Connemarathon half

tunney

How does the connemarathon half compare to the half in the Phoenix park?

In terms of course difficulty? I see there are only two climbs of 80-100m vertical over 2-3 km each.

911sc

Connemara Half is much more difficult than Dublin Half. Beside the 2 main hills you mentioned, the course goes up and down for ever. That makes Dublin half quite flat.
I would not like to do the Connemara Half as the start is basically at the bottom of one of the hills... I did the full last April, and at least i was warmed up when i arrived in Leenane... much easier!

RoyMcC

Like 911sc says it's a tough-ish run. But apart from the two major hills I believe it's fine. And not as mad as Achill imo

Be sure to do some hill training beforehand (and sharpen your elbows for the crowds) and you'll love it.

Euchrid

In my opinion, the half in Connemara is not nearly as tough as some make it out. It is undulating but only two hills of any consequence. The first, at the start line is over in a matter of minutes and forgotten about. The rest of the course is no worse then the back of the park in the Dublin half and then there's the final hill. It is worse then anything in Dublin but to be honest, when you know it's a short cruise downhill to the finish once you get to the top, it's not that hard to suck it up and go for it.

My two cents worth anyway. I reckon Connemara is closer to Dublin then Achill, which is much hillier!

Krusty_Clown

I don't think it's much more difficult, however, it is far more enjoyable. The weather this year also made things a little more...interesting... Hail-stones and extreme sun. It's a couple of weeks earlier next year though, so probably colder..

Odysseus

I would agree with krusty I never did the half but I did the ultra two years ago and it covered the half route if I remember correctly it was a nice route nothing two difficult.

MCOS

Entries for the 2009 Connemarathon will be suspended from 10 am on Tuesday 9th December
All entries received up to that time are totally secure and the event promises to be better than ever.

Unfortunately we have been forced to suspend entry to the 2009 event because of uncertainty on our application for a road closure. Despite ongoing negotiations with Galway County Council a request for a partial road closure has not been granted and, as such, the number of entries received has now reached capacity.

The Gardai have pledged continued support for the Connemarathon and are currently working with us on a new an improved traffic management plan which will swing into operation from 7am on race morning.

Keep an eye on our website for further updates on this issue. For the lucky 2,300 people that have entered, a glorious day in Connemara beckons.

tunney

MCOS wrote: »

Entries for the 2009 Connemarathon will be suspended from 10 am on Tuesday 9th December
All entries received up to that time are totally secure and the event promises to be better than ever.

Unfortunately we have been forced to suspend entry to the 2009 event because of uncertainty on our application for a road closure. Despite ongoing negotiations with Galway County Council a request for a partial road closure has not been granted and, as such, the number of entries received has now reached capacity.

The Gardai have pledged continued support for the Connemarathon and are currently working with us on a new an improved traffic management plan which will swing into operation from 7am on race morning.

Keep an eye on our website for further updates on this issue. For the lucky 2,300 people that have entered, a glorious day in Connemara beckons.

Man if the full gets cancelled there will be a very angry mrs tunney........

Abhainn

Am I glad now that I completed my Ultra entry on Friday last.

What absolute SHXTE from Galway County council

Diarm

I've been out of the country for a few weeks and have just noticed that they have suspended entry for connemarathon, anybody know if they will really reopen entry to the race or am I going to be unlucky... I've entered London and was going to us this HM as my training for London, anybody have any other suggestions?

thanks

Stupid_Private

Diarm wrote: »

I've been out of the country for a few weeks and have just noticed that they have suspended entry for connemarathon, anybody know if they will really reopen entry to the race or am I going to be unlucky... I've entered London and was going to us this HM as my training for London, anybody have any other suggestions?

thanks

Here's a list of other half marathon's in Ireland. I'd suggest Larne or Omagh, both websites need to be updated. They should also be in March.

hollypink

When I contacted the Connemarathon organisers they told me discussions are ongoing with Galway County Council. So maybe there is some small hope that the situation will change. They also suggested registering your email address on the website to get the latest information.

It's disappointing as I did the half 2 years ago and really enjoyed the experience, so I was looking forward to doing it again but hadnt gotten around to registering. That will teach me to procrastinate!

Diarm

thanks for that, fingers crossed so!!!

aburke

From the Connemarathon website

Connemarathon wrote:

Entry re-opens
Wed, 10/12/2008
Following a quick and positive response from the authorities we are pleased to reopen entry to the 2009 Connemarathon.

Swift intervention from Failte Ireland and Galway County Council has allowed us to extend entry levels to or original plans. Commenting on the latest entry status, Race Director Ray O'Connor said "We are very pleased with the level of support offered by all involved and are very confident that the next running of the Connemarathon will be the best yet.

Safety of every participant is of paramount importance and minimising traffic is a key element in our plans for 2009."

Entry is now open and will close again as soon as our entry limit has been reached. This may take just a couple of days.

aburke

Hi all,
I promised a warning if entries were about to close.
I was caught on the hop yesterday - we all were -, but as you can see, it has turned out OK.

I doubt entries will be open for more than a few days more [if the response we got yesterday was anything to go by].

Alan

Roddy23

Cheers for that Alan. Just registered my brother and myself for this. :pac:

Diarm

Hello all,

bit of a long shot but does anybody have an entry for the Half marathon? a few of us have signed up already and are looking for one more spot, thanks

baza1976

Diarm wrote: »

Hello all,

bit of a long shot but does anybody have an entry for the Half marathon? a few of us have signed up already and are looking for one more spot, thanks

If H.M see's this you will be in trouble ...lol
There are some charity entries still available ... isin't there??? If your budy wants that bad he might as well raise a few bob in the process;)