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4 events for... runners looking for a challenge, supporters looking for a spectacle
As Bruce Springsteen said, “Baby we were born to run.”
THE JUNE BANK Holiday weekend is like Christmas for runners.
The weather is crisp (fingers crossed), there’s an extra day to rest tired limbs and enough time has passed for New Year’s resolutions to have blossomed from intentions to a steady routine.
Several towns and cities around the country will be shutting down roads to make way for marathons and mini-marathons. And there’s nothing quite like the feeling of joining the crowds to cheer the runners along the way.
So here’s a selection of major runs taking place this weekend. Turn up and help them along!
1. Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon returns for its 35th year in Dublin’s city centre
When: Sunday June 3, 2pm-5pm
Where: Starting line is Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2
The annual 10km Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon is one of the biggest charity runs held in Ireland. The course circles the splendid views spanning Donnybrook to Pembroke Rd. The reward of taking part goes beyond achieving certain fitness goals as each year millions are raised for a variety of charities across the country. Since its inception in 1983, over a million women who have completed the course have raised over €210 million.
Details about the course are available here.
2. Navigate Derry’s Walled City marathon with all of the family
Image: Derry Marathon FacebookSource: Bernard WardWhen: Sunday June 3, 8:30am
Where: Everglades Hotel, Prehen Rd, Derry
Derry's Walled City Marathon provides a visually stimulating and varied course to keep runners engaged as the make their way through the 26.2 mile course. Participants will run though dynamic neighborhoods and old rural villages before reaching the final stretch along the banks of the River Foyle as they return to the walled city. There will also be a mini marathon organised for children to take part in, making this a fun day of fitness for the family.
All you need to know for the Walled City Marathon available here.
3. Marathons and processions in Cork
When: Sunday June 3,8:30am
Where: Starting line is on St Patrick's Street
The Cork City marathon is a great opportunity for those who may have only taken up running in recent months as it offers a half-marathon as well as a full 26.2 mile course. This year's event is particularly special for the city as it will be held on the same day as the 93rd Eucharistic Procession.
4. Enjoy seaside views at the Kinvara Rock and Road marathon in Co Galway
When: Saturday June 2, from 10am
Where: Kinvara Quay
Returning for its eighth year, the Kinvara Rock and Road run is open to all athletic abilities with an option to choose from a 10km, half-marathon and full marathon. The rural course offers a mixture of both rough and smooth terrain to provide somewhat of a challenge to seasoned runners. Plus, this event is known for the quality of its apres-run socialising.
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