EUROFINS WATERFORD GREENWAY HALF MARATHON NEXT SATURDAY.
So it’s all systems go for this coming Saturday morning at 9am when 750 runners will be in Kilmacthomas lining up for the 13.1 mile race the Eurofns Waterford Greenway half marathon which will finish in Ballinroad. This event which missed two years due to covid is back with a bang and we are all so looking forward to running the famed greenway half once again. The club committee have been working diligently behind the scenes to make this a memorable day for all especially our visiting athletes, many will be having their very first run on the greenway and we hope it will a memorable one for them and that they will come back with more family members in the future to visit Waterford’s Gem. We hope now that the man above will look down on us favourably and give us a good fine dry day with no wind so we can show off this amazing amenity on our doorstep which is there to be enjoyed by all.
PRIZES ON OFFER.
The prizes for this race will be as follows. 1st 5 Men and Women
Ladies Categories
1st and 2nd O/35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60,65
1st Junior
Men
1st and 2nd O/40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65,70
1st Junior
We will also have 2 Men’s and 2 Ladies team prizes with first 3 finishing positions to score outside individual prize winners.
Note: Cash prizes will be given to the Men’s and Ladies winners and all category prizes will be vouchers.
RACE DAY PACK.
Your race pack containing your number were posted last week please ensure to bring it with you on race day. We ask runners not to transfer numbers as this ultimately delays proper and correct race results. If you forget your number on the day we will be on hand to help you out. If any information on your number is incorrect please contact My Run Results directly on support@myrunresults.com
SPECIAL PARKING NOTICE FOR WEST WATERFORD GREENWAY HALF MARATHON.
With limited parking around the vicinity of the finish line and St Laurence’s hall itself on race day , we are appealing to all our club and indeed all local runners taking part not to park in Ballinroad at all on the morning, leaving as many spaces as possible to our visiting runners. We are asking all runners taking the bus to start in Kilmacthomas to park and assemble at the bus stop at St Augustine’s College where Hallahan’s buses will be leaving for the start line at 7.30 AM sharp.You cooperation with this matter is greatly appreciated and will be a huge help to us on the day.
Thank you in advance.
Course Information.
This is perhaps one of the flattest routes for a half marathon in the country with a net elevation of -100 mts. Not only is it flat it also contains some incredible scenery along the way. From the old Workhouse built in 1850 in the beautiful village of Kilmacthomas over the Kilmacthomas viaduct to the stunning views of the Comeragh mountains to the North, cross over Durrow viaduct past Durrow Railway Station where the old platform and station still stand. Then it’s on to the spectacular Ballyvoile tunnel, a 400mt long tunnel which is full of atmosphere (don’t forget to watch out for the fairy door’s on either side). Next you will cross over the Ballyvoile viaduct, blown up in 1922 but now restored to its former glory. From here you can almost smell the sea as you round the headland and take in the spectacular views of Clonea strand and Dungarvan Bay. Then it’s downhill all the way to the finish as you take in the sights along the way, through the 12 mile mark and the playground in Ballinroad over the Clonea Road and finishing just before the Gold Coast Road.
SHARED SPACE ON RACE DAY.
As this is a SHARED SPACE (i.e the Greenway will be open to other users on the day) we respectfully request that all runners keep to the left of the path. Runners must be aware of bikes and oncoming Greenway users at all times. THIS IS A SHARED SPACE. KEEP LEFT AND PASS RIGHT. Please do not run any more than 2 abreast and leave room for others to pass. We cannot stress this strongly enough we do not want any accidents on the day and rules of the road will still apply to this route.
EUROFINS GREENWAY HALF MARATHON RACE PACERS.
We will provide some pacers for this race but as it is a unique course and a shared space we will limit the pacers as we feel that pacers could potentially create too many large groups of runners which could cause a problem. To this end we have decided to go with pacers for the following times.
1 hour 30 min
1 hour 40 mins
A hour 45 mins
1 hour 50 mins
2 hours
2 hours 10 mins
Pacers will be easily recognisable on the day as they will be holding balloons. We request that runners slot themselves in behind the pacer who they feel most comfortable with. The start will be narrow and to avoid accidents or tripping it is advisable to go behind the pacer that you can keep up with. This will ensure that the start is safe and secure for all. Remember you will be chip timed anyway so it doesn’t matter how long it takes you to cross the start line.
Water Stops.
We will provide water at 3 locations along the route and also at the finish line in your post-race goody bag. Please be aware that due to restrictions on dumping etc. this water will be in cups to minimise dumping/clean-up of a 13.1 mile route.In keeping with the ‘Green’ ethos of the race we ask that you leave no trace and leave the Greenway as you find it. Any gel wrappers can either be carried to the finish line or left at one of the 3 water stops. Anyone seeing dumping on the route will be disqualified –no exceptions!
Earphones.
As with all West Waterford A.C. races, the use of Headphones is not allowed… We have to insist on this rule as you need to be aware of cyclists (listen for bells ringing) and other runners trying to pass and also so that you can hear safety stewards instructions. Why do you need headphones? You will be running along some of the most scenic areas in the country, look around you…. Take it in and perhaps chat to your fellow runners along the way!
The Finish Line.
When you complete your run please proceed through the finish tunnel. Please do not block up this area and proceed to Field of Dreams Waterford Ladies football field where your T Shirt pick up, goodie bag and Refreshments will be waiting, Gear dropped at start line can be picked up at top of Greenway at Clonea junction, We ask that runners walk back to pick up their gear bag please keep in mind that more runners still racing will be coming back against you on the final half mile so give them right of way at all times.
Post Race Changing and Showers
There will be showers and changing available by kind permission in Ballinroad Soccer Club.
ELITE ENTRIES.
Entries are now closed but if you wish to apply as an elite runner please send your information to info@westwaterfordathletics.
DAVID MC CARTHY WINS MASS PARTICIPATION RACE/FUN RUN AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS BUDAPEST.
In the sweltering heat of Budapest where temperatures today are hitting 40 degrees the mass participation event was held over the reduced distance of 5.7 kilometers due to the extreme heat from the original 10 k.Held on part of the marathon course and using the same finish “Hero’s Square”as the walks and Marathon’s the field of 8.000 participants toed the line with 5 waves leaving the square in 1 minute intervals.With the first of the runners returning we had 3 abreast sprinting up on the finish Matt’s and over the final 40 meters David pulled away for the win in a time of 17.03 with Stutzel Siomon Germany 2nd 17.05 and Csere Gaspar 3rd in 17.05 and also running we’re two more club members Damien Murphy who clocked a time of 20.55 and Kate Veale came home in 22.50.Well done to all 3.
4 MARATHON QUADRATHON FOR TERRI GOUGH.
A Quadrathon 4 marathon Challenge was held in County Donegal from 17 to 20 August and West Waterfords Terri Gough became the oldest athlete to ever complete the challenge at 77 years of age. Held over the scenic Wild Atlantic Way on a different route daily along rugged coastal roads in the unspoilt Inishowen Peninsula. The area is home to Malin Head, the most northerly point in the country .What an achievement by Terri who has now completed hundreds of marathons and continues to clock them up nearly on a weekly bases as she strives to hit that magical 1.000 mark.
PADRAIG AMD TOM COMPLETE OLYGATE HALF.
The OLYGATE Wexford half marathon and 10 K race were held last Sunday with 67 completing the 10k and 98 the half.Overall winner of the half was Sean Hehir Croghan AC in a time of 1.12.10 with the ladies victory going to Beth O’Connor United Striders AC in 1.33.27 The 10k went to Niall Sheil St Killians AC 34.20 and Jackie Carty Kilmore AC in 41.18.West Waterford had toe athletes running the event Padraig Healy had an excellent run to finish 8th in a time of 1.20.13 and our club chairman ran his fist half in quite a a while and ran a time of 1.44.33.Well done to both.
