Favourite races

RayCun

What are the races that you always want to put on your calendar, that you take the best memories from? (Not the distances, the particular races)

Dublin marathon is very special. Leaving home in the dark and quiet, and seeing more and more other runners as you get closer to the start, until thousands of you are gathered in the street, about to do something crazy Then running through the city, some bits you don't run through, other bits you've covered loads of times but never with such a crowd around you, and the crowds at the side cheering you on. A amazing experience.

ecoli

My Sport 10k, Enniscorthy.

Looking at the profile you think it shouldn't be a fast race but no better feeling than blitzing the last mile with a slight decline regardless how much you have put into the race to that point.

Enduro

If you're talking about any races then Primal Quest... each one an experience of a lifetime.

If we're talking running then UTMB... rightly held in massively high esteem by the world's gnarliest runners. The atmosphere in Chamoix over the whole race week, the crowds at the start, the solidarity, racing in groups accross alpine tracks, the total isolation and self sufficiency of running over alpine passes, the high entry bar, the difficulty of even getting in, the difficulty of finishing, the challenge of actually racing such an extreme event, the views, the views, the views, the world class nature of the course, the organisation, seeing the best of the best compete against each other. A must do!

shels4ever

London marathon, was just blown away by the whole event. Always watched it and wondered if it was actualyl as good as it seemed. It's wasn't it was about 100 times better.

Hard Worker

shels4ever wrote: »

London marathon, was just blown away by the whole event. Always watched it and wondered if it was actualyl as good as it seemed. It's wasn't it was about 100 times better.

Agreed. The London Marathon is a notch above all other races. It has everything from excellent organisation to atmosphere. Boston is the only other one that comes anywhere near.
On the home front, Dunshaughlin 10K is well organised and a good pb course. Good spread afterwards also.

Oisin11178

Enduro wrote: »

If you're talking about any races then Primal Quest... each one an experience of a lifetime.

If we're talking running then UTMB... rightly held in massively high esteem by the world's gnarliest runners. The atmosphere in Chamoix over the whole race week, the crowds at the start, the solidarity, racing in groups accross alpine tracks, the total isolation and self sufficiency of running over alpine passes, the high entry bar, the difficulty of even getting in, the difficulty of finishing, the challenge of actually racing such an extreme event, the views, the views, the views, the world class nature of the course, the organisation, seeing the best of the best compete against each other. A must do!

A couple of us will be doing the ccc in the utmb next year hopefully:D

Pisco Sour

A championships sprint event. Doesn't matter what the championship is, or what the distance is, there's just something that bit more special than the regular meets. Being on the warm up track and being completely out of your depth amongst seriously impressive athletes, but always observant and learning. The call room procedure. Your name being called out by the announcer as you toe the line. The silence, the long wait for the guy to say on your marks. The build up of extreme tension. The even longer wait until he says set, and then what feels like an eternity until the gun goes off. All that built up nerves and adrenaline let out in a few seconds that you can barely remember.

Also, a decathlon. The bond between competitors is indescribable, and non-existent (to that extent) in any other event in athletics.

Enduro

Oisin11178 wrote: »

A couple of us will be doing the ccc in the utmb next year hopefully:D

Make sure you do! You'll love it.

Oisin11178

Enduro wrote: »

Oisin11178 wrote: »

A couple of us will be doing the ccc in the utmb next year hopefully:D

Make sure you do! You'll love it.

We got the points from the mourne way ultra, so its just a matter me applying and a bit of luck and we will be there.

TFBubendorfer

For me it's the Connemara Ultra. Not entirely sure why.

Maybe it's the way those ultra guys and girls kept gliding past me when I first did the marathon there. I was awestruck.

Maybe it's because the country roads are similar to home.

Maybe it's because it's a race by runners for runners.

Maybe it's simply because it's a tough challenge but at the same time very much an achievable one.

village runner

London is a class apart. The little things make it super. No clowns crossing Thr road. Crowds are behind barriers most of Thr way. Clocks at every mile from 3 miles. Water and luc sport in bottles. Great field so even if your a top runner you always have company. The fast good for age has its own start and a tent to relax before Thr race.

tang1

If your speaking on a smaller scale, Dunshaughlin 10km is a great race. I know its nowhere near the size of London or UTMB. Its a top race on every level from organisation, price to after race spread. Maybe top 10km race in country.

Krusty_Clown

Ballycotton 10 Mile and Dunshaughlin 10k stand out for me as my favourite races in Ireland. New York marathon was probably the greatest 'experience'. Looking forward to London though.

rom

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Ballycotton 10 Mile and Dunshaughlin 10k stand out for me as my favourite races in Ireland. New York marathon was probably the greatest 'experience'. Looking forward to London though.

Ballycotton 10 Mile
I was there 2 1/2 hrs waiting around before the race but still loved it. Anywhere else I would be annoyed but not in lovely Ballycotton.

ultrapercy

Craughwell 10, Streets of Galway, and Donadea 50k,Rathfarnham 5k and Raheny 5 all class races.

theboyblunder

dugarvan 10 mile is a super race too.

rovers_runner

Would also agree with the NY marathon.
The crowds on one section of Lafayette Avenue are the best I've experienced anywhere, like the Tour de France the way the crowds line the streets either side and the different music (bands or speakers) each block is deafening, some buzz.

Tombo2001

I cant talk flash about the Mongolian ultra marathon or the arctic 24hr darkness run.....

I will say however say that I greatly enjoy the Liberties fun run, a four miler. I always try to do this.

menoscemo

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

For me it's the Connemara Ultra. Not entirely sure why.

I'll have to go along with this, definitely the most fun i have had in a race. As an ultra runner passing all the marathoner and HM'ers gives you a real lift. Donadea 50k is another cracker too.

In Terms of marathons, Dublin a Barcelona from what I have done. I was disappointed with the atmosphere in Berlin.

For smaller races my favourites would be Rathfarnham 5k, Raheny 5 mile, Dunshaughlin 10k amongst others.

pconn062

The BHAA cross country races are the business for me, cheap, well organised and a great spread afterwards as well as great depth of field, what more could you want. I'll also add the K club 10k, the Dunshaughlin 10k and a local favourite of mine, the Mountpleasent 5k to the list, all quality races.

RoyMcC

Connemara for me, the whole experience. Trudging to Galway Cathedral in the early morning, the bus ride out through the 'burbs and into the jaw-dropping scenery, the race itself and its uniqueness knowing the inevitable HOTW is coming up, the bus ride back and your legs locked at right angles when it's time to get off :pac:

And another vote for the Dunshaughlin 10k.

tunguska

RoyMcC wrote: »

And another vote for the Dunshaughlin 10k.

Ditto. Dunshaughlin for me too. Bohermeen 5k a close 2nd though.
Gonna check out London marathon to see what all the lark is about. Boston and Honolulu(for the holiday) aswell.

corkrunner71

As an experience and the whole build up then it would have to be New York for me, but a really close 2nd was the Connemara ultra this year. Everything about it would draw you back again.

dernipper

Some great races mentioned so far, think thd Athlone 3/4 is worth a shout, has laid down a serious benchmark in it's first 2 years as a real quality event

forestman

Two great races I've ran in the last year. The Bay Run half Marathon and the Wild West half marathon trail run. Seriously good fun!! Will always be on my calender.

nerraw1111

The Dublin half marathon plod is almost criminally under rated.

21km through the Dublin hills along well marked trails, just 20 minutes from Dublin city centre. On in two weeks time.

http://www.imra.ie/events/view/id/989/

geld

nerraw1111 wrote: »

The Dublin half marathon plod is almost criminally under rated.

21km through the Dublin hills along well marked trails, just 20 minutes from Dublin city centre. On in two weeks time.

http://www.imra.ie/events/view/id/989/

Agree with you Nerraw1111. This is one of my favourites as well. In equal measure you have to throw in the Wicklow Way Trail and the Wicklow Way Relay. All IMRA races but all have got a special atmosphere, different challenges and scenic courses.

Special mention to the Tulfarris Tough Ten and the BHAA races.

Slogger Jogger

Most of my fav races would be IMRA's. The Wicklow Way Relay would probably top that list with a lot of others vying for that position.

EauRouge79

I think we are blessed with some great races in this country.

For me Connemara this year surpassed all inc Dublin & NYC Marathon. The route, The people, the scenery, the weather, the organisation etc is top class.

Shorter distance would be the Ballycotton 10.

ThisRegard

nerraw1111 wrote: »

The Dublin half marathon plod is almost criminally under rated.

21km through the Dublin hills along well marked trails, just 20 minutes from Dublin city centre. On in two weeks time.

http://www.imra.ie/events/view/id/989/

Well absolutely f it anyway, your post reminded me to enter and when I checked my calendar I see I have something else scheduled for the same day. I was looking forward to it after missing the WWT.