Offaly Athletics to kick off road races series in Tullamore
A total of 12 races in two different series
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Ferbane AC’s Mick Fogarty (left, the overall winner in last year’s Offaly Athletics 5km Road Races Series and the Endurance Series) with Paul Mitchell (Tullamore Harriers) after last year’s Tullamore Harriers Half Marathon. Photo: Ger Rogers. Ger Rogers PhotographerImage 2 of 2
Denise Egan of Ferbane AC receives her first place prize after a previous edition of the Clara AC 5k (the Paddy Dolan Memorial Run) from Caroline and David McGrath, Paddy Dolan’s daughter and grandson. Photo: Ger Rogers. Ger RogersThe 2024 Offaly Athletics Road Race Series kicks off this Sunday, March 10 when Tullamore Harriers AC hosts its annual 5km race (10am start).
There will be eight races as part of the 5km road race series, with Banagher AC, Clara AC, Ferbane AC, Ballyskenach AC, Naomh Mhuire AC (Daingean), Rhode AC and Birr AC (7.30pm) all hosting events (see more details below).
In addition to the 5km series, Offaly Athletics has also again organised an Endurance Series which incorporates four different races.
Healthy Offaly is the new sponsor of this year’s 5km series, while Buildmore Offaly (who sponsored the 5k series last year) is now sponsoring the endurance series.
The Endurance Series will begin with the Ashling Murphy 4 Mile race on Sunday, May 19, when the Ashling Murphy perpetual trophy will be contested. This series will also involves races over 10 kilometres (Kilcormac), 10 miles (Edenderry) and 13.1 miles (Tullamore Harriers half marathon).
The linking of each race as part of a series creates an incentive for club runners to target overall prizes. This comprehensive list of races is the envy of many counties and it gives runners in Offaly several opportunities to test themselves at different distances and at convenient venues. The races are also valuable sources of fundraising for the individual clubs.
“The races are on the doorstep of athletes in the county and they are very well organised with tight rules around them. We would encourage all clubs and their members to support them,” said Mary Daly of Offaly Athletics, while she also expressed her gratitude to the sponsors.
Athletes from clubs outside Offaly can compete in the races but only members of clubs affiliated to Offaly Athletics are eligible win the overall prizes.
Mick Fogarty of Ferbane AC emerged as a double winner last year, winning both the 5k series and the endurances series. In the ladies’ compeitions, Ferbane AC’s Denise Egan won the 5km series, with Evelyn Herlihy of Tullamore Harriers winning the endurance series.
To be eligible to win the 5k series, athletes must take part in at least five of the eight races. And in order to win the endurance series, athletes must compete in all four races.
Entry is via the Pop Up Races website (www.popupraces.ie) for all races apart from the Bord na Móna Tullamore Harriers Half Marathon, for which entry is available on My Run Results. Athletes can register for the races on the day but Offaly Athletics encourages people to register in advance if possible. Entry for the 5km races is €13 for seniors and €13 for juniors/juveniles.
There are cash prizes in the 5k races for the first three finishers and there are also age category prizes and team prizes.
Healthy Offaly Road Race Series (5km races)
Sunday, March 10: Tullamore Harriers AC (10am).
Sunday, April 7: Banagher AC (10am).
Sunday, April 21: Clara AC (10.30am).
Sunday, May 12: Ferbane AC (10am).
Friday, May 31: Ballyskenach AC (8pm).
Friday, June 14: Naomh Mhuire AC, Daingean (8pm).
Friday, July 5: Rhode AC (7.30pm).
Friday, August 2: Birr AC (7.30pm).
Buildmore Offaly Endurance Series
Sunday, May 19: Ashling Murphy 4 Miler (Tullamore, 10am)
Sunday, June 30: Jack Cox 10km Race (hosted by Kilcormac/Killoughey AC. Venue: Faithful Fields, 10am)
Sunday, July 14: Frank Kilrane 10 Mile, (hosted by Edenderry AC. Venue: Derry Rovers FC running track, Edenderry, 9.30am)
Saturday, August 31: Bord na Móna Tullamore Harriers Half Marathon (10am).