Half Marathon Series in NI

ChampionChip

We have just announced the races in the Pure Running Half Marathon Series for 2013. There are 10 in all and some are close to the border. It kicks off in Dundalk on March 18th with the new race from Dundalk to Newry. The Series is free to enter, lots of prizes for the age groupers and a special garment if you do all 10 races. We started with 6 races and 6000 entrants and last year had 8 races with over 8000 so the magic 10000 barrier is reachable I hope.

More details here http://www.athleticsni.org/Events/Pure-Running-Half-Marathon-Series

BeepBeep67

Thanks Glenn great initiative.
Any details on the Dundalk to Newry race, course profile etc, might get some brownie points for not running Balbriggan on Paddy's day

Krusty_Clown

Dundalk to Newry sounds like it would be a cracking race. Looking at a potential route in Mapmyrun, looks like it'll have around 128m of climb over the first half of the course (which isn't bad) and finish at about the same elevation as the start. Now if you had last Thursday's galeforce southern winds, you'd bag yourself a cracking PB!

Now... How will we get from Newry back to Dundalk?!

ChampionChip

The first one is being called the DUNE Half Marathon (DUndalk to NEwry)and it organised by Newry City Runners so I'm sure they will have transport laid on to get you from the finish at the Quays in Newry to Dundalk if you need it.

More details on their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/events/453100054737180/

ThePiedPiper

Yes, according to the organisers, there'll be buses going from Newry to Dundalk prior to and after the race to ferry runners back and forth. Great to have a bit of choice for half marathons in the Spring time. Looking forward to this one.

NiallG4

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Dundalk to Newry sounds like it would be a cracking race. Looking at a potential route in Mapmyrun, looks like it'll have around 128m of climb over the first half of the course (which isn't bad) and finish at about the same elevation as the start. Now if you had last Thursday's galeforce southern winds, you'd bag yourself a cracking PB!

Now... How will we get from Newry back to Dundalk?!

If this had been on yesterday, PB's would have been guaranteed all round. There was a gale force wind all the way to Newry. If you get to 11 mile at PB pace you will take a minute off it over the last 2.1 miles. It is so downhill into Newry it will be actually hard to keep your legs from taking off and with wind on your back don't rule out a 5 min mile even if you are running 6's to 11. Question is, would we accept a pb under these conditions on a point to point course? No guarantees on the wind direction though.

Krusty_Clown

We were a little unlucky today, with a light/moderate head-wind from start to finish, but it was a very well organized race on a tough course. Not really one for an assault on the PB, but a challenging route that makes for a solid workout. Anyone else run it?

ChampionChip

Results on www.championchipireland.com. Gary O'Hanlon, 3 races in 3 days and wins it at a canter.

ThePiedPiper

Enjoyed todays race massively. Managed to knock 40 seconds off the PB, thanks to a final 5k that was just shy of my 5k PB! Seriously tough day for running with the wind and the hills, but a very well organised event. I even managed to find cake and buns at the end!