Raheny 5 Mile 2016, Sunday January 31, 3:00 PM

Wubble Wubble

Surprised there's no thread on this so far? One of my favourite races, it was my first 5 miler, and I've just signed up for my fourth consecutive attempt, my first race of the year. Top class course, with every standard of runner taking part, and it gives you the incentive to really push yourself if you're feeling the (running) love.

So who else is taking part? I might add (for first timers) that it has the best goodie bag of any race I've ever run

https://register.primoevents.com/ps/event/AXARaheny5RoadRace

AAD

I've signed up for this as well, first time doing this race and hopefully will sit well with my marathon training. I've heard nothing but good things about the race so i'm really looking forward to it.

RayCun

Its a really great race.

Some talk about roadworks on the coast road, will the route change?

annapr

RayCun wrote: »

Its a really great race.

Some talk about roadworks on the coast road, will the route change?

Hope not, there's still room for 2 lanes of traffic even with the roadworks. Should be ok?

MisterDrak

RayCun wrote: »

Its a really great race.

Some talk about roadworks on the coast road, will the route change?

The road works on the coast road (about mile 3.4 to 3.9) had the road down to 1 lane before Xmas, and as such impossible to route the race that way.

However the road-works are now partly cleared, but there are still plenty of disruption in the form of remaining barriers, partial contra flow etc...

I know the race committee have measured an alternate route taking in St Annes Park, however in not sure if a final decision has been made as yet.

KJ

I've signed up for my 2nd Raheny 5 Mile. Really enjoyed the last one and the support at the end around the small park area is really good.

ooter

What's the course like, could you bag a PB, is wind a big factor in that neck of the woods?

MisterDrak

ooter wrote: »

What's the course like, could you bag a PB, is wind a big factor in that neck of the woods?

It comes back to my previous post about the course layout for this year. If its the original course there is a bit of a drag at mile 3.9 for 1/4mile up watermill road. When you going all out, that drag can be a PB breaker. The wind, can be a factor in mile 2 (Howth Rd), but not usually on the sea front as at that stage you would be heading East and the wind would usually be behind you.

If its the suspected revised course for this year, it will be a bit flatter, however there would be some additional twists and turns through the park.

Stevo1983

Tempted to do it, it's a toss up between this and the Athy Duathlon.

RacoonQueen

Stevo1983 wrote: »

Tempted to do it, it's a toss up between this and the Athy Duathlon.

Ah crap yeah...I'd planned to do the Duathlon. I knew there was something about *that* date when I was mulling over Raheny!

KielyUnusual

Always a good race and this will be my third or fourth year running.

We have over 70 from the club running too so should be a good atmosphere.

Hopefully no change to the course. That hill towards the end is tough but its emblematic of the course and I wouldn't like to see it gone.

Steroo

Just signed up! keep me off the chocolate & beers for Jan

beertons

It's a great race, I went up last year on my own and there was a great atmosphere. I'd do it again if I got the runners out and did a bit of training again. Goodie bag was huge.

MisterDrak

Looks like there will be a change to the usual course (due to the road works on the coast road).

For previous runners, its the same route to the 3 mile mark at Mount Prospect Ave. Then into St Annes park at Red Stables, up the Avenue, to a point. Takes in part of the Park run course (reverse direction), and out at All Saints park (about mile 4.8), and around that as per usual...

RayCun

Interesting. Won't be the same without the hill, but I'm sure it'll still be a great race

tHE vAGGABOND

Live around the corner now, so going to trot around near the back

average_runner

Interesting about the course change, but Raheny run a great race so should be good.

Will do it for sure!

Pink11

I signed up. My first race of the year.

Where exactly does it start? I'm going to get the DART to Raheny. Then what?

This Fat Girl Runs

I've signed up. First race of the year for me. I ran this last year and really enjoyed it so looking forward to it!

RedRunner

Pink11 wrote: »

I signed up. My first race of the year.

Where exactly does it start? I'm going to get the DART to Raheny. Then what?

I'm sure there will be directions on website closer the time but it is a very short walk from Dart. The start is close to Raheny GAA club and Garda Station.

beertons

This Fat Girl Runs wrote: »

I've signed up. First race of the year for me. I ran this last year and really enjoyed it so looking forward to it!

Just follow the crowds, there'll be loads of runners travelling by train to it.

glacial_pace71

Pink11 wrote: »

I signed up. My first race of the year.

Where exactly does it start? I'm going to get the DART to Raheny. Then what?

The race registration/number collection isn't in Raheny Shamrock clubhouse but in the National School around the corner. When you come out of the DART station you walk downhill into Raheny village and then *drumroll* if you walk straight ahead downhill through the traffic lights onto Main st you will see the national school from the end of that street. Or if you turn right at the traffic lights instead of going straight you walk along the Howth Rd for 50 m and you'll see the national school just off a side junction.

Basically you can't get lost no matter which route you take.

I would advise that you use the Raheny GAA club to change, use toilets etc, as the national school is chaotic. No matter how they try to arrange for safe access/egress from the national school inevitably it ends up being a scrum of people trying to get in to collect their race numbers, people angrily trying to hold their ground in toilet queues near the doors, and people trying to get out.

There used to be a bit of a crush at the start (people jostling for space to avoid a sharp left bend after 200m) but now it's banded for a staggered start.
It's one of my favourite races of the year, organised by a great club.

Joeseph Balls

Just singing up for the second time. Did it last year and hoping to knock a few minutes off.
Max ten characters on the custom bib? Curse my long name :P

Aisling(",)

I've just signed up for my first year!
Hoping to finish the course in 58 or so.Slow runner but a happy one.
Do many sign up for this race?

smashiner

RayCun wrote: »

Interesting. Won't be the same without the hill, but I'm sure it'll still be a great race

No big hill at the end......defo doing it this year! I have entered this race at least 4 times and I have always enjoyed it, even with the hill at the end. The race is always well run and friendly too.....goodie bag is fantastic.

Only coming back from an knee injury post the DCM, so it will be a good one to start off the year for me

Stevo1983

All signed up, first race of the year too.

niallo32

Registered - looking forward to it.

Pink11

Thanks so much for the replies in regards location.

glacial_pace71 - brilliant - appreciate you taking the time to write up the directions, I can't get lost!

This Fat Girl Runs wrote: »

I've signed up. First race of the year for me. I ran this last year and really enjoyed it so looking forward to it!

Aw fantastic! Hope to see you there, be lovely to meet up again. FORMER DCM novices

You too Stevo1983! Missed you at all of the DCM events!

Stevo1983

I'll keep an eye out for you Pink11. I'll be in my base layers, just look for a bloke with black arms and legs and a fat head
Will numbers be posted out does anyone know ?

MisterDrak

Stevo1983 wrote: »

I'll keep an eye out for you Pink11. I'll be in my base layers, just look for a bloke with black arms and legs and a fat head
Will numbers be posted out does anyone know ?

Numbers will be available on the day from the Race HQ.

Dub13

Be doing this again, its my local race so be rude not to.

smashiner

Stevo1983 wrote: »

I'll keep an eye out for you Pink11. I'll be in my base layers, just look for a bloke with black arms and legs and a fat head


You have just described half of the field......including me and all of my mates

aquinn

See you there Smash.

smashiner

aquinn wrote: »

See you there Smash.

Cheers A,
See you there so....looking forward to it now, first race back post a bit of an injury lay off, so I will be in the middle of the herd (hopefully) ...... you will probably be pushing for a podium finish this year....

Joeseph Balls

Is last year's results anywhere guys? Can't find them.

Joeseph Balls

Joeseph Balls wrote: »

Is last year's results anywhere guys? Can't find them.

Edit, nevermind, found them

glacial_pace71

The route map seems to suggest that we enter St Anne's Park from Mount Prospect, skirt around the Rose Garden, an up/down part of the main avenue and then down past the old walled garden/plant nurseries over the bridge, past the bandstand and out onto the road for the traditional finish:

https://www.facebook.com/218769871544456/photos/a.218786778209432.58052.218769871544456/988174044604031/?type=3&theater

This could have fast times: unlike the 'traditional route', runners aren't going all the way down to the coast at sea level to climb back up Watermill Avenue.

Am really looking forward to it!

Downtime

glacial_pace71 wrote: »

The route map seems to suggest that we enter St Anne's Park from Mount Prospect, skirt around the Rose Garden, an up/down part of the main avenue and then down past the old walled garden/plant nurseries over the bridge, past the bandstand and out onto the road for the traditional finish:!

I think the entrance into the park will be the gate just up from the Red Stables car park and then it is a straight run to the main avenue, left on the avenue, up and down and then left again onto the parkrun course and out on the path that runs along the car track.

Krusty_Clown

This is my interpretation of the route: link. The much-loved 3/4 lap of All Saint's Park at the end, still seems to feature.

Here's a comparison of the elevation profiles:


The look pretty similar, bu the scale is slightly different (you don't drop as close to sea-level and so don't have to climb as much). Not sure what's happening just before the 4.5 mile point (hopefully just a data anomaly, or we might need a step-ladder), but certainly seems a faster route than the standard route.

MrsMcSteamy

what's the parking situation like? Have never been in raheny before so if anyone has a good suggestion it would be much appreciated

Downtime

MrsMcSteamy wrote: »

what's the parking situation like? Have never been in raheny before so if anyone has a good suggestion it would be much appreciated

There is a car park just before the church if coming up the Howth Road from the city, there is another one behind Super Valu, one opposite SuperValue, one at the library past the village on the right and also parking around the park on Watermill Road and surrounding roads so there should be plenty.

Thedogsgone

Hows it going folks?

Just wondering what this event is like for a first timer?


Having never run a race before in my nearly 40 years my wife has decided to sign me up for this. Ive been running a fair bit recently and my most recent 5 mile (8k) was in the region of 45 minutes. I realise this is not world record pace but I was quite pleased. I am starting to get nervous and have the fear that i'll be trailing in last while the sun goes down and being mocked relentlessly while I waddle my way around the course. This seems like a serious business rather than the fun run my wife imagined it to be.

Anyway, best of luck to all and I'll try and stay out of your way.

Joeseph Balls

Thedogsgone wrote: »

Hows it going folks?

Just wondering what this event is like for a first timer?


Having never run a race before in my nearly 40 years my wife has decided to sign me up for this. Ive been running a fair bit recently and my most recent 5 mile (8k) was in the region of 45 minutes. I realise this is not world record pace but I was quite pleased. I am starting to get nervous and have the fear that i'll be trailing in last while the sun goes down and being mocked relentlessly while I waddle my way around the course. This seems like a serious business rather than the fun run my wife imagined it to be.

Anyway, best of luck to all and I'll try and stay out of your way.

You'll be fine. Myself and dad ran it for the first ime last year. Your about same pace as me da. There is a great atmosphere at this. I reckon you'll be back on this thread Sunday evening delighted you took part. Support from the crowd is great too.

Pacing Mule

Thedogsgone wrote: »

Hows it going folks?

Just wondering what this event is like for a first timer?


Having never run a race before in my nearly 40 years my wife has decided to sign me up for this. Ive been running a fair bit recently and my most recent 5 mile (8k) was in the region of 45 minutes. I realise this is not world record pace but I was quite pleased. I am starting to get nervous and have the fear that i'll be trailing in last while the sun goes down and being mocked relentlessly while I waddle my way around the course. This seems like a serious business rather than the fun run my wife imagined it to be.

Anyway, best of luck to all and I'll try and stay out of your way.

Approx 700 people finished slower than 45 min last year.

And even if you were the very last of the 700 behind you you would not be mocked whatsoever.

Enjoy it - your wife picked an excellent race for your first.

Stevo1983

How do I register my daughter for the kids race ?

Bungy Girl

Stevo1983 wrote: »

How do I register my daughter for the kids race ?

http://www.rahenyshamrock.ie/axa-reheny-5-2015

All info re kids races is in the FAQs at the above link

Stevo1983

Thanks Bungy Girl.

conor_mc

Signed up yesterday, first race since DCM, can't wait! Did it last year and it was excellent, couldn't believe the turnout for it, just wasn't expecting that many participants. My first experience of running in a big crowd race, it's fantastic!

Joeseph Balls

Anyone check the local weather forecast for this?

niallo32

Joeseph Balls wrote: »

Anyone check the local weather forecast for this?

Rain!

Joeseph Balls

niallo32 wrote: »

Rain!

Ah sure, it will keep us cool if nothing else.