Achill half marathon

TheRoadRunner

I thinking of doing the Achill half marathon as I have never been to Achill. Could somebody please recommend me a hotel to stay in. The livelier the better

Peckham

Think Achill is limited in terms of accomodation. I stayed in Valley House Hostel when I was there for this race in 2007. There was a group of us, so we took over a small dorm to ourselves.

Fantastic race. My highest placing in a "proper" race, big gap to person in front and behind me. Even had my name called out as I approached the finish line!

You'll probably win it though!

onimpulse

Not a huge choice of accommodation is right... if you want lively I'd say the Achill Head Hotel. The lap of luxury it isn't but you have everything you need there - including a nite club.

I did the half marathon there last year & the official after party was down the road in another pub - which was pretty quiet when we got there. We left after one drink & went up to the Achill Head & it was jammed...

Book your place in the race and your accommodation early though - the race sold out last year & I spoke to people who had to drive from Westport as they couldn't find anywhere on the island. Great race though - I really enjoyed it!

Alan1988

Love Achill. Favorite place to be, it rocks!!

figs

Agree with previous poster... Achill's a great place for the craic!

Accommodation is limited, but the Achill Head Hotel is probably the liveliest place around on that part ofthe island.

There's plenty of camping in Keel Caravan Park, and loads of self-catering and guest houses. Most active places are around Keel and Dooagh. In my opinion, Keel is the best place to stay, it's right on the beach, has a good few pubs, and it's not too far a walk from the niteclub in the Achill Head at 3am!

belcarra

Just signed up for the half! Wanted to do it last year but was too late:(
Intend to camp on the beach campsite as will be so wasted with drink it shouldn't matter:D

TheRoadRunner

Cheers for the replies and info. I've just sorted my accommodation and entered. Won't be taking this one too serious just looking forward to a nice weekend and a jaunt around Achill.

Anybody any info on the course ?

deadlybuzz

Hi,
Achill Head is the place to stay alright, if you're looking for some place lively. I ran the first Achill Half a few years ago. Achill Head were celebrating new ownership the night before... and free drinks were on offer from the bar. Needless to say, I didn't get much pre-race kip!

The course is mixture of rolling hills and flat exposed sections. I think that the route was reversed after the first year, so can't be 100% sure of the current route. The time I ran it, the weather was the main difficulty. It was raining, but moreover was very windy, so any chance of PB went out the window. I would normally run about 1:15, but think it was more like 1:20 in those conditions. Later that afternoon, well after the race, the sun was splitting the stones. Typical! It's a beautiful location, and I definitely recommend the trip if you're planning on making a weekend out of it. Best of luck with it.

Krusty_Clown

TheRoadRunner wrote: »

Anybody any info on the course ?

Here's my elevation profile/google map: Ugly but useful
That first hill look similar to Connemara's 'Hell of the West'. Still undecided whether or not I'll do this.

Abhainn

That was 2007 deadlybuzz? Yes that was some day (and night)
Probably the toughest half marathon course in Ireland but argueably the most scenic. 3 noticeable hills. One after a mile one that is perhaps 1.5 miles long but not too steep, then one at mile 7 and then at mile 10 I think which are both testing.
There's a lovely run into the finsh beside the beach and sea. A dip in the sea is a nice way to cool off.
Be prepared for a long drive (that is if you are travelling anywhere outside Connaught).
Highly recommended

McConkey

Wondering if Achill provides chips for chip timing-don't mean to hijack, just seems most appropriate to post here

Signed up there and there was a question regarding whether or not you were bringing your own chip-said no to that.

I saw from the confirmation then that there was no mention of the chip in the runners pack you pick up on the day.....so any past runners know if they supply the timing chips? Thanks, M

belcarra

I think from memory there was talk of a barcode being used...never been in a race with this so don't know how it works tbh.
I could be mistaken though!

McConkey

I'm pretty sure they said they were using champion chip timing (in the small print) where it gave the option of bringing your own chip but there was no mention of chips in the athletes pack. What is the story with barcodes-that sounds mad...Tescos here we come

zenmonk

Entered this myself
really enjoyed Ballycotton 10 but am not too interested in paying €20/€40 for a meagre:eek: 10k race so will race this instead as it is the next challenge distance wise.
Anyone else feel this way about the shorter distances?
maybe it's because of my age (35) I don't really see myself getting too much faster for me it's all about the challenge until the ultimate goal (marathon)

Quality Feet

I was just about to enter myself and two others when i noiced a €6 surcharge to enter on line. €18 seems a bit steep to me. am i right in saying that you dont pay the surcharge if you enter by post

TheRoadRunner

You don't normally have to pay the surcharge when paying by post. It's a handling fee charged by the online supplier.

I actually thought 6 euro was a bit steep myself. Don't mind a couple of euro but 6 is a bit expensive especially in your case where entering 3 runners.

shels4ever

TheRoadRunner wrote: »

You don't normally have to pay the surcharge when paying by post. It's a handling fee charged by the online supplier.

I actually thought 6 euro was a bit steep myself. Don't mind a couple of euro but 6 is a bit expensive especially in your case where entering 3 runners.

Friends of mine did this race last year and had a ball, BBQ before and after the race. I think they stayed in the cap site too which was a bit mad. Was thinking of doing it myself this year but setting another target for the summer..

6 euro is mad...

HardyEustace

zenmonk wrote: »

but am not too interested in paying €20/€40 for a meagre:eek: 10k race

TheRoadRunner wrote: »

I actually thought 6 euro was a bit steep myself. Don't mind a couple of euro but 6 is a bit expensive especially in your case where entering 3 runners.

In these recessionary times, does anyone else feel that races in Ireland are VERY expensive. I really feel like we're being bled dry. I don't mind paying a sensible amount for races but the prices of a lot of races are crazy.

Why are races so expensive?

shels4ever

HardyEustace wrote: »

In these recessionary times, does anyone else feel that races in Ireland are VERY expensive. I really feel like we're being bled dry. I don't mind paying a sensible amount for races but the prices of a lot of races are crazy.

Why are races so expensive?

Most races I run cost between €5- 10 , the odd marathon or road race may cose more, but you can look around for value,

TheRoadRunner

HardyEustace wrote: »

Why are races so expensive?

If you ask race promoters they will tell you insurance, prizes etc. If they are private companies obviously they want to make money. If it's run by a club they might be using it as a fund raiser.

Some do seem OTT. The only way prices will be pushed down is by people not paying the price. I generally won't spend anything over 20 euro unless it is a marathon or half marathon. I will pay over the odds now and again just to experience a particular race, but once I've ran an expensive race I generally won't do it again !

HardyEustace

I think that a lot of the time the very expensive races are propped up by people doing the race as a "once off", rather than having it as part of their race calender.

shels4ever, there's a great variety of nice cheap races in the Dublin area but not so much outside Dublin. For example the 5k series in Galway which is fantastic value and a lovely set of races sold out in about 24 hours I think.

It's the half marathons that seem to have gone through the roof.

spurscormac

HardyEustace wrote: »

I think that a lot of the time the very expensive races are propped up by people doing the race as a "once off", rather than having it as part of their race calender.

shels4ever, there's a great variety of nice cheap races in the Dublin area but not so much outside Dublin. For example the 5k series in Galway which is fantastic value and a lovely set of races sold out in about 24 hours I think.

It's the half marathons that seem to have gone through the roof.

Seconded - this is a really good set of races, and the reason it sold out so quickly is because there's been a huge increase in the number of people running for fun in Galway, especially the Fit 4 Life sessions that have been promoted so well by the local clubs.
In fact, after doing the series for the past 2 years solo, this year I joined up with my local club through the Fit 4 Life, and have progressed on to some of the running sessions.

The fact that the series is on a week night also helps draw the crowds, as for the less serious runners, you still have your weekends to yourself.

I would like to work towards a half marathon, but this €60/€70 entry does seem a little on the expensive side.
Hopefully I'll find a few 10ks or 10 milers over the summer, and build myself up to Connemara next year.

seanie500

60 eurois is scandalous for a 1/2 marathon :mad:

Quality Feet

seanie500 wrote: »

60 eurois is scandalous for a 1/2 marathon :mad:

especially in a location like achill. i could be way off but 60 x 2000 entrants = €120,000 plus sponsors money/donations. i would like to know how much it actually cost to run an event like this in a location like achill.

Bobby04

Could anyone tell me from their experience is it possible to travel out to Achill on the morning of the event?
Also, any recommendations for a suitable place to stay with 2 young kids? Or could we simply do a day trip and leave again that day after the race? Would like to do this race, but wondering how to sell the idea to the other half!

HardyEustace

seanie500 wrote: »

60 eurois is scandalous for a 1/2 marathon :mad:

I suppose as long as they find people that are willing to pay that price, the price isn't going to come down.

Supply and demand and all that!

spurscormac

Bobby04 wrote: »

Could anyone tell me from their experience is it possible to travel out to Achill on the morning of the event?
Also, any recommendations for a suitable place to stay with 2 young kids? Or could we simply do a day trip and leave again that day after the race? Would like to do this race, but wondering how to sell the idea to the other half!

I would imagine it's handy enough to stay in Westport and drive out on the morning of the race. Westport would have plenty of accommodation, and there should be enough to keep the kids happy.

Haven't been to Achill since I was a kid, but beaches there are lovely, so they could spend an hour or two there while you're running.

seanie500

FYI the belfast full marathon is 30 quid!

Achill is a great spot but 60 euro theyre havin a girafffe:eek:

Quality Feet

seanie500 wrote: »

FYI the belfast full marathon is 30 quid!

Achill is a great spot but 60 euro theyre havin a girafffe:eek:

60 quid seems to be the going rate for any of these 'scienic' location half marathons. is there any one on these boards who is involved and could justify the prices

geld

HardyEustace wrote: »

In these recessionary times, does anyone else feel that races in Ireland are VERY expensive. I really feel like we're being bled dry. I don't mind paying a sensible amount for races but the prices of a lot of races are crazy.

Why are races so expensive?

Hardy I can't answer your question but I am in full agreement with you. There are a number of races in Ireland that do not represent value for money and are far too expensive for what you are getting, I am surprised there is't a thread on this subject on this forum.

I haven't ran the The Achill race but it does sound a bit on the dear side. Connemara, which I did run @ €60 was poor value for money. The Dublin Marathon compared to Belfast is too dear IMO. The three Addidas series races are border line.

Thankfully I have BHAA (€10) and IMRA (€7) races to keep me going. Fantastic value when you comapare to other races.

Peckham

When I did it in 2007 it was a similar price, but a proportion of that was for a specific named charity. Looking at the website, there doesn't seem to be a charity element to the entry fee anymore, so would be interesting to hear why the price hasn't come down as a result.

ChickenTikka

Quality Feet wrote: »

especially in a location like achill. i could be way off but 60 x 2000 entrants = €120,000 plus sponsors money/donations. i would like to know how much it actually cost to run an event like this in a location like achill.

While not arguing in favour of high entry fees, if the price is too high, people shouldn't do it. Clearly the organisers are able to fill these races in scenic locations with a high price. They are commercial ventures and fair play to the organisers for spotting an opportunity. If people don't like the price, then pick a different race. If the organisers can't fill it, prices will fall next year.

Bobby04 wrote: »

Could anyone tell me from their experience is it possible to travel out to Achill on the morning of the event?
Also, any recommendations for a suitable place to stay with 2 young kids? Or could we simply do a day trip and leave again that day after the race? Would like to do this race, but wondering how to sell the idea to the other half!

I did the Achill half in 2006 and stayed in a holiday home for the weekend with my family. It was 2 minutes walk from the house to the race start line. Handy at the end of the race when I had to crawl home :-). There's loads of holiday homes there and most probably empty at that time of year so might be willing to take a weekend booking. Check out http://www.achilltourism.com/selfcatering.html

Keel was the race HQ in 2006. I think its the same again so that would be the best place to stay.

buck65

Anyone care to give a brief outline on the course - hills etc please

RoyMcC

In brief, the course climbs out of Keel steadily for about four miles before turning north. At that stage you might reckon that's the hard bit! Indeed there follows a downhill/flat section where I was tempted to put the hammer down a bit. But as the course circles back around there are a series of 3-4 significant climbs - each of which is 'the last hill' according to the onlookers. By the time of the last two flat miles I was out on my feet.

A tough course but the fantastic scenery more than makes up for it.

Krusty_Clown

Toying with the idea of doing this one for fun..
Here's my course profile, if you haven't seen it already: http://irelandbygps.com/treks/achill/
Not as useful as Roy's summary though.

lizanne83

I did Achill half-marathon last year. It was brilliant but best of luck to you trying to get accommodation at this stage. Even 2-3 months ago would be full-up. You’ll be lucky to get a camp site free on other side of the island. Perhaps you can try places for cancellations as they would almost guarantee all booked up now. I stayed at the Stella Maris B&B which was literally less than a minute from race start line. From bedroom windows you can see the race starting area and looking over the beach. http://www.stellamarisachill.com/
The race and weekend race festivities are all around Keel so here are some options:
Achill Isle House, Atlantic Breeze, Ferndale, Fuchsia Lodge, Joyce's Marian Villa, Roskeel House, Stella Maris.

Good luck and enjoy, it’s a great weekend all round. I was delighted maintaining 3rd female position until the last mile then tripped and fell (not first time in a race) cutting knees and elbows badly! Another gal passed me when I was still trying to get up... so I ended in 4th female (1:36) but was delighted as never got a place before and prob wont again at this rate and injury! It’s a really beautiful scenic course surrounded by mountains but be warned…. it is hilly

thirstywork

Met a guy last week who said he just pitches a tent and wakes up the morning of the race.Handy

kayakmoss

Signed up for this but was just planning on turning up and camping in one of the camp sites.....
Kinda hoped they're wouldnt be a problem with space but after what lizanne83 said im getting worried!

Killerz

i'm doing this one myself. emailed the Keel Sandybanks campsite - they said there was no need to book (i explained it was half-thon weekend) - just turn up on the day and pitch the tent. apparently the site is quite big (and is also close to start line).

figs

Killerz wrote: »

i'm doing this one myself. emailed the Keel Sandybanks campsite - they said there was no need to book (i explained it was half-thon weekend) - just turn up on the day and pitch the tent. apparently the site is quite big (and is also close to start line).

The camp site is fairly big so there is usually no problem. If full, there's plenty of places to camp nearby. Camping is frowned upon at Keel lake (probably because the campsite would lose out!) which is about 5 mins away, but is done occasionally, and is a great spot to camp.

Looking forward to it... Roll on 4th July...

Killerz

Quick question - For anyone who's done this race (or knows the course): How does it compare to the Connemara Half, or the Dublin Half Marathon - is it very hilly etc?

Magnet

Full/Closed since this morning,:mad:
God I`m sooo mad at myself for not applying earlier!

kayakmoss

Found out i need a hernia operation so i mightn't get to run achill. D'oh.
I was really looking forward to it aswell.
Knowing the health system though I prob wont get seen till well after July so fingers crossed ill drag myself and my busted gut across the line!!

Cerlan

Anyone know if there is a late entry option or is it full?

memorystick

Sorry for resurrecting this but am thinking of doing it. It'll be my first and want my wife and kids to come for 2 nights. I'm improving at speed and getting stronger. Last week i completed my fastest 5km in 29 minutes. Not bad for 18 and a half stone!! Should I be afraid??? Thanks

robinph

Zombie thread.