MARCH
Short
The Streets of Portlaoise 5k: With chip timing and prizes across several categories, it’s a good competitive race for those who fancy a sprint.
Date: March 17th
Entry: On the day: €15
Details: portlaoiseathleticclub.com
Medium
Carlingford Half Marathon/10k: It’s the seventh year of the race, with the longer route taking in the Cooley Peninsula, parts of the Mourne Mountains and the lough. Both races start and finish in the medieval village.
Date: March 2nd
Entry: €25 in advance/
€35 on the day.
Details: Runireland.com
Long
The Tralee International Marathon: Not something to suddenly start training for this week, but if you’re prepared, it’s a good early season marathon. Includes a half-marathon option.
Date: March 16th
Entry: €50/€60
Details: traleemarathon.com
Off-piste
Runamuck Challenge in Clonkeeran House, Co Kildare. The 5k and 10k options both involve slogging through the muck, while tackling various obstacles.
Date: March 9th
Entry: €35 individual or €28/hd for groups of 6+
Details: runamuckchallenge.com
APRIL
Short
The Cope Galway 8k starts and finishes at Claddagh Hall, with participants invited to walk/run/crawl.
Hopefully no one will be crawling, but there will be refreshments just in case.
Date: April 13th
Entry: €20
Details: Runireland.com
Medium
The Wexford Half Marathon: This race also includes a 10k option. It is expected that 1,500 will take part. Last year’s runners included a record-breaking backwards runner.
Date: April 19th
Entry: €35, although there is a €99 deal that includes the Clontarf and Wicklow half marathons
Details: Wexfordhalfmarathon.com
Long
Connemarathon: This popular race is already closed off to entries, unfortunately, but those who are doing it appreciate the wildness of the challenge. It’s just runners and sheep for much of it. There are half, full and ultra marathon distances, and if you’re not running, join the sheep as lone spectators.
Date: April 9th
Details: Connemarathon.com
Off-piste
Urban Trails Run: Either 4k and 8k through St Anne’s Park in Raheny. “In line with our environmental awareness ethos we would ask participants to cycle, car pool or use public transport where possible.” That sums up the ethos of this green-footed event.
Details: Urbantrailsireland.com
MAY
Short
Dublin Bay Run: With 5k and 10k options, it goes along Clontarf promenade and through the Bull Island bird sanctuary.
Date: April 4th
Entry: €15/€18
Details: Rundublin.ie
Medium
Inisbofin Half Marathon: A run around the island off the Galway coast, with an entry that includes the ferry tickets. Date: May 18th
Entry: €60
Details: Croi.ie
Long
Great Limerick Run: Alongside the six-mile and half-marathon distances, there’s a full marathon that has established itself as an excellent annual fixture.
Date: May 5th
Entry: €70/€120(relay)
Details: Greatlimerickrun.com
Off-piste
Rock and Rolling Ultra: There are half, full and ultra marathons, with the ultra “Ireland’s most northerly, scenic and toughest ultra along the highways and byways of Inishowen’s Rocky and Rolling coastal routes.” Sounds easy.
Date: May 12th
Entry: €25-€70
Details: extremenorthevents.com
