THE LAKES 10K, Blessington

irelandshane · 26-06-2009 11:37pm #1

Hi All,
I just wanted to let fellow runners know about the inaugrual running of 'The Lakes 10k' in Blessington, Co. Wicklow on the 10/09/09 (one week before the Dublin Half so should be a good training run!). This will be a fun event for runners/joggers but with a competitive element for those who what to go for gold.
It wil be run around part of the beautiful Blessington lake on a fast, flat and scenic route and will have the following features:
Chip timing
AAI permit
Accurate measurement (Jones counter)
Bespoke Technical T-Shirt
€1200 in prizes
Goodie bag and more
This is a charity event also and the registration fee is €28.
ALL proceeds go to The Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland.
One of our club member has a child with CF hence this is our chosen charity and truely worthy of a helping hand.
In relation to the fee we realise it's at the top end but we decided early on to add features like a Technical T-shirt, chip timing, goodie bag etc. to attract runners into the event and hopefully build on this for next year. The lack or a title sponsor as of yet means costs are high. Over half of the fee is already going to the cost of the Technical T-shrit (the likes of which would cost more to buy in a shop).
You can register online at:
www.lakeshorestriders.com
Hope to see you there on the day. Many thanks.

Yours in running

Shane Connolly

irelandshane · 12-07-2009 8:57pm

Hi,
I just wanted to respond to some feedback. Some people have suggested the fee was too high even with a technical t-shirt so we have put a new option on the online entry page to sign up without getting a technical t-shirt which reduces the fee to €18 which may be more aggreeable to some. Thanks.

www.lakeshorestriders.com for online entry

osnola ibax · 12-07-2009 11:08pm

irelandshane wrote: »

Hi,
I just wanted to respond to some feedback. Some people have suggested the fee was too high even with a technical t-shirt so we have put a new option on the online entry page to sign up without getting a technical t-shirt which reduces the fee to €18 which may be more aggreeable to some. Thanks.

www.lakeshorestriders.com for online entry

Hello,

I would be very interested in this event. I have never ran the 10k distance before so this is an opportunity to set a time. I note from the website though that it says online registration available shortly.

When do you think it will be available.

Krusty_Clown · 13-07-2009 10:11am

irelandshane wrote: »

Hi,
I just wanted to respond to some feedback. Some people have suggested the fee was too high even with a technical t-shirt so we have put a new option on the online entry page to sign up without getting a technical t-shirt which reduces the fee to €18 which may be more aggreeable to some. Thanks.

www.lakeshorestriders.com for online entry

Fair dues to you Irelandshane. That's a very helpful approach. Hopefully other race organisers will follow your example. Now if you could just accommodate me by moving the race either forwards or backwards by three weeks, so it's not the day before the Berlin Marathon, I'll be very happy.

By the way, you got the date wrong in your post above. It's actually:

Saturday 19th September

Krusty_Clown · 13-07-2009 10:12am

osnola ivax wrote: »

When do you think it will be available.

Seems to be open now.
http://www.activeglobal.com/Events/index.cfm?AC=EventDetails_V2&E=79281

irelandshane · 13-07-2009 11:33am

Thanks for pointing that out Krusty_Clown about me putting the incorrect date on my original post. It's actually the 19/09/2009, my mistake and I blame my fat fingers!

Also, the registration is open online and I'm not sure where you saw that it would be online shortly as it has been open online for a few weeks now so have another look at our site and you'll see the buttons to enter on the home page osnola ivax. Thanks

rdunne · 13-07-2009 1:55pm

irelandshane wrote: »

Thanks for pointing that out Krusty_Clown about me putting the incorrect date on my original post. It's actually the 19/09/2009, my mistake and I blame my fat fingers!

Also, the registration is open online and I'm not sure where you saw that it would be online shortly as it has been open online for a few weeks now so have another look at our site and you'll see the buttons to enter on the home page osnola ivax. Thanks

Great idea to give the option on the t-shirt. It will make me much more open to doing it. well done

GoHardOrGoHome · 13-07-2009 2:27pm

rdunne wrote: »

Great idea to give the option on the t-shirt. It will make me much more open to doing it. well done

+1 to that.

For me I love the technical t-shirts but I can definitely see the attraction of a no t-shirt/cheaper entry option for a lot of people.

Democracy in action!

shels4ever · 13-07-2009 3:34pm

Fairplay on the entry option €28 and I may not have done it €18 makes it a better option, nice to see race directors taking feedback

Joel_Eire · 30-07-2009 11:52am

Hi Guys,

I'm new to running, did the addidas 5 mile in the park in 50 mins.
I see there are only 400 in this race, would it be suitable for someone at my level?
I really don't fancy entering and running up against hardened runners and basically just being in the way.

Thanks for any advice.

JoeL

meathcountysec · 30-07-2009 12:28pm

Joel_Eire wrote: »

Hi Guys,

I'm new to running, did the addidas 5 mile in the park in 50 mins.
I see there are only 400 in this race, would it be suitable for someone at my level?
I really don't fancy entering and running up against hardened runners and basically just being in the way.

Thanks for any advice.

JoeL

Your welcome to join me at the back of the pack as I aspire to 10 x 6 min Kms (or should that be 10 x 5.59 min Kms):P

irelandshane · 30-07-2009 1:54pm

Hi JoeL,
this run would be fine for you. I'd imaging you'd be able to complete it in just under the hour. On our registration page we ask people their estimated time, some have put 32min which is exceptional and others have put 1h:30min so we have a wide range. I think you sould come and join us. It's our first time hosting a race and the first time in over 20 years a race will be held in this area. We're getting a real run on numbers so have a think and decide sonn is what I'd suggest. We won't be in a position to accept entrys on the day. Thanks.

Joel_Eire wrote: »

Hi Guys,

I'm new to running, did the addidas 5 mile in the park in 50 mins.
I see there are only 400 in this race, would it be suitable for someone at my level?
I really don't fancy entering and running up against hardened runners and basically just being in the way.

Thanks for any advice.

JoeL

Joel_Eire · 30-07-2009 2:26pm

I'm in, just registered and put in 1 hour.
Hopefully some good training over the next few weeks I can beat that.
See you all there.

Joel

irelandshane · 24-08-2009 8:07pm

Hi All, just to say the entries are closing for this event this week and we're almost full so if you're thinking of enterinf better do so sooner then later. Thanks
S

emerald007 · 25-08-2009 11:48pm

good luck with your race, but how about stop spamming the imra and bhaa forums with your race?

Andrewf20 · 26-08-2009 12:34am

Ill be there, cant wait. A nice flat course again. Time to destroy my 10K PB from last year hopefully.

irelandshane · 26-08-2009 10:58am

This is a charity race and the whole idea of putting the race details on the bhaa and imra forum was to inform a large base of runners about it. Spam is technically defined as something that is both unsolicited and sent in bulk. I wouldn't dream of using these forums if they were only for registered users but since they were open to public views and posts I thought it would be ok. If a moderator asked me to remove them then I would. I've received alot of unhelpful comments throughtout the organisation of the race that would'nt go into the constructive criticism bracket so perhaps your comments aren't necessary! Thank's for the well wishes for the race itself.

emerald007 wrote: »

good luck with your race, but how about stop spamming the imra and bhaa forums with your race?

GoHardOrGoHome · 26-08-2009 6:12pm

emerald007 wrote: »

good luck with your race, but how about stop spamming the imra and bhaa forums with your race?

Bit harsh?! I'm already registered but I saw the reminder on IMRA and now I can remind my sister to register before it's too late.

I've missed a fair few closing dates in my time so I appreciate the reminder. As long as people aren't bumping posts on a daily basis I don't see where the problem is.

osnola ibax · 26-08-2009 7:09pm

GoHardOrGoHome wrote: »

Bit harsh?! I'm already registered but I saw the reminder on IMRA and now I can remind my sister to register before it's too late.

I've missed a fair few closing dates in my time so I appreciate the reminder. As long as people aren't bumping posts on a daily basis I don't see where the problem is.

+1

Stephen has only mentioned it here a couple of times and it sounds like a great race, not sure if I can make it myself but best of luck with it

Oisin11178 · 29-08-2009 4:26am

Just signed up for this, see you guys there:)

The Rook · 19-09-2009 2:26pm

Ran this race this morning and I have to say it was really great. Great atmosphere, great scenery, tough hill 3/4s of the way through, really well organised.

I have to say a big well done to all involved in setting up and organising the race!

meathcountysec · 19-09-2009 3:01pm

+1

Small PB but a PB all the same:D

AJCOT · 19-09-2009 3:53pm

Really well organised with huge number of stewards to help ensure this. Parking was easy & I'll even forgive that sneaky hill because of the witty signage.

tuvi · 19-09-2009 4:12pm

Soon photos from The Lakes 10K :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alituv/

Daniel

Abhainn · 19-09-2009 4:33pm

I though the samba band were great and what about those muffins at the end! Even got a nice goodie bag.
Good value at 20 bob. One of the best organised events this year.

And I pocketed a nice PB also

heffsarmy · 19-09-2009 4:54pm

My first 10km race, really enjoyed the course the last few km were great. Had to make a pit stop on the hill, only lost one place so not too bad, finished on my garmin 35min 58sec. Credit to the organisation, with the chip timing, muffins, marshalls etc. All of the funds go to charity, makes it more worthwile. Defo do next year.

Abhainn · 19-09-2009 5:04pm

heffsarmy wrote: »

Had to make a pit stop on the hill, only lost one place

Heh heffsarmy that was probably me passing you there.

heffsarmy · 19-09-2009 5:07pm

Were you in a blue top? I tried to catch you but could'nt close the gap

tuvi · 19-09-2009 5:08pm

And photos soon on Racepix 365...
If anyone is looking for himself just email me Bib number:

kowalczyk@hot.pl

Daniel

Oryx · 19-09-2009 5:37pm

I probably wont look for pics, I doubt theyre pretty but ta, anyway.:)

I just did this event, and want to say well done to the organisers. Run like clockwork, with water and sports drink, and LEMON MUFFINS at the finish. Smiling stewards to help out everywhere, brilliant markings, including the Phew! sign at the top of that hill.

Goodie bag was full of lovely stuff too. One to repeat, and recommend for next year. Cheers!

Oryx · 19-09-2009 5:40pm

I just posted on the other thread, maybe a mod could merge? Agree with all of the above, big round of applause to the organisers for a job well done.

Abhainn · 19-09-2009 5:52pm

heffsarmy wrote: »

Were you in a blue top? I tried to catch you but could'nt close the gap

Yes and you were in the blue Ron hill one?

I was hoping no one would overtake me

Oisin11178 · 19-09-2009 6:17pm

Oryx wrote: »

I probably wont look for pics, I doubt theyre pretty but ta, anyway.:)

I just did this event, and want to say well done to the organisers. Run like clockwork, with water and sports drink, and LEMON MUFFINS at the finish. Smiling stewards to help out everywhere, brilliant markings, including the Phew! sign at the top of that hill.

Goodie bag was full of lovely stuff too. One to repeat, and recommend for next year. Cheers!

Yeah couldnt agree more, ran like clockwork, good parking and started on time. Just that hill:p

Found this quote on the website organising the race:
10k around the beautiful Blessington Lakes. Fast, flat and scenic. AAI permit. Chip timing. Technical T's for runners. Goodie Bags and extras!! Online entry open, check down our home page.
By no stretch of the imagination was that flat:)

Tawfee · 19-09-2009 6:19pm

congrats to the organisers on what was easily the most enjoyable 10k so far in my fledgling running 'career'. Particularly liked the helpful sign at the bottom of the hill, helped psyche myself up for the climb! twas really nice to be running out in the countryside for a change. Best goody bag i've received so far, & the lemon muffin was a nice touch too. Hopefully, the Lakes 10K will be a fixture for years to come.

Rineanna · 19-09-2009 7:13pm

As suggested, threads merged to avoid duplication.

Wikey · 19-09-2009 7:48pm

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone involved today . Twas my first 10km and have to agree with others who said event was really well organised. Twas great to see all the stewards cheering everyone on also.....God did I need it. Felt like I was going backwards on that hill at one stage!

Stupid_Private · 19-09-2009 8:28pm

So glad the weather got a bit nicer once the race started - and I was only at the sidelines.

First batch of photos from the Blessington 10k now uploaded. More to follow.

GoHard took the right approach and introduced himself before the race ensuring at least one photo! Congrats by the way, you looked well up the field.

petermijackson · 19-09-2009 9:34pm

Stupid_Private wrote: »

So glad the weather got a bit nicer once the race started - and I was only at the sidelines.

First batch of photos from the Blessington 10k now uploaded. More to follow.

GoHard took the right approach and introduced himself before the race ensuring at least one photo! Congrats by the way, you looked well up the field.

Great photos - thanks, they look good!!!

Weather was great and well organised event...

Abhainn · 20-09-2009 12:13am

Stupid_Private wrote: »

So glad the weather got a bit nicer once the race started - and I was only at the sidelines.

First batch of photos from the Blessington 10k now uploaded. More to follow.

GoHard took the right approach and introduced himself before the race ensuring at least one photo! Congrats by the way, you looked well up the field.

Ya thanks SP. Seen a couple of meself - no. 360. Sorry I didn't spot you before hand

Stupid_Private · 20-09-2009 2:55pm

Abhainn wrote: »

Ya thanks SP. Seen a couple of meself - no. 360. Sorry I didn't spot you before hand

I was hiding trying to keep warm and dry before the race - bloody sunny when I left home! I see tuvi posted a nice one of you - smiling with 500m to go while running 36 minutes.

I've just added the rest of mine - Gohard with both feet off the ground, likewise who I think is heffsarmy flying along and another of Abhainn, amongst others.

rigal · 20-09-2009 7:13pm

Great race. Thought the route was fair and the organisation was excellent.

Wasn't happy with my time but I'll definitely be back next year.

Tawfee · 20-09-2009 11:17pm

Stupid_Private wrote: »

First batch of photos from the Blessington 10k now uploaded. More to follow.

Thanks for the photos Stupid_Private, you caught me in one of my less 'pained' moments!

Roddy23 · 21-09-2009 12:43pm

Great race, very well organised. Will be running this again next year. Lovely muffins at the end.

Anybody any idea what the story is with returning the Sponsorship - one fo the race organisers was supposed to get back to me but I never heard anything.

Anybody going to do the Donadea 10k forest run in a few weeks time?

MCOS · 21-09-2009 12:56pm

Abhainn wrote: »

I though the samba band were great and what about those muffins at the end! Even got a nice goodie bag.
Good value at 20 bob. One of the best organised events this year.

And I pocketed a nice PB also

Nice time there! Well done

GoHardOrGoHome · 21-09-2009 2:16pm

Fantastic race. Really well organised. Everything from the parking to the witty signage and the muffins at the end. Great technical t-shirt (if you chose it!).

I'd highly recommend this race to anyone. I brought two friends along who have never been in a race before and they asked me if all the races are this well organised. If only!

The Lakes 10k, Blessington
Warrior's Run, Sligo,
Beast of the East, (Wicklow Tri)
and Achill Roar have been the four best run events I've been at this year.

(Not including the always excellent IMRA races!)

Andrewf20 · 21-09-2009 3:05pm

Yep brilliant race. Actually glad it wasnt sunny. New BP, 3mins 40 secs faster than my old BP for flat(ish)10k from last xmas, so delighted with that. Wasnt expecting that hill around the back, but at least the final few K was downhill. Ended up having a balls out 50m sprint across the line. Would defo recommend it.

irelandshane · 21-09-2009 4:31pm

Hi,
I would like to thank you for your time and effort to come and participate in The Lakes 10k. As a first time race organiser it's really encouraging to see all your positive posts about the race. I was so stressed on the day itself but looking back now and seeing your comments really help.

In relation to your sponsorship I think I know about this and where you are but just to confirm perhaps you could email the club address and I'll make an arrangement with you. The other organiser was supposted to ring you but maybe just hasn't had a chance to yet!

It's been a steep learning curve and there are extra things to be done if the event is to be repeated. The first thing I'll do is get rid of the word 'Flat' from the description.

I run the route alot and thought overall it's a fast one but I took a bit of stick about that hill so flat is gone! It's not bad for Wicklow though!!!

See you next year perhaps?!

Regards

GoHardOrGoHome · 21-09-2009 5:40pm

Stupid_Private wrote: »

GoHard took the right approach and introduced himself before the race ensuring at least one photo! Congrats by the way, you looked well up the field.

Hey SP, some great photos in there. Although the two girls I brought along may not be as happy! Blonde girl and brunette pleading with you to delete the photos?!

Very happy with my PB of 40:31. Finished with a bit left in the tank so my pacing was a bit too conservative I reckon. I was aiming for 42:00 and see how close to 41:00 I could get to. Passed 5k in 20:08 which spooked me a bit! Next time sub-40.

Stupid_Private wrote: »

I've just added the rest of mine - Gohard with both feet off the ground, likewise who I think is heffsarmy flying along and another of Abhainn, amongst others.

Very few of me airborne. I'm going to keep that one!

Stupid_Private · 21-09-2009 9:26pm

GoHardOrGoHome wrote: »

Hey SP, some great photos in there. Although the two girls I brought along may not be as happy! Blonde girl and brunette pleading with you to delete the photos?!

I think I know which picture is the one of the brunette, that's a fine picture of her. If they seriously want the photos taken down just pop me a mail through the site. No problem at all taking pictures down if people want.

GoHardOrGoHome · 21-09-2009 10:16pm

Stupid_Private wrote: »

I think I know which picture is the one of the brunette, that's a fine picture of her. If they seriously want the photos taken down just pop me a mail through the site. No problem at all taking pictures down if people want.

No! Not at all! Just kidding. Great photos. Maybe their hair wasn't quite perfect etc. etc.!

Andrewf20 · 22-09-2009 9:24am

GoHardOrGoHome wrote: »

Hey SP, some great photos in there. Although the two girls I brought along may not be as happy! Blonde girl and brunette pleading with you to delete the photos?!

Very happy with my PB of 40:31. Finished with a bit left in the tank so my pacing was a bit too conservative I reckon. I was aiming for 42:00 and see how close to 41:00 I could get to. Passed 5k in 20:08 which spooked me a bit! Next time sub-40.

Very few of me airborne. I'm going to keep that one!

Ha ha, I finished in 40:31 also. Also my PB. We must be clones!

Links in racepix365 to pics all erroring out for me so I cant view the pics. Anyone else have this issue? Head wrecked here at the mo. Dying to see if pics of me, no.268.

THE LAKES 10K, Blessington

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