Portumna 100km, 50km, Marathon & Half-Marathon 14/06/2014

Cabaal

Website: http://www.forestmarathon.com/

Event has Half Marathon, Marathon, 50km and 100km distances on a 5km loop through Portumna forest. Price for event vary s from 30e - 45e depending on which race you enter.

Course Profile used in June 2012/2013 - http://connect.garmin.com/activity/189495781

Half-Marathon:

Marathon:

50km Ultra:

100km Ultra:
Cabaal - Just want to finish

echancrure

Anybody else?

Half tempted.

Aimman

I'll be doing either the Marathon or 50k, its a great race

opus

I was very tempted as well but promised myself a break after Comrades so will pass on it (this time anyway).

echancrure

2 quick questions

Are road shoes OK for Portumna? I have no trail shoes.

Is the 5km loop marked every km?

many thanks.

Cabaal

echancrure wrote: »

2 quick questions

Are road shoes OK for Portumna? I have no trail shoes.

Is the 5km loop marked every km?

many thanks.

Road shoes are perfectly fine, thats what I've used for 2012 and 2013. The surface is pretty good.

Not 100% sure if the 5km is marked every 1km to be honest,

TFBubendorfer

Yes, every km is marked.

Ferris B

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

Yes, every km is marked.

Thomas, is it similar surface to Donadea?

TFBubendorfer

Ferris B wrote: »

Thomas, is it similar surface to Donadea?

It is highly unlikely to be as muddy!

There are a few photos on my race report from last year where you can clearly see the road surface for most of it. There's also a fair amount of tarmac per loop (which contained a few potholes if I remember correctly).

Last year's report: http://rubbishrunner.blogspot.com/2013/06/at-my-happy-place.html

ger664

Away on holidays this year unfortunately.

career_move

Half-Marathon:
career_move

Marathon:

50km Ultra:

100km Ultra:
Cabaal - Just want to finish

ThebitterLemon

career_move wrote: »

Half-Marathon:
career_move

Marathon:

50km Ultra:

100km Ultra:
Cabaal - Just want to finish

Jez, C_M, in Portumna the HM is usually the kids fun run

TbL

career_move

ThebitterLemon wrote: »

Jez, C_M, in Portumna the HM is usually the kids fun run

TbL

hee hee

I'm rediscovering my youth so

martyboy48

So, all the cool kids are doing the half..... I'm in


Half-Marathon:
career_move
Martyboy48

Marathon:

50km Ultra:

100km Ultra:
Cabaal - Just want to finish[/QUOTE]

echancrure

Half-Marathon:
career_move
Martyboy48

Marathon:

50km Ultra:
echancrure - No PB first 50k, Target 3:59

100km Ultra:
Cabaal - Just want to finish


... need to get back into it after Connemarathon ... 8 weeks to go!

AshBash30

Hi there,
I'm interested in doing the HM at Portumna after a disappointing run in the Great Limerick HM at the weekend. I was hoping to benefit from the experience of others in making my decision! It's often the case that music/headphones are discouraged, but for this event it sounds as though this would actually be enforced - can anyone confirm or refute this? As a pretty solitary runner I am very used to some music as I go around. I notice "technical pacing devices" are also banned, but based on the race report above I assume that doesn't include GPS that simply allows you to track your own pace. Do I have that right?
Many thanks in advance!

TFBubendorfer

I ran with my GPS on my wrist last year and nobody said a word. I'm pretty sure that's not what they meant.

Headphones are a different matter, however. Due to the fact that there are 4 races on at the same time and because of the loop course, faster runners are constantly passing slower ones. Headphones would be a real hazard; people need to be aware of other runners at all times.

TFBubendorfer

Half-Marathon:
career_move
Martyboy48

Marathon:

50km Ultra:
echancrure - No PB first 50k, Target 3:59

100km Ultra:
Cabaal - Just want to finish
TFBubendorfer - first 100k, target 8:29

AshBash30

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

I ran with my GPS on my wrist last year and nobody said a word. I'm pretty sure that's not what they meant.

Headphones are a different matter, however. Due to the fact that there are 4 races on at the same time and because of the loop course, faster runners are constantly passing slower ones. Headphones would be a real hazard; people need to be aware of other runners at all times.

Thanks for the reply - I appreciate it. I had kind of anticipated that may be the reasoning regarding the headphones alright, and it makes perfect sense. Maybe not the best race for me!

b.harte

AshBash30 wrote: »

Thanks for the reply - I appreciate it. I had kind of anticipated that may be the reasoning regarding the headphones alright, and it makes perfect sense. Maybe not the best race for me!

You should reconsider that.
I get how as a solitary runner you like the music on runs but Portumna is a fantastic event - not just a race.
I've done it the last 2 years and the encouragement from everyone present / abuse from my "crew" makes it a very special outing.
I didn't sign up this year as it clashes with something else but I might even go along to cheer.
If you want to have an enjoyable day out with good company you would be hard pressed to find a better event.
Not affiliated the the organisation.

TFBubendorfer

What b.harte said.

It's a very sociable event, since runners are always passing each other there is a lot of chatter going on, including (most of) the fast runners, and the community spirit is great.

Leave the headphones at home and give it a go, you might be surprised.

Outside

Half-Marathon:
career_move
Martyboy48

Marathon:

50km Ultra:
echancrure - No PB first 50k, Target 3:59

100km Ultra:
Cabaal - Just want to finish
TFBubendorfer - first 100k, target 8:29
Outside - Just run 100km!

Ron DMC

Provisionally going to do the 50k. I'll decide for definite this week.

yaboya1

Half-Marathon:
career_move
Martyboy48
yaboya1, Target 1:22:59

Marathon:

50km Ultra:
echancrure - No PB first 50k, Target 3:59

100km Ultra:
Cabaal - Just want to finish
TFBubendorfer - first 100k, target 8:29
Outside - Just run 100km!

mylifetoday

Just doing the 'baby run'... but really looking forward to it. Not chasing a time so will enjoy the scenery of the park :-)

Cabaal

Ron DMC wrote: »

Provisionally going to do the 50k. I'll decide for definite this week.

ah go on, just sign up...sure its shorter the Connemara Ultra

guysmiley

Does anyone know if there is stuff to do with kids (ages from 1 to 7) while the wife if doing the half. Maybe a playground close to the run route ?

carsfan

I'm thinking of doing the half here.
For people that have been there before, is there much parking available at the forest park?
On the web site I can't see where the half would start.

echancrure

carsfan wrote: »

I'm thinking of doing the half here.
For people that have been there before, is there much parking available at the forest park?
On the web site I can't see where the half would start.

Looking at the map, the marathon car park seems to be be Aldi's and you should not be much further than .1 miles away from the start than the Marathon guys.

But, I've never been there.

Personally my training is going poorly ... post Connemara blues?

carsfan

I think you have me mixed up with somebody else.
Never ran Connemara and training going grand thanks.
Didn't think my query was unreasonable?

echancrure

carsfan wrote: »

I think you have me mixed up with somebody else.
Never ran Connemara and training going grand thanks.
Didn't think my query was unreasonable?

Sorry I have rephrased: I was talking about MY training and MY blues:o:o

Sorry for the confusion.

martyboy48

carsfan wrote: »

I'm thinking of doing the half here.
For people that have been there before, is there much parking available at the forest park?
On the web site I can't see where the half would start.

I did it last year. The half started more or less at the gates of the forrest park, right at the entrance. There was parking available all along from the gates to near the ultra start area, and on some green areas near the ultra start area. If you get there in plenty of time you will get parking along there, otherwise there's the aldi par park just outside, no long trek to the car in either case..

Aimman

Half-Marathon:
career_move
Martyboy48
yaboya1, Target 1:22:59

Marathon:
Aimman (cos I can't be arsed doing 50k or 100k at the moment :rolleyes:)

50km Ultra:
echancrure - No PB first 50k, Target 3:59

100km Ultra:
Cabaal - Just want to finish
TFBubendorfer - first 100k, target 8:29
Outside - Just run 100km![/QUOTE]

jfh

Aimman wrote: »

Half-Marathon:
career_move
Martyboy48
yaboya1, Target 1:22:59

Marathon:
Aimman (cos I can't be arsed doing 50k or 100k at the moment :rolleyes:)
Going to use this for 12 mile MP
50km Ultra:
echancrure - No PB first 50k, Target 3:59

100km Ultra:
Cabaal - Just want to finish
TFBubendorfer - first 100k, target 8:29
Outside - Just run 100km!

[/quote]

Canine Marathoner

Half-Marathon:
career_move
Martyboy48
yaboya1, Target 1:22:59

Marathon:
Aimman (cos I can't be arsed doing 50k or 100k at the moment :rolleyes:)
jfh - Going to use this for 12 mile MP

50km Ultra:
echancrure - No PB first 50k, Target 3:59

100km Ultra:
Cabaal - Just want to finish
TFBubendorfer - first 100k, target 8:29
Outside - Just run 100km!
Canine Marathoner - first 100k, target 9.29

echancrure

Well how's everyone?

According to RTE weather the weather is to be good and warm towards the end of the week: I'll have to try to finish early and avoid the heat!

I am not looking forward to the 7am start as I am not an early riser, but at least it should be cooler!

Any change to the predictions anyone?

carsfan

I've signed up for the half and am really looking forward to it as have never done this type of race before.
Probably a stupid question but does the timing register every loop you do or is it an "honour" system where you finish your race having counted your own lap numbers?
Also is the loop itself fairly flat and do you run off to a seperate finish line when you come to the end of your race?

BrokenMan

You will get a split time for every 5k. The course is mostly flat. Slight rise up to the turnaround at half way but realistically it's not worth worrying about. Hard pressed to find a flatter course.

TFBubendorfer

echancrure wrote: »

Well how's everyone?

Felt like sh*ite the last couple of days, thanks for asking :P

carsfan wrote: »

I've signed up for the half and am really looking forward to it as have never done this type of race before.
Probably a stupid question but does the timing register every loop you do or is it an "honour" system where you finish your race having counted your own lap numbers?
Also is the loop itself fairly flat and do you run off to a seperate finish line when you come to the end of your race?

You will run through the finishing gantry after each lap and that will count your laps as well as give you split times every 5k. The finish is exactly the same, except that you can stop once you've gone over the line.

It is possibly the flattest race course in Ireland.

Cabaal

Gota say I'm abit nervous, everything after 40miles is uncharted for me and if things don't go well its a long drag to 62 from 40

echancrure

Cabaal wrote: »

Gota say I'm abit nervous, everything after 40miles is uncharted for me and if things don't go well its a long drag to 62 from 40

I am a bit nervous too having only ever completed 1 marathon !

A year of firsts for me :P

Be grand.:rolleyes:

Outside

Looking forward to this, I was supporting a friend last year for the 100km and saw how well run the event is so I had to get in on the action this year!

See you all bright and early Saturday morning for just 20 laps!

Bahanaman

echancrure wrote: »

I am a bit nervous too having only ever completed 1 marathon !

A year of firsts for me :P

Be grand.:rolleyes:

A doddle!!

jfh

Signed up for the marathon, plan is use it as a training run, hope to do 14 miles @ PMP. Last MP run was 10 miles so bit of a jump

Canine Marathoner

The plan was to do an easy 5-miler today & tomorrow but the Achilles tendons felt tight & irritating (nothing severe) this morning so may push these runs into touch to ensure there are no niggles at the start - will see later.

The weather is looking good (maybe a bit warm by Irish standards): 20c, sunny - will feel like 22c supposedly.


Now don't laugh but just to confirm: the 100k starts at 7am, yeah? (it's just I was reading a race report from a previous year & the start was at 6am - would be devastated if I showed up late). Paranoid, I know. And one more question: it'd be fine to leave a bag with race nutrition/drinks/spare top etc. unattended on the official refreshment station tables, yeah? like it's not a case as in the Connemara Ultra whereby sometimes stuff goes walky? I know it says such & such on the website but it's always best to hear previous competitors' advice.
There are two such stations if I get the website correctly, so I take it most people elect to leave their stuff at the one at the 5km mark, yeah? Any nuggets of advice from past experience appreciated...

Cabaal

7am start for 50km and 100km,
You could likely leave some stuff at the half way point on the 5km loop but to be honest its far easier just leave stuff at the start/finish line as you'll be passing it every 5km anyway...also last year atleast there was an area people could leave stuff in out of the rain etc.

Some people left stuff in bags in the area mentioned above, others left things at the side of the road on tables/ground. To be honest I didn't hear of anything been taken by anyone that the stuff wasn't meant for.

ger664

Really disappointed I would make it this year, the fact I will be lying on a beach in Pairia Da Rocha is a good consolation prize.

Best of luck to everyone running on Saturday and enjoy.

ultraman1

ger664 wrote: »

Really disappointed I would make it this year, the fact I will be lying on a beach in Pairia Da Rocha is a good consolation prize.

Best of luck to everyone running on Saturday and enjoy.

Pop over to alvor for a sneaki 10k out and back....I'll buy d pints

martyboy48

Well I found that tough going and that was the half Don't know if it was just me but I found it very warm again this year, maybe I shouldn't have shaved my head so tight Bit of a hum haw at the start when seb announced that there was no timing mat at the start, just at start/stop gantry. I think some people thought we were only getting a 20k time. Aside from that all was good. Oh and a non tech t shirt for a change. Couldn't get internet on fone so couldn't locate Career_Move and her tasty buns cookies, I think that was the most disappointing thing

yaboya1

martyboy48 wrote: »

Well I found that tough going and that was the half Don't know if it was just me but I found it very warm again this year, maybe I shouldn't have shaved my head so tight Bit of a hum haw at the start when seb announced that there was no timing mat at the start, just at start/stop gantry. I think some people thought we were only getting a 20k time. Aside from that all was good. Oh and a non tech t shirt for a change. Couldn't get internet on fone so couldn't locate Career_Move and her tasty buns cookies, I think that was the most disappointing thing

So it wasn't just me?
Lay flat on my back on the grass for five minutes afterwards.
Completely wiped me out!

martyboy48

yaboya1 wrote: »

So it wasn't just me?
Lay flat on my back on the grass for five minutes afterwards.
Completely wiped me out!

Oh you did it? I thought you pulled the plug on it. Ya, felt like i'd been through the ringer since I finished. Just starting to feel well enough to have a few beers now
Hope you got close to your target, you'd been right up there if you did I'd say..