10K Charity Run Through The Port Tunnel

aoa321

I heard a snippet on the radio during the week where somebody mentioned the possibility that a 10K Charity Run was being organised that would go through Dublin's new Port Tunnel before it officially opens for traffic later this year .... insert your jokes about swimming/drowning/wellies here ____________ .

Many charities have contacted the Dublin Port Authority with a view to raising money from such an unusual event, if anybody gets any more information on this please post it here.

DaveH

Clonliffe Harriers are organising a 5 Mile Race.. See Below,

Keep an eye on www.clonliffeharriers.com

Aug 9, 2006
As you may have seen in various newspaper articles over recent days Clonliffe Harriers in conjunction with The Dublin Port Company are the organising club for a once off, totally unique and a first in Ireland event THE DUBLIN PORT TUNNEL RACE.

The event is at the planning stages, the club`s Committee are currently intensively involved in the strategic organisation phase of the race with the Port Company.

At this early stage all we can confirm is that the race will take place towards the end of October or early November and more than likely on a Friday night. The race will commence at the Port side of the tunnel and will run (underground for the entire distance) northwards towards Santry,uphill, and will use an underground turn at Whitehall to swing back down the other side of the tunnel back to Dublin Port,the second half of the race will be fast as it is all downhill. The total race distance will be 5 Miles.

It is anticipated that there will be the provision of car parking and baggage area close to the start/finish area. The presentation of prizes to the winners will be made in the Port area.

This will be a totally unique experience in Irish sport. For the athletes taking part it is the one and only opportunity to run through the Port Tunnel. The fact that the race will take place at night will add to the atmosphere and the sense of occasion.

The race will undoubtedly attract hugh interest and it is expected that the will be substancial numbers wishing to take part. For obvious reasons it is simply not possible to allow unlimited numbers take part. As part of the planning process we would expect a limit and a closing date to be put in place and beyond which ever is reached first no further enteries will be accepted. Therefor we would advise that as soon as entry is open you should apply.

Clonliffe and The Dublin Port Company are also pleased to announce that a portion of the race entry fee will be donated to The Lord Mayor`s Fund. In addition Charity organisations are welcome to seek individual athletes and groups of athletes to fund raise for them in this unique occasion.

Further details will be posted on this site : Race date, entry details, entry fee , etc. as they become available. WATCH THIS SPACE.

Pherekydes

DaveH wrote:

...a once off, totally unique

This will be a totally unique experience in Irish sport.

For the athletes taking part it is the one and only opportunity to run through the Port Tunnel.

The fact that the race will take place at night will add to the atmosphere and the sense of occasion.

The race will undoubtedly attract hugh interest and it is expected that the will be substancial numbers wishing to take part.

I sense a fleece coming... (What a grumpy old cynic I am becoming)

Seriously, I hope it's a great occasion, and all goes well, at least for Clonliffe.

Hopefully not too many runners will bump their heads on the roof...:D

Perhaps they should run the race with the lights out?

aoa321

Thanks for the info, I'll keep an eye on the Clonliffe Harriers site.

MarieC

I've checked the clonliffe harriers website and cant find any reference to this run.

It sounds really cool.........can I suggest that perhaps its done in november and not end of october if possible, as Im sure quiet a few marathon participants would like to have the opportunity to do it!!!

aburke

I reckon this would be a good road race.

There couldn't be too many potholes or cow Sh**te to deal with

No updates on Clonliffe Harriers site or the Port Tunnel website.

Anybody have any more info?

Regards,
Alan

DaveH

Heard on the grapevine;), should be in the next 4 weeks. Hold up is when the Tunnel is finished. I dont think there'll be too advertisment of this race, maybe only 2 weeks notice. It will be a Sunday as well I gather.

aburke

Thanks Dave
You're obviously in the loop.
Make sure to let us all know here ASAP.

DaveH wrote:

Heard on the grapevine;), should be in the next 4 weeks. Hold up is when the Tunnel is finished. I dont think there'll be too advertisment of this race, maybe only 2 weeks notice. It will be a Sunday as well I gather.

deadlybuzz

There's now a page dedicated to the event on the Clonliffe website. Race & entry details TBD.

DaveH

aburke wrote:

Thanks Dave
You're obviously in the loop.
Make sure to let us all know here ASAP.

Im actually not in the loop. Just have a few friends in Clonliffe and hearing very reliable information. If I hear anymore I'll pass it on.

Cheers
Dave

hunnymonster

sounds like fun. I hope it doens't end up clashing with anything else for me.

DaveH

Hi,
My Sources have told me the race will take place on Sunday December 10. This has to be confirmed officaillly, but a good pointer is that the National Novice has been re-fixed for Saturday December 9, from the 10th.

www.clonliffeharriers.com - keep an eye over the next few days.

Cheers
Dave

aburke

Great Stuff, Thanks Dave.

ateam

Heard on the radio this morning that it will take place on Sunday December 10th. Does anyone know how to apply to this run?

quozl

http://www.activeeurope.com/Events/index.cfm?AC=EventDetails&E=41978

nudjte

Is that site above board? Seems strange that they'd be able to register you for the race when there doesn't seem to be any details available on the race (bar the radio announcement I heard this morning).

Clonliffe's site don't have anything, and they are hosting the race, aren't they?

quozl

I've registered for and run the complete adidas race series via that site this year. Pretty sure it's above board

I'd say clonliffe just haven't updated their website yet.

daymobrew

nudjte wrote:

Is that site above board? Seems strange that they'd be able to register you for the race when there doesn't seem to be any details available on the race (bar the radio announcement I heard this morning).

Clonliffe's site don't have anything, and they are hosting the race, aren't they?

The site is 'above board' - the Dublin City Triathlon was booked through it, as was the National Duathlon race.

The webmaster might simply not have gotten around to updating the Clonliffe page.

Odysseus

I have used this site loads of time for various events, so ther should be nothing to worry about. Just entered myself.

aburke

I'm in..
But who knows what state I'll be in after the National Novice Cross Country the day before...

Pherekydes

Entered!

I'm hoping this will kickstart my fitness and weight loss drive.

Will there be a problem getting an ambulance into the middle of the tunnel with 10000 runners?

Addendum: I currently weigh 203lbs and 23% BF at 6ft. We'll see after the run (not race) if two of those figures have changed.

TimG

hi slowcoach, 10000 places, thats crazy, One of my friends also told me that there is 10000 places, (and 2000 have been booked already!) This cant be right, what happen if there's a fire, or if the tunnel floods:D due to the dodge roof, or whatever!

Pherekydes

TimG wrote:

...or if the tunnel floods

It becomes a 10k swim! Practice holding your breath!

Clum

TimG wrote:

10000 places, thats crazy

9700 I think. And there's over 2000 people entered already. That should increase quite a bit today and tomorrow cos the official launch was yesterday and the pictures ands stories hit the papers this morning.

It'll be a bit of a jog more than a run. Can't see any PBs being set on the day.

spacetweek

Clum wrote:

9700 I think. And there's over 2000 people entered already. That should increase quite a bit today and tomorrow cos the official launch was yesterday and the pictures ands stories hit the papers this morning.

It'll be a bit of a jog more than a run. Can't see any PBs being set on the day.

Just registered. Now there's 3100.

I'm horridly unfit, having not hit a gym in one and half years. I'm planning to jog the thing, not run, but I still better get working out. Also hopefully I'll lose some of my 98 kg.

bullrunner

i'm in too.....does anybody know if there are t-shirts for the finishers???Also is there parking at the tunnel anywhere??

DaveH

I was told by one of the organisors in July :-), thats theres a medallion going to the finishers. The guy I was speaking to was designing it. So hopefull its turns out that way. I personally prefers plaques to T-shirts.

daymobrew

bullrunner wrote:

i'm in too.....does anybody know if there are t-shirts for the finishers???Also is there parking at the tunnel anywhere??

DaveH wrote:

I was told by one of the organisors in July :-), thats theres a medallion going to the finishers.

According to the page about the race, http://www.clonliffeharriers.com/ch_port_tunnel_race_f.html ,

Awards
Each finisher will receive a beautifully engraved souvenir medallion. This is a one-off, never to be repeated medallion together with a special commemorative T-shirt.

So a medallion plus a t-shirt.

There was mention somewhere about some parking in East Point Business Park, but public transport is encouraged. Clontarf DART station isn't far.

copacetic

daymobrew wrote:

According to the page about the race, http://www.clonliffeharriers.com/ch_port_tunnel_race_f.html ,
So a medallion plus a t-shirt.

There was mention somewhere about some parking in East Point Business Park, but public transport is encouraged. Clontarf DART station isn't far.

how far is clontarf dart? must be a couple of miles? public transport isn't great if they are saying there is ltd storage of gear? come 'ready to run' is not going to be pleasant on a cold sunday across the city!!

hunnymonster

mmm, if there is a teeshirt and they haven't asked for sizes it will most likely be a one size fits all i.e. a nightshirt to those of us smaller than a size 22! It' a shame. I would love a teeshirt that fitted but if not, I would prefer the money wasted on it went to charity.

I suppose for people intending to race this, the best plan is to try and get a friend to come along that can drive you as close as possible and hold onto your gear while you run. I'll just be out for he criac so I don't particularly mind if I'm cold at the start. I think I'm going to cycle over there.

DaveH

daveym wrote:

how far is clontarf dart? must be a couple of miles? public transport isn't great if they are saying there is ltd storage of gear? come 'ready to run' is not going to be pleasant on a cold sunday across the city!!

Funnily enough I work in East Point. Its a 10-15 minute walk from Clontarf Dart station to East Point, unfortunately the entrance to port tunnel is on the other side of east point. Id say its only 25-30 mintue walk around, its not that far. The entrance is near the old B&I gateway.
Im looking forward to this, being watching the tunnel being built for the last 4 years.

irlirishkev

hunnymonster wrote:

mmm, if there is a teeshirt and they haven't asked for sizes it will most likely be a one size fits all i.e. a nightshirt to those of us smaller than a size 22! It' a shame. I would love a teeshirt that fitted but if not, I would prefer the money wasted on it went to charity.

Ditto. I was pleased with the Marathon long sleeve shirt. Good sizes, and the 's' fits me perfectly!

daymobrew

DaveH wrote:

Its a 10-15 minute walk from Clontarf Dart station to East Point, unfortunately the entrance to port tunnel is on the other side of east point. Id say its only 25-30 mintue walk around, its not that far. The entrance is near the old B&I gateway.

Gmaps Pedometer measured the distance to be just over 1 mile from Clontarf DART station. A gentle warm-up should have you down to the start quick enough.

hunnymonster wrote:

mmm, if there is a teeshirt and they haven't asked for sizes it will most likely be a one size fits all i.e. a nightshirt to those of us smaller than a size 22! It' a shame.

Maybe they'll have a range of sizes on offer after the race. Like they did at the BUPA 10k in 2004.

Pamwam

I hear that the tunnell has quite a hill at the start ... 2 miles!
does anyone have any info on what the course is like?

thanks

Pherekydes

Only 820 places left.

I hear it'll be cold, wet and windy on Sunday week, so it's a good job they're holding it indoors.

I hear it's down first, then up to Santry, then down after the turnaround, and up again to the finish. How steep, I don't know.

edited to add: 813 places now, 5 minutes later. They're going like hotcakes.

daymobrew

Pamwam wrote:

I hear that the tunnell has quite a hill at the start ... 2 miles!
does anyone have any info on what the course is like?

The entry page says:

Course Details wrote:

The Course will be marked at each km. Conditions for running are ideal as it is practically all held underground, however there is a distinct climb for 3km of the outbound journey and 2+ km of the return journey. Participants should ensure they can finish the distance before taking part.

I thought there was a video online doing a drive-through of the tunnel, but I can't find it.

daymobrew

Pamwam wrote:

I hear that the tunnell has quite a hill at the start ... 2 miles!
does anyone have any info on what the course is like?

I contacted Dublin City Council about the video; unfortunately it is not ready. With respect to the incline, I was told that:

DPT incline wrote:

the incline is a gradual 4% but it is constant unlike other road surfaces which will vary.

daymobrew

Under the photo gallery are few errie views. I'm sure the noise of 10000 runners echoing off the walls should be interesting.

Pamwam

4% doesn't sound too bad so I'm sure I'll survive! i just hate hills.

gzoladz

I still have not received my race number, which was supossed to be posted to my address 2 weeks before the race.

Did anyone receive it? I sent an email to the organization and as expected I have received no answer yet.

In case I don't receive the race number at all, should I show up on the day with a print of my registration email and number?

Cheers,
Gustavo

fade2che

I havent recieved my race number either, im sure it will be grand tho. If it doesnt arrive before the day I will bring the details with me on the day I suppose.

What kind of times are people looking to run?
At the moment I am running 7.5k in just under 40 mins, so if I make it under an hour I will be happy enough.

gzoladz

Fade2che, same as you. For 10k my goal is always not to walk during the whole run, what means just under 1h for me.
However, I have started going to the gym a few months ago so I may aim for 53-55min. Will see.

hunnymonster

I'm hoping for sub 40 mins. I've not trained for a 10 km recently but I have been doing some speedwork.

No number for me either and it will be sent to my parent's house as that's where my credit card is still registered..

Domer

Dec 3, 2006 [Noel Guiden]
Only a week to go to one of the biggest sporting mass participation events in Ireland this year. Next Sunday will see the 10,000 registered athletes, runners, joggers and walkers set on their way at 11:00 for this unique once off event. Wheelchair athletes will be off 15 minutes earlier. Please note that entry closed last Wednesday when the last of the limit of 10,000 places was taken. Clonliffe Harriers AC and The Port Tunnel Company regret that unfortunately it is not possible to accept any additional entries whatsoever. For Health and Safety reasons there was a strict limit of 10,000 placed on the event and with that number now reached entry is closed. Please further note that it is not possible to have a stand by or cancellation list. We regret that we cannot make any acceptions whatsoever to this.

All registered competitors will over the next couple of days receive their race numbers and final instructions sheet by post. The first batch has just been posted and the final batch will be dispatched in the next 24 hours. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU KEEP YOUR RACE NUMBER IN A SAFE PLACE AND BRING IT WITH YOU ON DECEMBER 10th AS YOU WILL NOT BE ADMITTED TO THE START AREA WITHOUT YOUR NUMBER.

RACE DAY INSTRUCTIONS:

The event takes place on SUNDAY DECEMBER 10th at 11:00 am

START/FINISH: Dublin Port Tunnel, East Wall Road, Dublin 1

ARRIVAL TIME FOR START: it is strongly recommended that you arrive at the start area between 9.00- 9.30am. PLEASE NOTE there will be no admittance after 10.15am.

GETTING THERE : it is recommended that public transport be availed of. There will be limited car parking (follow signs to Dublin Port area). The area is very well served by public transport:

CLONTARF DART STATION is only a 15 minute walk away.

BUSES : Annsely Bridge in Fairview is a short walk away, buses stopping in that area : 20B, 27, 27B, 29A, 31, 31B, 32, 32, 32A, 42, 42A, 42B, 33, 130.

ON ARRIVAL : You must show your race number to gain access to the start area. PLEASE NOTE that no one will be given access without a race number. We regret that for health and safety reasons (over crowding) that spectators will not be permitted to access the start/finish area.

BAGGAGE AREA: There will be a facitity for limited baggage handling. It is however advisable to arrive ready to run. Any baggage left in is done so entirely at your own risk. DO NOT LEAVE ANY VALUABLES WITH YOUR BAG.

START AREA : Please obey the stewards. There will be a system in place where you will be graded according to your estimated finishing time, please be realistic and go to the correct area. This will make the expierence much more enyoyable for all, however, in order to be a success we really do require your co opperation.

ON THE COURSE : The Civil Defence will be in attendance and there will be numerious first aid stations. In addition there will be water available during the event and toilets at half way.

FINISH AREA : Again please listen to the stewards, they know what they are doing, even if you are tired it is most important that you proceed through the finshing chutes as quickly as possible. There will be large finishing clocks displaying your finishing time. As you exist the finishing chute you will be presented with your special medallion. Proceed on further and you will receive your goody bag which will contain you souvenir T shirt. Please then exit the finish area. Please note there can be no re admittance to the finish area.

PRIZE PRESENTATION : Will be made within 10 minutes of the winners finishing. Prizes for the first 6 senior men and women. Prizes will also be awarded to the winners of Masters O/35 - O/65 by post after the event.There are also 12 spot prizes.

HEALTH AND SAFETY : The Civil Defence will be in attendance. Please obey the instructions of all race stewards.

hunnymonster

correction: my number was in the post this morning.

I'm a bit concerned by the lack of baggage facilities. I'll be running over to the race and running home but as far as I can tell from boards.ie anyway) there are a lot of non-runners doing this. It's not really appropiate to leave them without warm clothes after a 10 km race, particularly after what is essentially an indoor race but finishing outside. For myself it means I'll have to leave straight afterwards rather than hang around chatting afterwards. It doesn't take that much effort to barrier off a section to put bags into.

DaveH

Justa point on running for times. Was speaking to someone with experience of these kind of road races. He's not running this weekend, but he reckons that you will only have a surge every 100 meters or so. Just think of the logistics of 10,000 people running into the port tunnel at the same time, it does make a bit of sense.

We shall see what happens......

hunnymonster

11 but they're saying you will not be let into the start area after 10:15 BBBrrrrrrgh

fletch

I'm hoping for circa 45mins. Could be a bit of a tight squeeze alright and I wouldn't fancy falling and getting trampled on.....
I've also yet to receive my number in the post

hunnymonster

they get 10000 into Nassau street every halloween and it takes about 2 miles until the running is free.... Hopefully the walkers will have proper consideration for those trying to do their best. I'll certainly be hanging back to allow those who want to do their best, to do so.

sim2

Considering we have to be at the start at 9.30 for 11 o'clock start, can anyone enlighten me whether we will be allowed to use toilets before we start.
At the start of the Women's mini-marathon, we were not allowed to the toilets for 45 minutes before the start. Granted it was one of the hottest days of the year and water consumption was huge but still it is not good for one to have to hold on like that! I was in the running section just before the joggers and by the time the start hooter went, I had severe cramp in my stomach, I couldn't run or walk and had to dive into the nearest hostelry to use their facilities.:eek: This won't be possible in the Tunnel, so if there is anybody from the organisers reading this, could you ensure there are enough toilets at the start.
Thanks!;)

hunnymonster

taken from the blurb that comes with the number

Toilets: Portaloos will be located at the entry/exit areas.