Wicklow Gaol Break Half Marathon & 10km

audreyp

http://www.wicklowhalfmarathonand10km.com/

Hi All

Looking for some advice on a half marathon next year. Has anyone any experience with the Wicklow Half? I heard it is very hilly, is it manageable or very tough. I did the clontarf half this year in July (my first half) and it was very hot and not the most enjoyable race. Also I learned I wasn't fully prepared. Although I could run the distance I was very slow. So since then I have been working on my speed and building my distances back up. I need a goal to keep motivated and was thinking of signing up for the Wicklow half next March. Though I can't face another bad half!

If anyone has any feedback on this race I would be very grateful if you could reply!

Thanks!

eoin ryan

Can't comment on race. I'd b biased... :rolleyes:

But just to let ye know the early bird of €30 for the Half marathon ends on the 28th of October. Then goes to €35 until end Dec.

The early bird for the 10km of €20 goes to the end of Dec also. Then €25

statss

I did it this year, here's my garmin link to check out the elevation etc http://connect.garmin.com/activity/288211464

A few testing spots along the way - it wouldn't be one for a PB - but it's a well organised race and an interesting course. Nice views and the route keeps you interested, starts in the town then out by some country roads before heading back. I'd do it again no problem.

If you are looking for a PB I'd look at the Bohermeen half which was 2/3 weeks before Wicklow this year. It's flat. Far less interesting course than Wicklow though. (I did both this year)

Bohermeen - http://connect.garmin.com/activity/279778788

audreyp

Great thank you! I am from Wicklow so that is why I was tempted by that one. There is a good few inclines though. Thanks for your help.

Maybe i'll do both!

barryoneill50

cant wait for this one myself. came to quick for me last year as was only running a couple of months. I'll be planning a pb on this myself(sub 100min) as I had to hold back at the ferns hm and finished 11 sec outside. I'm nearly sure it's run by the same people who organise wexford/clontarf hm's so it should be a good one.......

audreyp

I would be thrilled with a 2 hour 20 half marathon! As long as it isn't as bad as the Clontarf Half last year. Though that had nothing to do with the organisers, just the ridiculous heat!

I heard its a tough race but looking at Bohermeen with it's 2 laps, i'm not sure how much easier that would be. I much prefer running a big loop and deluding myself about how far I have left to go

hdowney

I'm hoping to run the 10k in next years Gaol Break

Mr.Fred

The 2012(IIRC) route for the half was just ridiculous. Kilometre 15 -19 was up a serious incline the likes you wouldn't see in Nepal

I heard they changed the course this year though. I thought it was over priced for what you got. The water at the finish was out of a large agri container.

Well marshalled though and a nice run through Wicklow town. I'd go back for the 10k but not the half.

The showers and facilities in Coral leisure were filthy so I'd head home for a shower if I were to do it again.

Shedite27

Did the half this year. Good race. There was plenty of water along the course and food at the end. Few hills on the course alright, very different profile to Contarf.

It was very cold last year but nothing they can do about that!

Mr.Fred

Shedite27 wrote: »

It was very cold last year but nothing they can do about that!

It must have been 2011 when I did it so because it was 25+ deg an absolute scorcher. Never mentioned the weather or the organisers being able to influence it.

hdowney

Mr.Fred wrote: »

The 2012(IIRC) route for the half was just ridiculous. Kilometre 15 -19 was up a serious incline the likes you wouldn't see in Nepal

I heard they changed the course this year though. I thought it was over priced for what you got. The water at the finish was out of a large agri container.

Well marshalled though and a nice run through Wicklow town. I'd go back for the 10k but not the half.

The showers and facilities in Coral leisure were filthy so I'd head home for a shower if I were to do it again.

They did change the course to make it flatter!!! in 2012 so I'm guessing you did 2011. However hearing your description of the hills doesn't surprise me. Wicklow = hills. You'd have NEVER seen the likes nowhere else.

audreyp

I'm actually used to hills as I live in Wicklow, but hoping it's not too tough. I'm looking for a half around March so fingers crossed either another suitable one comes up or they make that one even easier again :-)

savvyav

Hi I'm currently training for my first half marathon and was planning to do the Kildare one in April but now that that's cancelled I'm looking for a new one...just wondering about this Wicklow one...I know someone said there is a new flatter course but is it still very hilly? Being a Kildare girl I like the flatlands of the Curragh and I really want my first HM to go well! Feeling a bit thrown now, I did the 10k in Kildare last year so I had an idea of what to expect from the HM and now I feel a bit knocked out by the idea of a new route...thanks

BeepBeep67

savvyav wrote: »

Hi I'm currently training for my first half marathon and was planning to do the Kildare one in April but now that that's cancelled I'm looking for a new one...just wondering about this Wicklow one...I know someone said there is a new flatter course but is it still very hilly? Being a Kildare girl I like the flatlands of the Curragh and I really want my first HM to go well! Feeling a bit thrown now, I did the 10k in Kildare last year so I had an idea of what to expect from the HM and now I feel a bit knocked out by the idea of a new route...thanks

Assuming the course is the same as last year, it's an improvement on the previous years, with the majority of the climbs in the 1st 10k. Having said that's it's very runable and if you pace yourself for the 1st 2.5 miles, plus the climbs up to 10k, you can still have a good race.

Here's last year's route: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/288181917

eoin ryan

Same as last year.
If memory serves me correctly Beep Beep did a PB on the course last year.
Prob all the local support

audreyp

It seems to have a sharp enough incline for the first 10k. Is it a tough race by people's standards? I had a very bad half marathon at clontarf last year and don't want another disaster! I want to redeem myself

Ferris B

audreyp wrote: »

It seems to have a sharp enough incline for the first 10k. Is it a tough race by people's standards? I had a very bad half marathon at clontarf last year and don't want another disaster! I want to redeem myself

I wouldn't worry too much about your previous run in clontarf. The conditions that day were v tough. I it was the hardest half marathon I've run out of about 10 halves.

Wicklow is a great run but like any race, you need to prepare for the conditions ie get plenty of hill runs in as part of your training. As you're a local may'be you could add in bits and pieces of the course as part of your training so there's no surprises. Go for it and enjoy!

audreyp

All my training runs are full of hills but I compared my last run to the garmin beepbeep linked and the Gaol break route is slightly higher. So I think I will drive down to the course and give it a go. Might be best before I sign up

Thanks for the advice!

Rubashov

Anybody know if they're going to have pacers this year?

Cheers.

eoin ryan

Sorry for late reply.
We don't have pacers for this race

paddybarry

What is the 10k route like?

eoin ryan

Map of route
http://www.mapmyrun.com/ie/wicklow-l/wicklow-10km-altern-route-144099607

paddybarry

eoin ryan wrote: »

Map of route
http://www.mapmyrun.com/ie/wicklow-l/wicklow-10km-altern-route-144099607

Hi Eoin,
Is this the same route as last year? I noticed on the results for 2013 that only three runners ran under 40 mins?

lmguillou

Hi Everyone,

I need a bit of advice on how to approch the half in Wicklow on the 23rd.
My PB on the distance was 1h45 last year during the Rock N roll half, I then did 1h53 in september during the Dublin series ( completely blew that day after 13km..) and finally had a PB on DCM marathon with 3h54. I kept training since, not as hard as I thought because of illness, travel etc but still tried to follow the plan for intermediate ( HM from Hal Higdon). The Wicklow being quite hilly, I have no idea what time to aim for, what strategy, it seems to be uphill the first half and down hill the second part, would it be reasonble to plan 5.30min/km first half and below 5min/km the last part? Thanks for the advice, unfortunately I wont have a chance to recognize the course beforehand.

BeepBeep67

lmguillou wrote: »

Hi Everyone,

I need a bit of advice on how to approch the half in Wicklow on the 23rd.
My PB on the distance was 1h45 last year during the Rock N roll half, I then did 1h53 in september during the Dublin series ( completely blew that day after 13km..) and finally had a PB on DCM marathon with 3h54. I kept training since, not as hard as I thought because of illness, travel etc but still tried to follow the plan for intermediate ( HM from Hal Higdon). The Wicklow being quite hilly, I have no idea what time to aim for, what strategy, it seems to be uphill the first half and down hill the second part, would it be reasonble to plan 5.30min/km first half and below 5min/km the last part? Thanks for the advice, unfortunately I wont have a chance to recognize the course beforehand.

Know this course very well and ran the race last year.
The first 3 miles are relatively flat, so I would run either on pace or marginally slower.
As you exit Rathnew it's time to bed down for the next 3.2 miles. This consists of a series of hills, but with breaks in between each, so none are too long without a break. Run these controlled at what feels close to your target effort.
Once you pass the 10k point, you are at the highest part of the course, but that's not to say there are no more hills
You'll give back pretty much what you've climbed over the next 2.5 miles and while a net downhill, there's a few lumps and bumps.
You'll then turn on the coast road, roll the dice here, if it's calm or a southerly breeze, happy days, if it's northerly it will be a tough run in.
from the turn until the 10M mark it's flat, then you have a couple of undulating miles, nothing too serious or too long.
If you're in good shape you can hammer the last mile.

lmguillou

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

Know this course very well and ran the race last year.
The first 3 miles are relatively flat, so I would run either on pace or marginally slower.
As you exit Rathnew it's time to bed down for the next 3.2 miles. This consists of a series of hills, but with breaks in between each, so none are too long without a break. Run these controlled at what feels close to your target effort.
Once you pass the 10k point, you are at the highest part of the course, but that's not to say there are no more hills
You'll give back pretty much what you've climbed over the next 2.5 miles and while a net downhill, there's a few lumps and bumps.
You'll then turn on the coast road, roll the dice here, if it's calm or a southerly breeze, happy days, if it's northerly it will be a tough run in.
from the turn until the 10M mark it's flat, then you have a couple of undulating miles, nothing too serious or too long.
If you're in good shape you can hammer the last mile.

Thanks so much, could not get better description, it will have an idea of what to expect now

eoin ryan

Online entry will close tonight https://regonline.activeeurope.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1284395

lmguillou

Best of luck everyone for Sunday, it will be my first race since DCM 2013, I can't wait for it! I did 1h45 in last year's rock n roll half, I will be aiming for sub 1h50 I think it s reasonable.

BeepBeep67

Could be a bit chilly on Sunday, no rain but wind from the NW, which is pretty favourable / sheltered for all but the last few miles (which are net downhill).

BeepBeep67

Results up now:
Half: http://www.redtagtiming.com/results/Wicklow2014_Half.pdf
10k: http://www.redtagtiming.com/results/Wicklow2014_10km.pdf

Challenging conditions on top of a challenging course, glad I was only using it as a paced run.

lmguillou

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

Results up now:
Half: http://www.redtagtiming.com/results/Wicklow2014_Half.pdf
10k: http://www.redtagtiming.com/results/Wicklow2014_10km.pdf

Challenging conditions on top of a challenging course, glad I was only using it as a paced run.

very tough course! I managed to equal my pb on the distance so I m very happy and optimistic for the rest of the year!

Andalucia

tough course, glad I only did the 10k

Could not get over the number of runners wearing headphones, its an accident waiting to happen, Any runner wearing headphones should not have their name listed in the results, as is done in some other races.

Headphones have no place in a race.

Apart from that, well organised, though could have done with access to cup of tea after the event, without having to hang around until 12.30

But I suppose as its a commercial event, the organisers can save a few quid on refreshments as most people would not bother hanging around!

geodesic

Nice rural course once past the early more built-up phase. A few hills to slow you down, but nothing major. Comfortably got in sub-2hrs having done little training.

But, man, does this event have a cheap'n'nasty feel to the organizational side. Honestly the medal and t-shirt were complete trash, 10 times worse than the usual. The whole feel of the event was nicely summed up with their soup policy:

Cup of soup at Finish *New in 2015* - Yes, we have a cup of soup for you at the
finish. This is for competitors ONLY and one per person. (Too many races have run out of
food due to the whole family coming in and filling up). So this is how we are going to
do it. You must hand in your race number to receive a soup – no exceptions please and
thank you.

WFT? I'm prepared to pay a registration fee close on 40 euros, but yet I'd try to sneak the entire family in for a cup of luke-warm soup?

I actually overheard a guy being refused the soup because he wanted to keep his race number as a souvenir (having seen him near the start line, I knew he'd run the race ... but given his garb and general demeanor, that much would have been obvious to the soup-rationer also).

So, one to avoid if such tackiness tends to annoy you.

eoin ryan

That's a big grenade you throw there. And grenade's bring shrapnel so i feel obliged to reply.
Firstly I'm glad you read the race details - many don't. And what is written there is based on fact. It clearly struck a negative cord with you - but only you know why that bothered you to the extent it did. We lost your approval before the race had begun and it was a slippery slope from there

When organising a large race or event of any description it is impossible to keep everyone happy. It doesn't mean we don't try. In the spirit of improving and listening to people we addressed what the poster (above this one wrote) last year. We moved the soup to the finish area so it was available directly after the race. And to make sure everyone in the race was provided for - we had a system to manage it. It's news to me that people like to keep race numbers so I learned something new. We will change that system next year.

From what I'm reading most people enjoyed the race. I was particularly delighted to see a bored ambulance crew with nothing to do on such a hot day where things could go pear with dehydration & fatigue. Our preparation and systems worked effectively and credit to the whole team on the execution.

KJ

I thought the race was organised brilliantly. I like to keep my race number but I had no interest in soup after a race on a hot day anyway so no complaints from me. I also thought the t-shirt was really good. I will definitely be back next year.

eoinín

On two recent threads I've read one complaint from a runner who finished far down the field and found all the post run refreshments had been gobbled by faster runners and their families, and another comment from a spectator who witnessed post race refreshments being eaten by family members while the race in question was still ongoing. Yet when a race organiser tries to do something about it and ensure all entrants get what they are promised, they are accused of being cheap! You cant please everyone I guess.

HelenAnne

eoinín wrote: »

On two recent threads I've read one complaint from a runner who finished far down the field and found all the post run refreshments had been gobbled by faster runners and their families, and another comment from a spectator who witnessed post race refreshments being eaten by family members while the race in question was still ongoing. Yet when a race organiser tries to do something about it and ensure all entrants get what they are promised, they are accused of being cheap! You cant please everyone I guess.

At the Stook 10 mile they had a special kids' refreshment table, with sweets and orange squash and more-decorated buns etc. I thought that was a good idea because kids (and no offence to kids, I think often they just get excited at the 'buffet' aspect of race refreshments and go up multiple times and end up leaving buns and biscuits half eaten) do seem to decimate the refreshments tables after loads of races. I thought having their own, even more appealing, table was a great idea!

barryoneill50

eoinín wrote: »

On two recent threads I've read one complaint from a runner who finished far down the field and found all the post run refreshments had been gobbled by faster runners and their families, and another comment from a spectator who witnessed post race refreshments being eaten by family members while the race in question was still ongoing. Yet when a race organiser tries to do something about it and ensure all entrants get what they are promised, they are accused of being cheap! You cant please everyone I guess.

Commercial race = food rationing.
Club race = mountain of food.
I can certainly see how it came across as cheap!

BeepBeep67

barryoneill50 wrote: »

Commercial race = food rationing.
Club race = mountain of food.
I can certainly see how it came across as cheap!

That's one way of looking at it or :-

Commercial race = purchased food
Club race = donated food from club members

barryoneill50

Maybe Eoin should have got Super Value on board for this event, as he does for Wexford.
I've ran in 3 of Eoin's events and couldn't really fault them(race wise). But this will put people off these races and as they will opt for the club races who put on a better after show(if that's there thing). A mountain of food whether paid for or donated is still just a mountain of food and whether we like it or not it matters to the masses imo.....

eoin ryan

you know what... the words 'commercial' and 'for profit' have been often presented on borads like some kind of green eyed monster. Something dirty and wrong or worse

Anyone, with a job, who trades their skills in exchange for money is commercial. Doing that, will hopefully provide you with the basic living requirements of shelter and food. Now ,if you go beyond being able to fund basic living requirements you are essentially making a profit. Again in exchange for your acquired skills set. Then you can buy beyond what is necessary for basic survival...

I believe we aim to better ourselves and our families - for the most part. 'Work hard and you'll succeed' is what i was brought up to believe.

Everyone with a job (skill set), who gets paid - is commercial just as I am/do (and hopefully for you, you are also making a profit).
My skill set is organising races. I choose to do it (in a roundabout way) and here I am.

by the way this isn't a go at any one individual and its not my intention to talk any further on it. I won't change anyones view and that's ok. I'm a big fan of mindfulness that's all. I'm possibly on the wrong forum here...

Words create powerful messages and associations, deliberate or otherwise

ultraman1

eoin ryan wrote: »

you know what... the words 'commercial' and 'for profit' have been often presented on borads like some kind of green eyed monster. Something dirty and wrong or worse

Anyone, with a job, who trades their skills in exchange for money is commercial. Doing that, will hopefully provide you with the basic living requirements of shelter and food. Now ,if you go beyond being able to fund basic living requirements you are essentially making a profit. Again in exchange for your acquired skills set. Then you can buy beyond what is necessary for basic survival...

I believe we aim to better ourselves and our families - for the most part. 'Work hard and you'll succeed' is what i was brought up to believe.

Everyone with a job (skill set), who gets paid - is commercial just as I am/do (and hopefully for you, you are also making a profit).
My skill set is organising races. I choose to do it (in a roundabout way) and here I am.

by the way this isn't a go at any one individual and its not my intention to talk any further on it. I won't change anyones view and that's ok. I'm a big fan of mindfulness that's all. I'm possibly on the wrong forum here...

Words create powerful messages and associations, deliberate or otherwise

Dont think anyone said theres anything wrong with commercialism,...he just said u were scabby with the lukewarm soup,gave out a cheap medal and wasnt too impressed with his tee shirt..if thats his opinion,thats his opinion,

Philrunner83

Prizes were scabby aswell 3 months gym membership in coral leisure in Wicklow can't even use in any other coral leisure poor show overall!!!

frash

For what it's worth Eoin I enjoyed Sunday.

I'm never gonna win a prize so they don't bother me. The t-shirt is grand for training in & the medal went to my 4 year old's collection.

I don't keep race numbers so the soup was a welcome warmer-upper before the drive home.

Cheers - will be back next year (might see me in Clontarf in July again this year too)

PDCAT

I completed this run on Sunday as well. Thought it was very well organised. The route was challenging with some scenic area's, not a PB course. Good atmosphere on the day.
Good work on three Water stations - given the day that was in it, it really helped.

While i don't think the t shirt or medal were great, it's never a deal breaker for me, i've dozen's of both, some more rubbish than the one's i recieved on Sunday. As for a cup of soup, if your basing the success or failure of an organised event on this.... well,your not going to satisfy everyone.

Next year, organisers should probably just order a **** load of soup and serve it out free to runners - might make some people happy...

Trampas

eoin ryan wrote: »

From what I'm reading most people enjoyed the race. I was particularly delighted to see a bored ambulance crew with nothing to do on such a hot day where things could go pear with dehydration & fatigue. Our preparation and systems worked effectively and credit to the whole team on the execution.

Hot day? Didn't realise it was the middle of summer already or we got the winds blowing up for the Sahara

Pink11

eoinín wrote: »

On two recent threads I've read one complaint from a runner who finished far down the field and found all the post run refreshments had been gobbled by faster runners and their families, and another comment from a spectator who witnessed post race refreshments being eaten by family members while the race in question was still ongoing. Yet when a race organiser tries to do something about it and ensure all entrants get what they are promised, they are accused of being cheap! You cant please everyone I guess.

Really selfish!

Race organisers should not be expected to cater for family and friends of the runners. How could they possibly forecast numbers!? If the race is over and food is left over fair enough dish it out but it's quite shocking that people will help themselves while the race is ongoing. I'm on the side of race organisers here - they can't win.

Pink11

Andalucia wrote: »

tough course, glad I only did the 10k

Could not get over the number of runners wearing headphones, its an accident waiting to happen, Any runner wearing headphones should not have their name listed in the results, as is done in some other races.

Headphones have no place in a race.

Apart from that, well organised, though could have done with access to cup of tea after the event, without having to hang around until 12.30

But I suppose as its a commercial event, the organisers can save a few quid on refreshments as most people would not bother hanging around!

What races disallow runners with headphones on the results page?

I know lots of people won't agree with this and don't get me wrong, I can completely understand why people find it annoying but I for one like having headphones at a race. I have my music down very low and can hear everything around me - it helps me concentrate and focus on my breathing for long distance. I don't even pay attention to what music I'm listening to during a race but I find it very relaxing / calming to have it in the background. I always perform better with it.


P.S Well done to everyone who did the half and 10K. It was on my wish list but work commitments took over!