Running in Ireland

AngelaKruger

I'm migrating to Ireland early next year. Not 100% sure where exactly we'll be living, but Cork is a possibility. Running seems to be as popular in Ireland as it is here in Cape Town, South Africa (great news for me, I'm really enjoying my running at the moment!)
I've been running for about 4 1/2 years now, run at least 4 times a week (currently up to 6 times a week). I run all distances from 5km to 42km (marathon/26mi)

I stumbled across 'Boards' while googling running in Ireland and think I've found a great place to start looking for new running grounds.

I just wanted to introduce myself for now, hi, I'm Angela! But early next year I'll be asking you guys for suggestions for good training routes/areas, as well as good races in my area-to-be, and maybe also running clubs (the Boards AC sounds intriguing, will definitely keep you guys in mind!)

RoyMcC

Hi Angela and welcome. You've picked the place to come to all right and you'll get loads of good advice here - of course you may have some to pass on yourself.

You'd do worse than to settle in the People's Republic of Cork but you'll find that there's a bit of a running culture wherever you end up in the country.

AngelaKruger

Thanks Roy!

Does anyone have suggestions for websites where I can find a comprehensive running Calendar? For now I'm keen just to have a look at the kind of races I can look forward to running next year.

shels4ever

AngelaKruger wrote: »

Thanks Roy!

Does anyone have suggestions for websites where I can find a comprehensive running Calendar? For now I'm keen just to have a look at the kind of races I can look forward to running next year.

http://www.athleticsireland.ie/content/

http://www.racepix.com/

n-dawg

AngelaKruger wrote: »

Thanks Roy!

Does anyone have suggestions for websites where I can find a comprehensive running Calendar? For now I'm keen just to have a look at the kind of races I can look forward to running next year.

If your up for a bit of an adventure every time you go for a run check out www.imra.ie

Most of there races are around Dublin/Wicklow... but there are a few down south too.

AngelaKruger

Athletics Ireland has exactly what I'm looking for, thanks shels4ever!
And thanks n-dawg, my boyfriend is going to LOVE the IMRA website!! I'm more of a road-runner, with the occasional foray into the mountains, but he's a very keen trail runner, and the bigger the hills, the better!

Yep, I've definitely found the right place to get me running in Ireland!

happy_73

Hi Angela,

Welcome... keep an eye on the Running in Cork blog for up and coming races.

http://corkrunning.blogspot.com/

S

PS: and the Cork BHAA site has a calender of events in Cork
http://www.corkbhaa.com/

AngelaKruger

Thanks to all for the great responses so far!
I've had a look at all of the websites you guys suggested, and am looking forward more than ever to my arrival in Ireland!

RoyMcC

If your surname's Kruger then you'll be sure to be heading out to Kruger's Bar in Kerry. Europe's most westerly bar I believe, though I could be corrected there...

AngelaKruger

RoyMcC wrote: »

If your surname's Kruger then you'll be sure to be heading out to Kruger's Bar in Kerry. Europe's most westerly bar I believe, though I could be corrected there...

LOL, I'll be sure to keep that in mind

KentuckyPete

Hi Angela,

You can't go wrong in Cork. There's fantastic running there - Monkstown Line, Lee Fields and some great clubs(Eagle or St. Finbarrs or Leevale) running regular sessions at the local city tracks. Great hill training on the North side of the city and fantastic trail running in the various woods - Curragh, Glenbower, Garretstown etc.

There's also a constant supply of races at all distances. As recommended above, check out John Desmond's site at http://corkrunning.blogspot.com/ for the running scene updates (a great site and worth reading through the older posts)

Also the excellent Cork BHAA have their site at http://www.corkbhaa.com/

Great races like the Ballycotton 10, the Cork Marathon, and Cork-Cobh are spread through the year

Finally, Cork is home to Sonia O'Sullivan, Derval O'Rourke, Robert Heffernan, Liam O'Brien, Marcus O'Sullivan and Mark Carroll to name but six - truly a great place to run

hunnymonster

There are a few of us based in Cork as well so plenty of company to show you around.

happy_73

A few clubs if you're interested.

St. Finbarr’s A.C.
http://www.stfinbarrsac.com/

Leevale A.C.
http://www.leevale.org/

Eagle A.C.
http://www.eagleac.net/

S