Warriors Run 2012 (Sligo). August 25th 3pm.

Mint Sauce

A 15km road and hill run, commencing and finishing at the seafront in Strandhill Sligo, taking in a mix of road, farmland, and a slippery rockery decent on stone, gravel, and grass. All round the base and to the 1,073 ft summit of Sligo's Knockerea, and the tomb of Queen Medb before decending back to the bottom.

Registration date being announced tomorrow. Registration was €40 last year, and filled up very quick.

http://www.warriorsfestival.com/about-warriors-run

This time around I'm PB hunting, to beat my 90 minute finish from last year.

Broom wagon is 2 1/2 hrs.

Mint Sauce

Registration opening Thursday 31st May as per the FB page.

rovers_runner

Still 40 euros to enter after a price hike last year.
I have done this the last few years and would recommend avoiding this due to the entry fee being raised two years in a row without any justification or improvement in the event.

Being from Sligo this event does not reflect well on the brilliantly orgnised value for money events around such as the sligo road race league and the upcoming sligo marathon.
The organisers say it's a non profit event but 800 x 40 euro = more than a cotton tshirt and a cup of water per person.


It also clashes with the Frank Duffy 10 in the park (August 25th).
Rant over

nerraw1111

It's a brilliant race. Superbly organised. One of the best races of the year in 2011.

Sells out pretty quickly, last year was nuts.

RacoonQueen

Have been dying to do this for a couple of years. Got a slot last year and wasn't able to run then. Too close to the national half though? Gah.

cloneslad

rovers_runner wrote: »

Still 40 euros to enter after a price hike last year.
I have done this the last few years and would recommend avoiding this due to the entry fee being raised two years in a row without any justification or improvement in the event.

Being from Sligo this event does not reflect well on the brilliantly orgnised value for money events around such as the sligo road race league and the upcoming sligo marathon.
The organisers say it's a non profit event but 800 x 40 euro = more than a cotton tshirt and a cup of water per person.


It also clashes with the Frank Duffy 10 in the park (August 25th).
Rant over

The entire festival is nonprofit, this money goes towards paying for it. They also had an unbelievable amount of packaged sandwiches, chocolate bars, crisps, tea and coffee too, not to mention chip timing, a live video feed from the mountain top to the finish line, and some decent prizes for those who place well.

It's a very well organised race, sure it's expensive, compared to what it was 4-5 years ago, but 5ks are 20euro or more to enter.

rovers_runner

cloneslad wrote: »

The entire festival is nonprofit, this money goes towards paying for it. They also had an unbelievable amount of packaged sandwiches, chocolate bars, crisps, tea and coffee too, not to mention chip timing, a live video feed from the mountain top to the finish line, and some decent prizes for those who place well.

It's a very well organised race, sure it's expensive, compared to what it was 4-5 years ago, but 5ks are 20euro or more to enter.

They had all of those extras in 2009 also, what was the entry fee that year ?
The chip timing is a standard in the last 5 years at a small cost per runner for large fields.
My gripe with this event is how it can go from 25 to 40 euro in a couple of years with no explanation.
The increased fee is clearly not spent on the run itself.

Mint Sauce

A technical tee would be nice for the fee, rather than the cotton one.

Although considering the run takes place over a mountain, I'm sure the cost having mountain rescue amoungst other things in situ isn't cheap.

Slogger Jogger

Where mountain rescue in situ? Didnt see them en route last year.

Its a great event. I'd recommend it as a once off. There is a sense of occasion finishing on the main street running towards the sea. A great atmosphere.

I agree that its steep in cost for what you get. IMRA races have a lot of the thrills and spills for a fraction of the cost.

DULLAHAN2

irish-stew wrote: »

I'm sure the cost having mountain rescue amoungst other things in situ isn't cheap.

Might have been one or two around the place but mostly its volunteers from the lo cal that marshall the mountain.

Slogger Jogger wrote: »

IMRA races have a lot of the thrills and spills for a fraction of the cost.

Yeah but would cost more than 40 euros for us in sligo to travel to them.

Enduro

How much does it cost ya to get to Mayo then?

DULLAHAN2

Enduro wrote: »

How much does it cost ya to get to Mayo then?

To Get to Mweelrea it would be 4 hrs 40 mins round trip and to get to nephin 2 hrs 40 mins round trip and to croagh patrick it would be 3 hrs 40 mins round trip

Times according to google maps

Peterx

The Warrior's race is a fantastic weekend away kind of race. full stop.

Whether or not it is worth it depends on your appreciation for the many aspects of the race including;

festival with ample distractions for family
crowds lining the street cheering you home
after race party, dancing, drinking, carousing
Live video feed
T-shirt
random team prizes
chip timing


I obviously do love the IMRA races but we are not comparing like with like here, The only recent IMRA race that came close was actually a NIMRA event
I generally don't understand these type of complaints, you get exactly the same comments about the connamarathon which also sells out quickly enough.
I, for one, will be toting my keyboard at the first hurdle on the 31st of may. A certain local man and me will be having a race - hopefully!

Sandwell

Agree totally with PeterX. It was probably my highlight race of last year and that includes club races, multisport events, IMRA races etc. The festival atmosphere makes it perfect for a weekend away with friends or family as there's plenty to do for all ages. The race itself is extremely well organised, the course is stunning, and the locals really come out in numbers to provide support along the route. Strandhill is a great spot too. Race aside the highlight of the weekend for me was the breakfast in Shells cafe on the Sunday morning. The granola sundae alone was worth making the trip west for.

T runner

Peterx wrote: »

The Warrior's race is a fantastic weekend away kind of race. full stop.

Whether or not it is worth it depends on your appreciation for the many aspects of the race including;

festival with ample distractions for family
crowds lining the street cheering you home
after race party, dancing, drinking, carousing
Live video feed
T-shirt
random team prizes
chip timing


I obviously do love the IMRA races but we are not comparing like with like here, The only recent IMRA race that came close was actually a NIMRA event
I generally don't understand these type of complaints, you get exactly the same comments about the connamarathon which also sells out quickly enough.
I, for one, will be toting my keyboard at the first hurdle on the 31st of may. A certain local man and me will be having a race - hopefully!

2-0 is a dangerous lead....eh in a 5 year match!

Enduro

Don't mistake my post for knocking the race... I only did it the once, back in the days when you could roll up on the day and enter the race. It was a great race. Spent the first half neck and neck with T-Runner. I'd be unlikely to be able to hang on with him now!

Very well organised, great atmosphere around the whole town with great support and encouragment for racers. Nice custom trophies for the prizewinners too. I don't know anyone who has done it that didn't love the race.

The only point I was trying to make was that there are IMRA races all over the country, including next door to Sligo, which are significantly cheaper (So having a hill in a race doesn't automatically mean it has to be expensive). I've no issue with the cost of the Warrior Run. Plenty of bang for the buck if you do it properly and hang around the town for the festival!

dna_leri

rovers_runner wrote: »

Still 40 euros to enter after a price hike last year.
I have done this the last few years and would recommend avoiding this due to the entry fee being raised two years in a row without any justification or improvement in the event.

Being from Sligo this event does not reflect well on the brilliantly orgnised value for money events around such as the sligo road race league and the upcoming sligo marathon.

Is it still 40 euros or has it gone up in the last two years?
Why did you do it last year if you knew all this?

The Warriors Run does not in any way reflect on the Sligo Road Race league but you will see many of the same people taking part in both. I will hold fire on the sligo marathon until they have 25 years of success behind them.

If its such bad value, why do so many people want to do it every year? Possibly because its an iconic event - unique, picturesque, well-organised, well-supported, competitive and great craic.

I did it last year for the first time and yes, its expensive - that was the most I paid for any race last year but I can't think what more they could do to improve the experience - please don't say a technical-T and a goodie bag - it's not that kind of event.

I won't do it this year but I don't begrudge its success or the focus it brings to Strandhill. In Sligo we should celebrate having such an event and join in cheering the competitors and the craic.

Everyone should do it once, say "never again" at the finish but then think maybe...

rovers_runner

dna_leri wrote: »

Is it still 40 euros or has it gone up in the last two years?
Why did you do it last year if you knew all this?

I committed to taking part with friends, and you can't knock something unless you gave it a chance.

The Warriors Run does not in any way reflect on the Sligo Road Race league but you will see many of the same people taking part in both. I will hold fire on the sligo marathon until they have 25 years of success behind them.
If its such bad value, why do so many people want to do it every year? Possibly because its an iconic event - unique, picturesque, well-organised, well-supported, competitive and great craic.

I agree it is well organised, cannot fault the efforts of people involved on the day. A jump of 15 euros in two years when nothing changes about the whole event is not explained however. I suppose I'm just aware of so many different organisations and clubs events that I form an opinion based on what I see.

I did it last year for the first time and yes, its expensive - that was the most I paid for any race last year but I can't think what more they could do to improve the experience - please don't say a technical-T and a goodie bag - it's not that kind of event.

I don't care for a technical t-shirt or bag of chocolate, pens and flyers.
I would rather the event returned to 25 euro a person and just had timing chips and a water station at the finish.
It seems to be widely accepted at this stage that the run pays for the festival.
Suppose you were someone who just wants to take part in a run should you pay for the activities not directly related to the run?

dna_leri

rovers_runner wrote: »

I committed to taking part with friends, and you can't knock something unless you gave it a chance.

Hmmm.... :rolleyes:

rovers_runner wrote: »

It seems to be widely accepted at this stage that the run pays for the festival.
Suppose you were someone who just wants to take part in a run should you pay for the activities not directly related to the run?

If you just want to take part in a run then you should certainly not enter the Warriors - this is not an ordinary run. Head to Mweelrea, or do the Warriors Route next weekend, or one of the excellent Sligo Road Race league. But you don't have to begrudge its success or knock those that want more than an ordinary run once a year.

rovers_runner

dna_leri wrote: »

Hmmm.... :rolleyes:

If you just want to take part in a run then you should certainly not enter the Warriors - this is not an ordinary run. Head to Mweelrea, or do the Warriors Route next weekend, or one of the excellent Sligo Road Race league. But you don't have to begrudge its success or knock those that want more than an ordinary run once a year.

You still didn't address my point dna_leri.
Can you name any other races that increased their entry fee in the last couple of years?
Did said race have any noticable difference from the year previously?


Do you consider the wicklow way trail an ordinary run? I've done that one... half the price and it included a bus to the start :pac:
I took part in the 8k in Rosses Pt last Saturday also, fine race it was too and value for money.

dna_leri

rovers_runner wrote: »

You still didn't address my point dna_leri.
Can you name any other races that increased their entry fee in the last couple of years?
Did said race have any noticable difference from the year previously?


Do you consider the wicklow way trail an ordinary run? I've done that one... half the price and it included a bus to the start :pac:
I took part in the 8k in Rosses Pt last Saturday also, fine race it was too and value for money.

They have not increased the fee this year.
You entered voluntarily for the last 3 years when they did increase the price.
It's a great race and we all have free choice what to spend our money on.

Enough sham begrudgery. I will let you have the last word and lets leave this thread to people who want to run the race.

rovers_runner

We'll agree to disagree so, you are right enough has been said now.

sconhome

Its quite possible that this event and many others like it were run at a loss in the first year or two while generating a popular following and profile. Usually the organisers of an event which is a commercial venture are doing it to make a profit.

Its also possible that knowing the event has enough interest and is going to sell out the organisers have decided to recoup some of the losses / break even of the early event and make a profit.

DULLAHAN2

New website is gone live.

Mint Sauce

Anyone register via the website yet? Suppose to open at 4 pm, no sign of that register tab yet. Heres hopeing not a repeat of last year.

ofthelord

I've been refreshing the page the last 10 minutes & no sign of register button!

Radharc na Sleibhte

Negative.
What a bunch of numptys.

nerraw1111

Open now

http://registration.warriorsfestival.com/register-online

Mint Sauce

Its open now. Over 200 registered.

DULLAHAN2

Just Registered there now. It was in the weekender apprentley that there sold 200 tickets yesterday 100 each in two different places.

rovers_runner

Tut tut lads, if ye wanted a decent web server they'd have had to raise the entry fee by another 10 euro.

nerraw1111

360 entered already.

Mint Sauce

Done. Aprroaching 400 registered.

Mint Sauce

Over 500 now registered.

ofthelord

Done!!

Mint Sauce

DULLAHAN2 wrote: »

Just Registered there now. It was in the weekender apprentley that there sold 200 tickets yesterday 100 each in two different places.

Wonder if the 600 odd now registered on the website includs that, guessing it does as I was hitting f5 for a while, lowest I seen the figure was at just over 200. Although that was at about 2.15pm.

T runner

irish-stew wrote: »

Wonder if the 600 odd now registered on the website includs that, guessing it does as I was hitting f5 for a while, lowest I seen the figure was at just over 200. Although that was at about 2.15pm.

Id say they do. 711 registered now

GoHardOrGoHome

751 registered now!

GoHardOrGoHome

All gone at 17:00

Mint Sauce

GoHardOrGoHome wrote: »

All gone at 17:00

Yeah. 600-700 gone in an hour. Plus the 100-200 lastnight at the Strand.

Lets just hope I'm fit now to run.

nerraw1111

Wow, didn't think it would sell out this year.

Right, who wants my entry? €100

GoHardOrGoHome

I nearly forgot to click confirm on the confirmation page. I thought payment had already gone through. I'm in!

Warren - *smack* I challenge you to a duel!

nerraw1111

GoHardOrGoHome wrote: »

I nearly forgot to click confirm on the confirmation page. I thought payment had already gone through. I'm in!

Warren - *smack* I challenge you to a duel!

Smack talk already? I do owe you a kicking from last year I suppose.

*I did the same with the payment page too before coping on.

T runner

nerraw1111 wrote: »

Smack talk already? I do owe you a kicking from last year I suppose.

*I did the same with the payment page too before coping on.

Now for the training......so need to run fast on road...then open mountain...then road....any ideas??

ThisRegard

Nerraw talked new into it, in a roundabout way! Just need to follow through on it this year instead of off loading my entry to Racoonqueen who bottled it too.

stmochtas

I'm in too. Possible run of the road route on Sunday or Monday maybe. Time to start the hills

nerraw1111

T runner wrote: »

nerraw1111 wrote: »

Smack talk already? I do owe you a kicking from last year I suppose.

*I did the same with the payment page too before coping on.

Now for the training......so need to run fast on road...then open mountain...then road....any ideas??

You're asking me??? Vague plan over summer is to get 10km time down while doing longe imra runs.

geld

nerraw1111 wrote: »

Wow, didn't think it would sell out this year.

Right, who wants my entry? €100

Me Me!!!

It's the standby list for me.:(

spurscormac

Just got my confirmation email this morning - I'm in.

Better get some hill training done.

Seres

anyone registered and not interested in taking part anymore , let me know , ill buy the number , pm me , i shouldnt be looking to take part but sure feck it !!!

DULLAHAN2

Wow! We've taken delivery of The 2012 Warriors Run T-Shirts and they look fantastic. We've gone with Technical Tees this year for all runners but they'll still look great if worn casually also. Strandhill is the place to be on Saturday 25th August.

Taken from the facebook page.