Mountain Running group Galway??

finlma · 25-01-2012 8:34pm #1

Does anyone know of any mountain running club or group based in Galway? There's a wealth of mountains to run and a whole load of runners but I can't seem to find any information on any such group.

If there are none would there be any interest in getting one set up?

sconhome · 25-01-2012 9:33pm

finlma wrote: »

Does anyone know of any mountain running club or group based in Galway? There's a wealth of mountains to run and a whole load of runners but I can't seem to find any information on any such group.

If there are none would there be any interest in getting one set up?

I haven't come across one, there's very little in the area from IMRA and it only seems to be orienteering groups that are doing anything similar.

I'd be interested in looking at working a group together.

Slogger Jogger · 25-01-2012 9:53pm

Suggest you try to link in with the athletics clubs out there. Some (like athenry) have their own dedicated websites. Others might have facebook pages. Rob Malseed is a fine hill runner in Mayo and there are other hill runners in that area who could get involved. Thats the way imra in Munster works. Many of the runners have Munster club connections.

IMRA will be out West later in the year for races on Mweelrea and Nephin so keep an eye out on the imra website for that.

finlma · 25-01-2012 11:02pm

amphkingwest wrote: »

I haven't come across one, there's very little in the area from IMRA and it only seems to be orienteering groups that are doing anything similar.

I'd be interested in looking at working a group together.

I'm planning on popping into the shop in the next couple of weeks to get a pair of trail runners so I'll have a word with you then.
Mark F

mo_bhicycle · 25-01-2012 11:22pm

finlma wrote: »

I'm planning on popping into the shop in the next couple of weeks to get a pair of trail runners so I'll have a word with you then.
Mark F

If ye come up with a plan will ye stick some details up here. Wouldn't mind giving some mountain running a bash.

finlma · 26-01-2012 9:08am

Will do. Might try to get a group email set up and head out for a weekly run starting in the Spring. We can take it from there then.

pgibbo · 26-01-2012 2:37pm

mo_bhicycle wrote: »

If ye come up with a plan will ye stick some details up here. Wouldn't mind giving some mountain running a bash.

+1

I loved the mountain runs as part of WAR last year.

T runner · 26-01-2012 3:14pm

pgibbo wrote: »

+1

I loved the mountain runs as part of WAR last year.

Any one with any GPS tarcks or maps of potential routes in the Galway area?

ManFromAtlantis · 30-01-2012 2:25pm

mo_bhicycle wrote: »

If ye come up with a plan will ye stick some details up here. Wouldn't mind giving some mountain running a bash.

+1 same as that.

brownian · 31-01-2012 12:21pm

T runner wrote: »

Any one with any GPS tarcks or maps of potential routes in the Galway area?

Not as such, but two nice runs are

- run N from the school in Rosmuc, through the mountains, on a reasonable but muddy trail
- run N-S or S-N from Recess to Maam or vice versa, over Patrick's Well. Really nice run, all on reasonable trail. Slippery when wet.

I've also run up Cregg, though it's steep road, and up Diamond Hill, though you have to walk the odd bit.

T runner · 01-02-2012 12:02pm

OK ive put a post up on IMRA. we need to spread the word and set a date/location.

I mentioned at the IMRA AGM that if there was interest id promote mountain running further in Connaught. For communication i was going to suggest setting up a facebook page for it for interested runners adding Connaught clubs and using that as the medium term base for organising runs and communicating.

If thats OK with this group ill go ahead and set it up (ill run it past IMRA commitee first). Hoping to invite Connaught clubs and runners to join it.

In the meantime we should be thinking about the inaugural run. No time like the present!

mo_bhicycle · 01-02-2012 12:09pm

Great work T runner.
It's not quite a mountain run, but this is a trail I like to do: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/143720042

sconhome · 01-02-2012 12:11pm

As a matter of interest why is there little or no IMRA races in the West? It seems to be mostly East & South (as far as I can see).

A few people have asked me in the shop over the past while and it seems like all thats needed is a forum to share experiences, routes and advice. I'm new to the mountain and trail running idea, but loving the experience so far and want to stretch that a bit further.

Would a map my run type group work for this kind of thing? or should we be looking down the road of more formal arrangements?

T runner · 01-02-2012 12:44pm

amphkingwest wrote: »

As a matter of interest why is there little or no IMRA races in the West? It seems to be mostly East & South (as far as I can see).

A few people have asked me in the shop over the past while and it seems like all thats needed is a forum to share experiences, routes and advice. I'm new to the mountain and trail running idea, but loving the experience so far and want to stretch that a bit further.

Would a map my run type group work for this kind of thing? or should we be looking down the road of more formal arrangements?

I was thinking facebook as many clubs runners etc have already accounts there.

Mountain running races in the West has been primarily attended by Eastern and Southern runners. There hasnt been more hill races in the west largely due to a lack of interest and numbers up until now. What needs to happen is a hill running tadition organised locally.

Im from the west but based East and am eager to assist in getting things going. But the tradition (like Leinster, Munster) will come from local interest and runners.

Up until now mountain running in Connaught ahs more or less been a different venue for the same Leinster and Munster faces.

T runner · 01-02-2012 2:11pm

Mountain and Hill Running in Connaught (Facebook)

There we go...Peterx is onboard and has started chatting about 8 hour runs on the Maumturks....!

Just set it up so not sure about adding users. You may ahve to "Like" the group to become a member.

OK , lets start making plans!!!!

sconhome · 01-02-2012 2:16pm

Just a 'Request to Join'.

Done!

T runner · 01-02-2012 2:20pm

amphkingwest wrote: »

Just a 'Request to Join'.

Done!

Great thanks a million, have added you and will keep eyes skint for other requests.

acurno · 01-02-2012 2:51pm

Can add my name to that list.

Not on facebook so could we continue to post updates here? Or on the IMRA website if they give the green light.

T runner · 01-02-2012 3:10pm

acurno wrote: »

Can add my name to that list.

Not on facebook so could we continue to post updates here? Or on the IMRA website if they give the green light.

No problem Acurno, anything thats planned will be posted here and on IMRA

finlma · 01-02-2012 8:11pm

I'm glad I started this thread now. Fair play T Runner. I just joined the group and I see that there are already 42 members. Great work.

T runner · 01-02-2012 11:33pm

finlma wrote: »

I'm glad I started this thread now. Fair play T Runner. I just joined the group and I see that there are already 42 members. Great work.

59 now, i think you hit on an area of interest there. Now to organise the first run....

finlma · 02-02-2012 9:30am

I'm sure there will be varying levels of experience and fitness. What do people think is the best way to manage that? I'm sure a 10km mountain run would seem like a warm-up to some or a marathon to others.

T runner · 02-02-2012 11:01am

finlma wrote: »

I'm sure there will be varying levels of experience and fitness. What do people think is the best way to manage that? I'm sure a 10km mountain run would seem like a warm-up to some or a marathon to others.

What wed normally do in Leinster tarining runs is have options on the run. A few different route lenght/difficulty options based on lenght and difficulty. Usually you'd have a leader for each group who knows the route.

Id imagine teh first run would be mainly on trail with different lenght options. After that wed progress a little. The great thing is also that once someone has covered a route they have that in their arsenal of potential training routes. So i guess a new route every week would be the way to go. One of the members has set up a document on FB which we can update with info: routes, safety etc.

T runner · 02-02-2012 11:07am

mo_bhicycle wrote: »

Great work T runner.
It's not quite a mountain run, but this is a trail I like to do: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/143720042

Thats a good loop. And a 5mn km average on that is very good. Its one to keep in mind once we have a few runs in the bag.
Is there any hilly trail runs, maybe on Collte land (preferably with a carpark) near enough to Galway city?

Thanks

Bugsy2000 · 02-02-2012 3:45pm

finlma wrote: »

I'm glad I started this thread now. Fair play T Runner. I just joined the group and I see that there are already 42 members. Great work.

+1 on that. There's been a few threads about getting this started over the last couple of years but they have all fizzled out with no result. Fair play for getting the ball rolling.

TRunner wrote:

Thats a good loop. And a 5mn km average on that is very good. Its one to keep in mind once we have a few runs in the bag.
Is there any hilly trail runs, maybe on Collte land (preferably with a carpark) near enough to Galway city?

Afraid thats a tough one. I don't know of any hilly trail runs near the city at all. In my mind most runs would need to be in or near Connemara or The Burren. May be some between Gort / Loughrea but I'm not overly familiar with the area. Most of the Coillte lands (Monivea / Coole / Portumna) are all lovely areas but all flat. Knockma near Tuam is fairly tame, grand for training on but it's less than 1.5 miles total up & down, more a hill than a mountain.

This is the big thing that I'm looking forward to, actually finding out where the trails are!

ManFromAtlantis · 02-02-2012 5:00pm

yea, not overly familar with the area but certainly some tracks / forest between gort and loughrea / derrybrien area.
slieve bloom has many trails too albeit not in connacht but not a million miles from south east galway either.

sconhome · 07-02-2012 6:43pm

Just to let everyone know the first session is being organised for this Saturday at Castlehackett.

For up-to-date information be sure to stay tuned to the Facebook group.

Great work bt T-Runner getting this all pulled together in the past week or so.

ManFromAtlantis · 09-02-2012 11:03am

has a time been set for this? thks

T runner · 09-02-2012 1:50pm

ManFromAtlantis wrote: »

has a time been set for this? thks

provisionally 10.30 am saturday morning.

ManFromAtlantis · 09-02-2012 2:06pm

thanks. cant do this one as kids football matches at same time but i'll stay tuned for others.

sconhome · 09-02-2012 4:13pm

From the running group Facebook:

"OK, Its official. 10:30 saturday Castle Hackett... Runners should bring a waterproof jacket, hat, gloves and a change of clothes. Bring a drink (hot is good) and food for after for replenishment and post race chat if youve time.."

Bugsy2000 · 10-02-2012 9:17pm

Good luck with it lads. I won't be there this time round, over three weeks out now with tendonitis. I'll be interested to see how it goes.

ManFromAtlantis · 11-02-2012 10:12pm

looked like a great day for it. could'nt make it but hope there is another one as would be keen to tag along.

finlma · 28-02-2012 9:25am

There have been 3 runs by the group so far - Knockma, Derroura and Cong. Tonight sees the 4th run - a headlamp lit run through Kilcorman Woods. Meeting at 8:30 beside the Colga training pitch.

pete_mcs · 28-02-2012 10:56pm

mo_bhicycle wrote: »

Great work T runner.
It's not quite a mountain run, but this is a trail I like to do: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/143720042

Thanks for the link, is there a landmark at your starting part, is it a trail that you follow?

mo_bhicycle · 28-02-2012 11:15pm

pete_mcs wrote: »

Thanks for the link, is there a landmark at your starting part, is it a trail that you follow?

The start point is here: http://maps.osi.ie/publicviewer/#V1,514394,735356,6,0

As you drive up the road it turns from tarmac to gravel. The start point is the second road to the right on the gravel part and there is a wooden gate at the start of the turn off.

There's a small place to park just to the side of the road beside the point linked above.

I might try and see if anybody from the Mountain and Trail Running group are interested in doing all/part of it the weekend after next.

sconhome · 06-03-2012 6:40pm

There's another mucky night time run organised for Kilcornan Woods in Clarinbridge tomorrow night if anyone is interested.

Meeting at 8.30pm at the Colga football pitches near the back gates to the estate.

You will need a headlamp or torch and most likely a change of clothes for afterwards.

Heres the link to Facebook.

ManFromAtlantis · 06-03-2012 8:50pm

Thanks for keeping us informed. Trying to shake off bloody cold so wont make it. By the way what sort of distance do ye run. Ta

pete_mcs · 06-03-2012 10:07pm

Is Mámean between Recess and Maam a runable trail? Have googled it, and only got this info
http://mountainviews.ie/mv/index.php?walk=21
Has anyone done this trail? Is it easy to follow?

Slogger Jogger · 06-03-2012 11:04pm

pete_mcs wrote: »

Is Mámean between Recess and Maam a runable trail? Have googled it, and only got this info
http://mountainviews.ie/mv/index.php?walk=21
Has anyone done this trail? Is it easy to follow?

Yes, ran it from the Lough Inagh side a few years back through to Maam on the far side. A great run.

sconhome · 07-03-2012 8:17am

In the woods is short enough (relatively) about an hour to cover 5-8km. Its work on the legs because it's so mucky and wet in places but great craic.

On the trails the gang were doing anything up to 15-20k, all steady pace, mostly limited by available time rather than the trails or conditions.

KoemansCC · 08-03-2012 6:56am

Definitely be interested in this for next time out, when do you think the next run will be?

pete_mcs · 08-03-2012 9:43am

Slogger Jogger wrote: »

Yes, ran it from the Lough Inagh side a few years back through to Maam on the far side. A great run.

Would that be from the turn off beside the hotel?

Bugsy2000 · 09-03-2012 10:04am

More a trail than a mountain run but I'd be interested in doing this one at some stage. It's a mixture of roads, bog, forest trails & foothills. It's a total of 55km but can be broken into two sections. I'd probably be looking at running it in two parts over the next few months with the view of completing the full length in one go towards the end of the summer maybe. (big maybe - I'll see how ball breaking it is first)

There are decent maps on the website linked below, one overall map & 6 more with it broken into sections.

It looks like it partially skirts the Connemarathon route although if I'm right we'd be running the Hell of the West in reverse (which is a good thing) & it also partially uses the Connemara Adventure Challenge route in reverse.

http://www.irishtrails.ie/Trail/Western-Way--Galway-/37/
Overview Map
Map 1
Map 2
Map 3
Map 4
Map 5
Map 6

Anyone run this before? Is it passable along the whole route? I'd hate to get 8 or 9 miles in to find an impassable bog along the route.

Bugsy2000 · 10-03-2012 3:10pm

I put a query on the County Galway forum about the Western Way being passable, the answer I got is below. I think I'll definitely look at running it in two sections over the next while. Time to start juggling the diary.

Yes, you can walk right through unhindered; but be very careful on The Leckavrea Boardwalk in Maam area.

I went walking on The Leckavrea Boardwalk last year, and nearly broke my neck half a dozen times on it, it was that slippery.

The problem with this boardwalk is that the planks used to built it were planed, when they should have been left rough an unplaned, to provide a good grip for walking boots. Either that, or chicken wire mesh should have been nailed to them, like the ones in Wicklow.

Slogger Jogger · 10-03-2012 8:48pm

pete_mcs wrote: »

Would that be from the turn off beside the hotel?

We started at road junction off the lake. I don't recall the proximity to the hotel as it was a no. of years back. The road we jogged on first was a narrow country single track before we veered off left onto the Maameen walkers trail proper. Sorry I can't remember more specifics.

pete_mcs · 10-03-2012 9:48pm

Bugsy2000 wrote: »

I put a query on the County Galway forum about the Western Way being passable, the answer I got is below. I think I'll definitely look at running it in two sections over the next while. Time to start juggling the diary.

Yes, you can walk right through unhindered; but be very careful on The Leckavrea Boardwalk in Maam area.

I went walking on The Leckavrea Boardwalk last year, and nearly broke my neck half a dozen times on it, it was that slippery.

The problem with this boardwalk is that the planks used to built it were planed, when they should have been left rough an unplaned, to provide a good grip for walking boots. Either that, or chicken wire mesh should have been nailed to them, like the ones in Wicklow.

Leckavrea Boardwalk is fairly slippy all right, ran it last week on a misty day and it was nearly impossible when you had to turn a corner or head down a few steps. Seen a lot of footprints along side the boardwalk, so I would guess a lot of folks left the planks and ran in the bog!

Volovo · 11-03-2012 3:55pm

Would love to try some Mountain running myself. Haven't read every single post on here - has any group been setup?

Bugsy2000 · 11-03-2012 4:00pm

Volovo wrote: »

Would love to try some Mountain running myself. Haven't read every single post on here - has any group been setup?

There have been a few runs alright. The group has set up a facebook page and they are organising everything from that.

Mountain & Hill Running In Connacht - Facebook

sconhome · 12-03-2012 3:28pm

Theres a headlamp trail run organised in Kilcornan Woods, in Clarinbridge for tomorrow evening at 8.30 - 9.30.

Details are on the Facebook page as usual. The meeting place is the Colga football pitches near the back of the estate and we go from there for 6-8k run at a nice easy pace.

All levels of runners are well capable of joining in and its not too mucky at the moment so trail shoes are not critical. There are some spare headlamps for anyone that is stuck for light, though a torch or bicycle lamp will work in a pinch.

MacAttackJ · 14-07-2012 11:58pm

Have any of ye ever ran the Bangor Trail? Will be in Mulranny with the missus and baba next week and I should get one day to myself for a long run. Was thinking of the Greenway but was hoping for something more adventurous. Imagine with all the recent rain the Bangor Trail would be nigh impossible to run in parts so perhaps the Western Way from the bothy north of Newport to Bellacorick might be a compromise? Any other ideas? Looking to get at least ten miles in (plus climbing). Am an experienced mountain runner / hillwalker.

Mountain Running group Galway??

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