UCD running track

smmoore79

Someone at work suggested i head out there and give it a go. just have a few questions that hopefully someone can answer...

Does anyone know if this facility is free?

Would it be very busy or just a handful of people using it on an average evening?

Whats the closing time? Id only be able to use it weekdays at around 6 to 7

Thanks in advance!

menoscemo

I use it quite regularly after work. On your way into UCD from the N11, just take the first left as you enter the complex and park it in the parking area about 200m down the road. The track is just in front of you.

It is open when UCD is open i.e. it is free to the public. I generally arrive between 6 and 7 but i assume you can use it 24/7. It is not lit but you can more or less see with the lights from the M50 and other buildings around the complex. There are usually about 10-15 people using it. i have never had any issues with it being overcrowded.

groovyg

You can run pretty much run anytime you want there unless its being used by the athletics club, http://www.ucd.ie/sport/facilities/athleticsfacilities/ It does say its free to UCD staff/students etc but nobody ever checks you.
There is good light off the from stillorgan road so you do find a few people running there in the evenings. There is also a small car park beside it.

smmoore79

Thanks for the feedback. I'll head out there early next week and give it a bash!

petermijackson

Very topical as I am planning on going there in the morning.

Just to confirm from others that have used it, it is open in the evenings? Just it says on the website that it is only open until 3pm.....

ecoli

there is no gate on the track so you are able to get on at any time. The only thing to take into consideration is a think DSD train there some evenings so i would try to avoid there training times and also same with the UCDAC sprinters on a monday and wed at 6 but other than that it open to public

petermijackson

Used this today for tempo laps - very handy. Grounds of college were nice to go for a warm down afterwards.

Will def be back

smmoore79

Did 6mile run last night which included UCD so did 2 laps of the track too. Found it very slippy though so may have to reconsider my footwear. have ordered x country spikes for the BHAA races; would these be ok to use on a track though??

tunney

smmoore79 wrote: »

Did 6mile run last night which included UCD so did 2 laps of the track too. Found it very slippy though so may have to reconsider my footwear. have ordered x country spikes for the BHAA races; would these be ok to use on a track though??

As long as your spike length doesn't exceed the length allowed for use on tracks (think its 7mm)

Ivan800

The track isn't in great condition so I'd avoid doing fast 200s on it. Surface is well worn so wear racing flats instead of spike if you can. If its slippy there's no avoiding the spikes though. Head up to Irishtown stadium. I think you pay about 5 euro a pop if you're not a memeber there though. If you're not affiliated with any other club you could join Crusaders AC for about 80 euro for the year which gives you use of the gym and track. Mega if you ask me. Though I am a slightly biased member of the Cru.

thirtyfoot

Ivan800 wrote: »

If you're not affiliated with any other club you could join Crusaders AC for about 80 euro for the year which gives you use of the gym and track. Mega if you ask me. Though I am a slightly biased member of the Cru.

I'll second that. Access to a club (and all they can offer which is probably something you can't put a price on), a track and a gym for €80, that is serious value and probably the best value you'll get anywhere in Ireland. I use the gym every so often and its pretty nifty and will suit the heavy lifter and also the treadmill or machine user.

meathcountysec

tunney wrote: »

As long as your spike length doesn't exceed the length allowed for use on tracks (think its 7mm)

5mm is the norm for tracks.