and Read & Run Galway, the most active book club to join (@readandrungalway)! Plus there are a host of park runs to enjoy, including Oranmore, Knocknacarra, Coole Park, Mountbellow Forest, Clonbur Woods and University of Galway.
Limerick is always a great spot for runners or those looking to start. Croissant Run Club (@croissantrunclublimerick) – also operating in Dublin and Belfast – is the perfect opportunity for a taster (pun intended) as the name of the game is to run around the city, then finish with a croissant and coffee. RUN061 (@run06one) is the brainchild of Aimee and Pravesh Dana, childhood sweethearts from South Africa, who set up the club to make friends in their new hometown. Starting with just four members, including its founders, it’s grown to a group of 120 and doesn’t show any signs of stopping, with themed runs a staple, including a ‘traffic light run’ for Valentine’s Day. There’s also a myriad of park runs at University of Limerick, Mungret Park and Newcastle West. Runners, walkers and buggies are all invited as the idea is to get together, socialise and move every weekend.
DONEGAL
This year marked the very first Rith na Mná in Ballybofey, Letterkenny (@excelsportsdonegal)– a ladies only festival by Donegal East Running with a 6km Fun Run, 13km Mini Marathon or 21.1km Half Marathon to walk, jog or run. The local Finn Wheelers Cycling Club (@finnwheelerscc) even cycled to support, with their Sunday’s Club Spin heading to Donegal town and back to complete over 60km.
The Donegal Half Marathon in August was first held in 2014 and has further grown rapidly in popularity, with participants this year presented with a medal featuring Errigal Mountain; the fifth year that one of the 39 discovery points along the Wild Atlantic Way will be showcased in the finishers’ medals, which are proving to be something of a collector’s item.
For extremists, the Quadrathon Challenge is an iconic four day running festival, also in August, where you can choose a half or full marathon distance each day along a different route daily on rugged coastal roads in the unspoilt Inishowen Peninsula. Home to Malin Head, the most northerly point of Ireland steeped in history, experience the hospitality of locals as they cheer on these brave souls (@extremenorthevents_).
SEE MORE: 10 Gorgeous Stays In The Gaeltacht
