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I made an app to find running events in Ireland

  • 26-01-2020 12:02pm
    #1
    SocialSpud
    Registered Users Posts: 226 ✭✭


    Not sure if this sort of thing is even allowed but hopefully the admins will be sound enough to leave it up.

    I created an app called "Ruco" which helps people find running race events in Ireland. It's only available on Android for now and can be downloaded from the Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ruco.running.events

    There are a few websites out there to find running events but as a runner myself I found them quite difficult to use. So about a year ago I decided to start developing my own app.

    Let me know if you have any feedback or questions. Cheers!
    Tagged:


«1

Comments

  • #2
    Lazare
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,419 ✭✭✭Lazare


    Brilliant!

    Really love the layout. Am in the market for a half in and around the end of May.

    Was going to suggest adding a month filter but tbh, I got the info I needed really quickly by scrolling.

    I'll have a bit more of a play around with it and see if there's anything I notice for feedback.

    Fair play to you, it's something that's really needed.


  • #3
    Swashbuckler
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,582 ✭✭✭Swashbuckler


    Yeah looks like a very decent app. Only thing I noticed was quite a few events missing but presumably that's a work in progress. Initial impressions are really good. Fair play.


  • #4
    skyblue46
    Registered Users Posts: 4,807 ✭✭✭skyblue46


    Great layout and easy to use, very impressed. All the best of luck with it. An app that avoids having to jump from event organisers website to another is a huge help. As has been said hopefully the available races field will be fully populated. Congrats again.


  • #5
    SocialSpud
    Registered Users Posts: 226 ✭✭SocialSpud


    Thanks guys. Yes adding events is still a work in progress as I am manually adding them myself. I usually look up the likes of RunIreland and MyRunResults and I think I have most of those ones up. Are there any in particular that are missing?

    @Lazare On the month filter - I actually have this down on the todo list as a date range filter. Some have said this would be handy to decide which race to fit into their training schedule.


  • #6
    skyblue46
    Registered Users Posts: 4,807 ✭✭✭skyblue46


    Have you checked the calendar on popupraces? There are some good regional sites too. There's one for the Cork/Munster area whose name slips my mind that is very good. I'm sure someone can throw the name of it up here.


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  • #7
    Swashbuckler
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,582 ✭✭✭Swashbuckler


    Lindienaughton is one of the best references you'll find (outside of this app of course) for races, also munsterrunningblogspot


  • #8
    SocialSpud
    Registered Users Posts: 226 ✭✭SocialSpud


    skyblue46 wrote: »
    Have you checked the calendar on popupraces? There are some good regional sites too. There's one for the Cork/Munster area whose name slips my mind that is very good. I'm sure someone can throw the name of it up here.

    Thanks, I found PopUpRaces was missing quite a few races in the past but maybe things have improved there so will have another look. Just spotted the Streets of Portlaoise 5k up there which isn't anywhere else and have add it to Ruco.


  • #9
    Lazare
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,419 ✭✭✭Lazare


    You likely know about this thread but if not you might get something from it, 2019 road races..

    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057920155


  • #10
    SocialSpud
    Registered Users Posts: 226 ✭✭SocialSpud


    Lazare wrote: »
    You likely know about this thread but if not you might get something from it, 2019 road races..

    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057920155

    Cheers, I did see this but couldn't find a 2020 list. I might post on that thread as well as they should find the app useful.


  • #11
    KSU
    Registered Users Posts: 946 ✭✭✭KSU


    SocialSpud wrote: »
    Thanks, I found PopUpRaces was missing quite a few races in the past but maybe things have improved there so will have another look. Just spotted the Streets of Portlaoise 5k up there which isn't anywhere else and have add it to Ruco.

    Pop up races only list races they organise just like MyRunResults so neither list will be complete without the other. These are event organisation companies rather than actual comprehensive race calendar lists.


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  • #12
    SocialSpud
    Registered Users Posts: 226 ✭✭SocialSpud


    KSU wrote: »
    Pop up races only list races they organise just like MyRunResults so neither list will be complete without the other. These are event organisation companies rather than actual comprehensive race calendar lists.

    Yes that's a good point. I suppose my job is to bring all of these sources together into one :-)


  • #13
    average_runner
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,855 ✭✭✭✭average_runner


    Nice app, easy to use. Very fresh look off it.

    Not sure how u get a complete list though, there is some small 5ks in wexford today but only for parkrun I wouldn't of known.

    Maybe a way for people to add races and rate them.


  • #14
    SocialSpud
    Registered Users Posts: 226 ✭✭SocialSpud


    average_runner wrote: »
    Nice app, easy to use. Very fresh look off it.

    Not sure how u get a complete list though, there is some small 5ks in wexford today but only for parkrun I wouldn't of known.

    Maybe a way for people to add races and rate them.

    Thanks a lot! I did put a good but of effort into the UX. Yea for local races like that I'm relying on Facebook, word of mouth etc. I suppose the likes of RunIreland would have the same issue except you can add races there so I keep an eye on that too.


  • #15
    Tigerandahalf
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,816 ✭✭✭Tigerandahalf


    Running in Connaught on facebook was a great resource to find races. They simply shared events' pages on their feed. Unfortunately it seems to have stopped running since xmas.

    Badly need a single service advertising all races from community 5ks to the top level. Athletics Ireland seem to offer nothing in this area. Their events calendar doesn't publish many races.

    I will give your app a go. Would it be possible for organisers to add their own race and someone could review it then to see it was legitimate.


  • #16
    BeepBeep67
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,084 ✭✭✭BeepBeep67


    Good UK based site here: https://findarace.com/ if you are looking for inspiration.
    Ideally you need to develop some type of plugin that links into the main race timing provider sites.


  • #17
    SocialSpud
    Registered Users Posts: 226 ✭✭SocialSpud


    Tigerandahalf wrote: »
    Running in Connaught on facebook was a great resource to find races. They simply shared events' pages on their feed. Unfortunately it seems to have stopped running since xmas.

    Badly need a single service advertising all races from community 5ks to the top level. Athletics Ireland seem to offer nothing in this area. Their events calendar doesn't publish many races.

    I will give your app a go. Would it be possible for organisers to add their own race and someone could review it then to see it was legitimate.

    Thanks. Yep that could be a plan for the future for sure. It would certainly make my job a bit easier as I'm curret adding each individual race myself.


  • #18
    SocialSpud
    Registered Users Posts: 226 ✭✭SocialSpud


    BeepBeep67 wrote: »
    Good UK based site here: https://findarace.com/ if you are looking for inspiration.
    Ideally you need to develop some type of plugin that links into the main race timing provider sites.

    Yea I'm familiar with that website and it's very well laid out. They have a way of booking through their site as well to make some profit from commission.


  • #19
    webpal
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,303 ✭✭✭webpal


    Fair play, looks well. Is there an iOS version?


  • #20
    SocialSpud
    Registered Users Posts: 226 ✭✭SocialSpud


    webpal wrote: »
    Fair play, looks well. Is there an iOS version?

    Cheers. Just an Android version for now as it's costs a good bit more to bring an iOS version out. Hopefully the Android version will become popular enough that I can justify the expensive. Sharing the app link with your friends will help a lot with that :-)


  • #21
    DukeCaboom
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,049 ✭✭✭DukeCaboom


    Thumbs up from me too.


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  • #22
    Murph_D
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,484 ✭✭✭✭Murph_D


    SocialSpud wrote: »
    Yes that's a good point. I suppose my job is to bring all of these sources together into one :-)

    I suppose the trick is to get race organisers to contact YOU with their info, as it is in their interest to have their events listed as many places as possible, especially if you become the 'go-to' app for this information. I'm sure if you contact clubs and other event organisers they'll put you on the mailing list for this kind of info, well in advance.

    Look forward to the IOS version, best of luck with it.


  • #23
    SocialSpud
    Registered Users Posts: 226 ✭✭SocialSpud


    Murph_D wrote: »
    I suppose the trick is to get race organisers to contact YOU with their info, as it is in their interest to have their events listed as many places as possible, especially if you become the 'go-to' app for this information. I'm sure if you contact clubs and other event organisers they'll put you on the mailing list for this kind of info, well in advance.

    Look forward to the IOS version, best of luck with it.

    Yea that's the ideal scenario I'd like to get to. I have reached out to a few race organisers but not too many have replied. On the iOS version, right now I'm trying to get as many users to suss out if it's even worth bringing the iOS version out as it costs a good bit more. As I mentioned before, you guys can help a lot there by sharing the app link and spreading the word to your Running friends and clubs.


  • #24
    Ceepo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,730 ✭✭✭Ceepo


    Great idea for a app, best of luck with it.

    Tippereary Athletics web site has all the races in Tipp on there web site including County championship race.
    The local club races will be updated after the next County board meeting when race permits will be signed off.

    tipperaryathletics.com/fixtures/fixtures.htm


    West Waterford AC, have all the races listed on there site

    westwaterfordathletics.org/events/


  • #25
    SocialSpud
    Registered Users Posts: 226 ✭✭SocialSpud


    Ceepo wrote: »
    Great idea for a app, best of luck with it.

    Tippereary Athletics web site has all the races in Tipp on there web site including County championship race.
    The local club races will be updated after the next County board meeting when race permits will be signed off.

    tipperaryathletics.com/fixtures/fixtures.htm


    West Waterford AC, have all the races listed on there site

    westwaterfordathletics.org/events/

    Excellent thanks I'll add that to my list of resources.


  • #26
    BigAl81
    Registered Users Posts: 1,121 ✭✭✭BigAl81


    IMRA 2020 calendar is here, lots of runs!!

    https://www.imra.ie/events/

    Good luck with the app ;)


  • #27
    SocialSpud
    Registered Users Posts: 226 ✭✭SocialSpud


    BigAl81 wrote: »
    IMRA 2020 calendar is here, lots of runs!!

    https://www.imra.ie/events/

    Good luck with the app ;)

    Yep I had a good few in there from 2019 so now need to update with 2020. The new IMRA website is really nice as well.


  • #28
    Dudda
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,541 ✭✭✭Dudda


    Great App and idea.

    My thoughts: I think it’s going to be impossible for you to add every single race. You could send an email to every athletic club in Ireland and most would probably give you the info on the races they organised. The problem is the country has so many small 5k, 8k and 10k runs organised by schools, local GAA clubs, community groups, etc. These aren’t going to know about your app or give you the info. This is where the likes of eg RunConnaught Facebook page is good (or was until a month ago). They share every small race going in the local area. You’ll need to follow about 40 similar Facebook pages and another 20 websites to keep this full. It's going to be a lot of work and these small races might only give 2-3 weeks notice so you'll need to be active a lot.

    I think you need to allow other people to submit races. People like us who post on Boards.ie for example. They don’t have to go live as you can then review and approve them. You could develop verified posters that after I post 10 races which were all perfect good quality posts then future ones instantly go live without review. Another thing is you’ll have to be able to allow people to report changes to races. eg postponed due to the death of a local organiser which could send you a notification if you’ve liked or pinned the race. That could be a game changer feature.


  • #29
    SocialSpud
    Registered Users Posts: 226 ✭✭SocialSpud


    Dudda wrote: »
    Great App and idea.

    My thoughts: I think it’s going to be impossible for you to add every single race. You could send an email to every athletic club in Ireland and most would probably give you the info on the races they organised. The problem is the country has so many small 5k, 8k and 10k runs organised by schools, local GAA clubs, community groups, etc. These aren’t going to know about your app or give you the info. This is where the likes of eg RunConnaught Facebook page is good (or was until a month ago). They share every small race going in the local area. You’ll need to follow about 40 similar Facebook pages and another 20 websites to keep this full. It's going to be a lot of work and these small races might only give 2-3 weeks notice so you'll need to be active a lot.

    I think you need to allow other people to submit races. People like us who post on Boards.ie for example. They don’t have to go live as you can then review and approve them. You could develop verified posters that after I post 10 races which were all perfect good quality posts then future ones instantly go live without review. Another thing is you’ll have to be able to allow people to report changes to races. eg postponed due to the death of a local organiser which could send you a notification if you’ve liked or pinned the race. That could be a game changer feature.

    Thanks for that. I suppose the main reason I didn't consider this early on is that I assumed regular people wouldn't be bothered to use their own time to submit races. Race organisers may do it to promote their own races but I can't see too many regular folk keeping it up after they realise that there's a good bit of info you need to find like location, previous results etc. as this info isn't often included in the original event. On the "report event" idea, I have that one on the list alright so just need to implement it.


  • #30
    Yellowboglady
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16 ✭Yellowboglady


    Just downloaded it, looks good and I agree with others that it would be good to allow people add events. Best of luck with it!


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  • #31
    WayneEnterprise
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 602 ✭✭✭WayneEnterprise


    SocialSpud wrote: »
    Not sure if this sort of thing is even allowed but hopefully the admins will be sound enough to leave it up.

    I created an app called "Ruco" which helps people find running race events in Ireland. It's only available on Android for now and can be downloaded from the Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ruco.running.events

    There are a few websites out there to find running events but as a runner myself I found them quite difficult to use. So about a year ago I decided to start developing my own app.

    Let me know if you have any feedback or questions. Cheers!

    Any plans for an iOS app?


  • #32
    gypsylee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 746 ✭✭✭gypsylee


    Just Run Events are a timing company who you could check out for races too.


  • #33
    6run28
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 162 ✭✭6run28


    Great idea for an app. It may be more workable to get people sending you the race info - those for who it is mutually benefial - clubs, organisers, chip/timing companies.

    Best of luck


  • #34
    SocialSpud
    Registered Users Posts: 226 ✭✭SocialSpud


    6run28 wrote: »
    Great idea for an app. It may be more workable to get people sending you the race info - those for who it is mutually benefial - clubs, organisers, chip/timing companies.

    Best of luck

    Thanks. Just added a good few events today. Hope to add more by the end of the week.


  • #35
    browne_rob5
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 480 ✭✭browne_rob5


    Great idea and the app is laid out and functions well. I think Bohermeen half is missing.

    https://www.myrunresults.com/events/bohermeen_ac_meath_spring_half_marathon/3474/details


  • #36
    Whestsidestory
    Registered Users Posts: 136 ✭✭Whestsidestory


    Looks great..just spotted that Clare island 10k is down as Co.Clare instead of Co.Mayo wouldn't want anyone getting lost!


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  • #37
    SocialSpud
    Registered Users Posts: 226 ✭✭SocialSpud


    Whestsidestory wrote: »
    Looks great..just spotted that Clare island 10k is down as Co.Clare instead of Co.Mayo wouldn't want anyone getting lost!

    Jaysus thanks, had clare on the Brain thanks!


  • #38
    SocialSpud
    Registered Users Posts: 226 ✭✭SocialSpud


    browne_rob5 wrote: »
    Great idea and the app is laid out and functions well. I think Bohermeen half is missing.

    https://www.myrunresults.com/events/bohermeen_ac_meath_spring_half_marathon/3474/details

    Excellent thanks will add that one.

    EDIT: Do you know where the starting line will be for that one?


  • #39
    browne_rob5
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 480 ✭✭browne_rob5


    SocialSpud wrote: »
    Excellent thanks will add that one.

    EDIT: Do you know where the starting line will be for that one?

    This will be my first year running it so not 100% sure but from the map it seems to start at the Bohermeen Community Center.


  • #40
    SocialSpud
    Registered Users Posts: 226 ✭✭SocialSpud


    browne_rob5 wrote: »
    This will be my first year running it so not 100% sure but from the map it seems to start at the Bohermeen Community Center.
    Cheers, just asked the organiser and he said it's 700 meters away from the Community Center.


  • #41
    Dudda
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,541 ✭✭✭Dudda


    SocialSpud wrote: »
    Cheers, just asked the organiser and he said it's 700 meters away from the Community Center.

    Fair play. That level of detail requires serious effort you don't usually get.


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  • #42
    deisedude
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,921 ✭✭✭deisedude


    App looks great.

    Running in Cork has a comprehensive lists of races in Cork
    https://corkrunning.blogspot.com/p/calendar.html

    Similarily for Munster
    http://munsterrunning.blogspot.com/p/calendar.html


  • #43
    SocialSpud
    Registered Users Posts: 226 ✭✭SocialSpud


    deisedude wrote: »
    App looks great.

    Running in Cork has a comprehensive lists of races in Cork
    https://corkrunning.blogspot.com/p/calendar.html

    Similarily for Munster
    http://munsterrunning.blogspot.com/p/calendar.html

    Excellent thanks. Will add this to my list of resources!


  • #44
    SocialSpud
    Registered Users Posts: 226 ✭✭SocialSpud


    Yellowboglady wrote: »
    Just downloaded it, looks good and I agree with others that it would be good to allow people add events. Best of luck with it!

    Cheers. I've been adding a good few from Popup races and IMRA the past few days.


  • #45
    paintitblack
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 88 ✭✭paintitblack


    Just want to echo the comments of other posters by saying great job with the app. It looks nice and the design is very user-friendly.

    It's only a small thing but one "nice to have" you could include in the future could be the ability to view what races have been most recently added or be able to sort by date added.

    Congrats on the good work. I'll definitely be using this as my first port of call for finding races.


  • #46
    SocialSpud
    Registered Users Posts: 226 ✭✭SocialSpud


    paintitblack wrote: »
    Just want to echo the comments of other posters by saying great job with the app. It looks nice and the design is very user-friendly.

    It's only a small thing but one "nice to have" you could include in the future could be the ability to view what races have been most recently added or be able to sort by date added.

    Congrats on the good work. I'll definitely be using this as my first port of call for finding races.

    Thanks for the feedback, always looking for feature requests and ideas from users themselves! On the home page you will see "Recently Added" events which shows the 5 most recently added events. However, do you mean a "sort" feature on the Events screen itself?


  • #47
    Brock Turnpike
    Registered Users Posts: 3,756 ✭✭✭Brock Turnpike


    Really liked the layout of the app. Only downloaded it a couple of mins ago so will have a good play with it and post any feedback I have.


  • #48
    paintitblack
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 88 ✭✭paintitblack


    SocialSpud wrote: »
    Thanks for the feedback, always looking for feature requests and ideas from users themselves! On the home page you will see "Recently Added" events which shows the 5 most recently added events. However, do you mean a "sort" feature on the Events screen itself?

    Apologies, I missed the New Events section on the home page. I think you have pretty much all the features covered that I would look for!


  • #49
    dobman88
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,535 ✭✭✭dobman88


    Just spotted this and downloaded it. Really great idea and easy to use. Will keep it. Thanks very much.

    My suggestion for one that is missing is the Gap of Dunloe 10k and half marathon on February 23rd in Killarney.


  • #50
    SocialSpud
    Registered Users Posts: 226 ✭✭SocialSpud


    dobman88 wrote: »
    Just spotted this and downloaded it. Really great idea and easy to use. Will keep it. Thanks very much.

    My suggestion for one that is missing is the Gap of Dunloe 10k and half marathon on February 23rd in Killarney.

    Excellent thanks I'll add those in. Is there any certain website or resource you use to find your races? Make sure to keep letting me know either here or via "Contact Us" in the app about missing events, it all helps!


  • #51
    dobman88
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,535 ✭✭✭dobman88


    SocialSpud wrote: »
    Excellent thanks I'll add those in. Is there any certain website or resource you use to find your races? Make sure to keep letting me know either here or via "Contact Us" in the app about missing events, it all helps!

    Nowhere in particular for me, this one popped up on Facebook last month cos im from Killarney. Its run by Alan hardman and his company is hardman events if you wanna check his website which is where I signed up for the race.

    Itll be my first ever race so with your app I can find more, and plan to!


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