The Marconi Half Marathon, Connemara’s boutique half marathon, will take place on Saturday September 20. Starting at 11am, the race begins at the famous Gurteen Beach in Roundstone and finishes in the capital of Connemara, Clifden town.
The Marconi Half Marathon offers runners a relatively flat route through some of the most spectacular Connemara scenery including two of the west’s most picturesque towns. The race, which has been Jones Counter measured, also offers the perfect training ground for the Dublin City Marathon and will fit in nicely with anyone training for it.
The race, which is AAI certified and will have chip timing, offers something for everyone and is suitable for runners, joggers, and walkers. The 13.1 mile route, with no looping of the course, provides new views of scenic Connemara for all participants. Pacers will also be provided for those wishing to break the 1hr 30, 1hr 45, and 2hr barriers.
“There are no major climbs and the few small inclines runners will encounter are short in length,” organiser Thomas King explained at the launch of the event. “It is very unusual for a race in Connemara to be without a few hills but we have chosen a route that will suit people looking for a personal best or have always wanted to run in Connemara but thought that it might be too hard. The team is also working hard to provide a unique, boutique feel to the race, and there will be a number of pleasant surprises on the day for participants.”
All entrants will receive a technical T-shirt, a finisher’s medal, a goody bag from Mixgreens Restaurants, and post-race hydration treats from Kinetica. The Marconi Half Marathon has also partnered up to align itself with Ireland’s longest running community festival, Clifden Arts Week, offering both a running and a festival experience over the course of a weekend for runners and their supporters.
Entry costs €45 and registration is open at www.marconirun.com until Thursday September 18. Check out www.facebook.com/MarconiHalfMarathon for more details.
