Achill Half Marathon

finlma

Has anyone run the Achill Half Marathon before? I'm running it in a few weeks and just want to know the severity of the hills. Due to where I live I can only train on minimal inclines so I might not be prepared if it is really hilly.

Peckham

I ran it last year. Took a look at the website and it's the same route. Hills were tough enough in parts....as far as I remember it was:

Gradual climb between miles 1 and 2
Slightly tougher climb just before the mile 4 marker
Short steep climb between mile 7 and 8
Couple of tough climbs between miles 10 and 12

It's definitely hillier than your "average" marathon, but there are no long draining climbs, just a couple of short sharp shocks!

Overall, it's a great race made even better by the fantastic scenery. Would love to be doing it again this year, but had prior commitments for that weekend.

Wally Runs

Dear Finlma,

I also ran there last year and I would add that the hill in the first mile or two is a long but slowly rising hill. You will hit it when you are fresh and I find jittery, so if you are not used to hills as you say, I would recommend that you take it steady and save yourself, as there will be another 10 miles to go when you get to the top.

Personally, I love the hills. In a hilly race you can really reel in the runners who have not kept a steady pace and are out of puff on the hills and walking. I tell myself that no matter how bad the hill, I will run up it rather than walk and I am happy to let them belt past me on the way down, as I know will reel them in again at the next hill (Rabbit and tortoise stuff).

It is really a fabulous race and remember to keep your head up and look about your as you run, the scenery is all the inspiration you will need on the hills.

See you there in July!

Abhainn

Last years event was held in fabalous weather. Organisation was first class too. It is probably the most scenic half marathon in Ireland , so now an again try and take in the surroundings.
The course is hilly and challenging.
The pints after are very enjoyable
Unfortunately I have other commitments on July 5th this year.
Enjoy!!

NoviceRunner

<snip for breach of charter>

finlma

Had a great day yesterday and it was an extremely well run event. The rain even held off for the duration. The hill at mile 10 was a bit of a ball breaker. The scenery on the run is something else. I will definitely be back next year.

Sumac

An excellent run race. Small Gripe this year that water stations had cups rather than bottles. Still a great race though, well organised, very friendly.
Much more enjoyable than connemara in my opinion (Not much easier though!)

GMcC

First run I've ever done. Had a great time . Met a lot of friendly people around the route - even bumped into my Irish teacher from more than 15 years ago :eek:.
Anyways, does anyone know when the official times will be posted on the site? Congrats to all, including the organisers for doing a top job.

Euchrid

No sign of the results yet... I heard a rumour that they had messed up the results on the day which might explain the delay! Does anyone know if they managed to post the results up on the day?

lizanne83

Hi all,
An excellent weekend! Made the 4.5 hour drive after work Friday from Naas and just about made it to race HQ before 10pm to collect bib etc. What a great day – despite a dreadful fall at mile 10! You might have seen the girl with long white socks with red bloody knees, hands and elbows racing towards finish like a bloody maniac. What a fantastic race for scenery. Finished in 1:35 hoping for 3rd female but slipped into 4th after fall. The turnout at finale in tented village after 4pm was disappointing alright but it was a very cold and miserable evening… everyone was in the pubs already, the “smart” ones! Good fun and buzz about Keel that evening though Hopefully official results should be on website soon

lukeeman

Results for achill half up on site.