Glenmore to host annual Challenge Running Festival in heart of Louth's Cooley Peninsula

Irish Independent

6 days ago

The festival consists of a number of races, including a 5km, 10km, 10mile, Half Marathon and this year a new Full Marathon race, all set along a scenic route through the unspoiled valley of Glenmore, in the heart of the Cooley Peninsula, the land of the Táin Legend.
Race HQ will be at Mullaghbuoy Community Centre as usual, and as in previous years, there will be a proper festival atmosphere guaranteed with a BBQ, beer, and music awaiting competitors at the finish line.
Before that however, athletes will have to conquer the challenging hills of Glenmore.
Last year's winners were as follows: Half Marathon – Shane Toner (Glenmore AC) and Mary Ryan, 10 mile - Drew Fowler and Eimear McCracken, 10km - Jacek Latala and Joanne O'Connor (Glenmore AC) and 5km - Mark O'Connor and Brenda Mullan but will we see titles defended or new champions crowned?
There will be a unique medal for all finishers with prizes for first, second and third Male/Female in each race, and Team and Age Category prizes for the 10mile event only.
Last year saw the introduction of the Kenneth McBride Perpetual Cups for the first male and female athletes from Glenmore AC in the 10mile race. Kenneth, who was our former Club Chairperson and driving force behind the creation of the Glenmore Challenge, sadly passed last year. He is sorely missed, and it is with great thanks to the McBride family for donating the cups, that Kenneth's influence on the event continues to live on.
The club would like to thank our sponsors in advance of the event, without whose support we would be unable to host such a fantastic event.
Main Sponsors - Greenore Port, KTF Housing, Alltec; Mile Sponsors – Gerry Rice, Top Oil Omeath, O'Neill Plant Hire, Barry's Shop, Whiteline Networks, Dublin Foot Clinic, AMC Loss Assessors, Appletree Dental Care, Brendan Reid Sportswear, Visit Carlingford, and Shane White Farrier.
The club is also grateful to Noreast Beers for the post-race refreshments
Important information
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Glenmore AC would like to issue the following important information to residents living along the route –
The 5k will start near the Long Woman's grave while the 10k starts at the top of Martins (Glenmore AC Granite Stone).
The 10 mile race, half and full marathon will be starting just up from Mullaghbuoy Community Centre.
The marathon starts at 9am, and all other races start at 10am. The marathon cut off finishing time is 3.30pm.
The club would really appreciate if people could spread this information amongst their family, friends and neighbours.
There are also another couple of requests:
If you are home on the day, please cheer on the runners that are passing by your house. The area is noted for its warm welcome to visitors.#
If you have a dog, please keep it in your garden as the runners might frighten them.
Please mind the runners if you are driving on the route around the time of the race (9am – 4pm).
Please note also that there may be some minor traffic restrictions, but no road closures are planned.
Finally, everyone is very welcome to join the race and /or the celebrations after the event.
If you have any additional questions, please contact Fiona on 0866667840 or by email [e-mail].
The club would like to thank you in advance for all your help and cooperation.