Date confirmed for Athlone AC races with registration open soon
The date for this year's Athlone AC half marathon and 10km races has been confirmed.
The 2025 event will take place on Sunday, September 21, with online registration open from this Sunday, April 27 at 12 noon.
"We only have 500 entries available so make sure to register early to avoid disappointment," Athlone AC posted online.
This will be the third staging of the club's half marathon and 10k - which are dedicated to the late Brian Garvey - with entries for last year's races selling out quickly. More details are now available here
Athlone AC chairperson Martina Connell and the club committee were delighted with the interest in the races over the past two years and are hoping for a similar response this year.
The races will start from the TUS Midlands campus in Athlone at 10am on September 21. Most of the races will be on the Old Rail Trail (Athlone to Mullingar greenway), with the races finishing back at the TUS running track.
"The club is looking forward to welcoming new and returning runners of all abilities to our fast flat course. The entry fee includes posting of bib number and t-shirt. Race medals will be given to all finishers on race day. Light refreshments will be provided post-race," said Athlone AC.
"Be sure to get your entries in as early as possible. Due to the nature of our race route, we are limited to a total of 500 participants. Once these entries are filled, we cannot add more."
Athlone AC training sessions, directed by well known coach Gary Flannery, are held at the TUS Midlands running track on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 6.45pm and 7.45pm. In addition, a beginners' group, under the guidance of Mick Macken, built up their fitness earlier in the year and completed a 3k run.
Athlone AC members have been active in races both at home and abroad already this year. A large group from the club took on the Kinvara half marathon in March. David Cuddy ran the Paris Marathon recently and, on Monday last, David Watson and Triona Kinane completed the renowned Boston Marathon, which is one of the traditional 'big six' marathons and a very demanding course.
Members have also been active in 5k races in such places as Banagher, Clara and Roscommon.