Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to know?

WHAT TIME DO THE RACES START?

ULTRA START - 9.00
FULL WALKERS START - 9.30
FULL RUNNERS START - 10.30
HALF WALKERS START - 11.00
HALF RUNNERS START - 12 Noon

When do I get my number?

This year, we are providing full chip timing. This means you must collect you number and chip in advance of race day.
They will NOT be posted.
We will be distributing the chips on Friday April 8th and Saturday April 9th.
See http://www.connemarathon.com/registration-venue-and-timings

Am I a runner or a walker?

Put simply, if you have to ask, then you're a runner.
If it it takes you ANY less than 3 hours to complete the half marathon course - you are NOT a walker.

The walkers section is ONLY for people who will walk at their normal walking pace for the whole distance.
If you do any jogging, skipping or powerwalking at all , you should start with the runners group.
Anyone who starts with the walkers who runs for any distance will be taken off the course, and will be prohibited from entering future events.

What are the cutoff times?

There are cut off times for the Ultra marathon as follows 2 hours thirty minutes for the first 13 miles and five hours for 26 miles. Anyone making slower progress than this will be removed from the course.

Can I transfer to another event, eg from full marathon to half marathon

Yes, you can transfer to another event, up until March 1st, by emailing us at info@connemarathon.com.
After that date it is too late.
Note: Anyone who enters the Ultra Marathon after general entry closed, may NOT transfer to another event.

Can I give my number to another participant?

Under no circumstances.

We're planning on making a weekend of it. What's on?

If you log on to www.connemarabegins.com you will see lots of information about the Oughterard area. www.clifden.ie and www.connemarabegins.com are other sources of information on things to do in the area.
Accommodation information also available here http://www.connemarathon.com/accommodation

What does my entry fee include?

The 70 euro entry fee covers
Bus Transfer from Galway, Oughterard and Clifden directly to race start
The race, including all the usual race support along the route.
Lots and Lots and Lots of 250ml Sports Cap Bottles of Water every 3 miles approx.
Sports Drinks at certain stations.
Portaloos at start, finish and every 3 miles (there were 70 in 2010)
Over 200 volunteers along the route.
15 Medical Personnel and Race Doctor, 3 Ambulances and a Medic Motorbike.
Hopefully the elation of finishing one of the world's truly magical marathon experiences.
Your Finishers Medal.
Your Finishers Ronhill Technical Tee Shirt. (The classic Blue 'I Hit the Wall in Connemara' ones that you see everywhere)
Lots of fruit and yet more water at the finish.
Post Race Soup and Sandwiches in Peacockes Hotel.
Buses back to your starting location (78 buses were employed by the 2010 Connemarathon).

What are the entry limits?

There is a limit of 3,300 participants.

>Where should I stay?

See accommodation information
or www.clifden.ie
or www.connemarabegins.com

Can I drive to the start?

No. There is absolutely no car parking at any of our start areas. You must use the race buses to get to the start. All cars parked anywhere on the route or at the finish area will be removed.

Where do buses leave from?

Buses leave from the Cathedral car park, stopping for transfer to start in Oughterard. Buses also leave from The Station House, Clifden.
More Details here
http://www.connemarathon.com/bus-times-connemarathon

What do I need to bring with me?

First and foremost, don’t forget your timing chip, race number and wrist band.
You should bring some 'pre-race' clothes as you will be at the start area for at least one hour before the race start. At the race start area, you will be able to put these clothes into your marked bag and onto a baggage truck, which will be transported to the race finish. Note that the baggage truck MUST leave 20 minutes before race start.
We also advise that as these bags will be stored outdoors it is your responsibility to ensure they are waterproof.

Is there a walkers start?

Yes.
Marathon Walkers start at 9.30am
Half Marathon Walkers start at 11.00am
Please ensure you use the first buses to get to the start on time. We are not responsible if you miss your start. Full Marathon Walkers staying in the Clifden area must contact The Station House Hotel to make separate arrangements to get to race start on time.

Are there mile markers?

Yes.
As the Ultra Marathon joins the marathon course (after 13.1 miles), the mile markers will be indicated on the same marker as the Marathon mile markers.

Where are the water and food stations?

There are water stations every 3 miles providing 250ml Sports Cap Bottles (this race is organised by a runner :-)

What do I get at the finish?

A medal, a T-Shirt, refreshments and a sense of complete euphoria/achievement/relief (Delete as applicable)
Soup and sandwiches will be provided in Peacockes Hotel after the race.

Is there parking at the finish?

No. Again, there simply isn’t room.

Where can I get results?

Results will be published on the Connemarathon website after the race.

Are there age category prizes?

Yes.
There are overall prizes for Male and Female winners.
There are also category prizes for
M40, M50, M60 & M70
F40, F50, F60 & F70

Are ipods and mp3 players banned ?

Yes, all personal music devices are banned for safety reasons.
Our race vehicles and ambulances must use the course, and must be able to alert participants of their presence.
A ban means that anyone using a device during the event will be disqualified from our results and will not be registered as a Connemarathon finisher.

I can't take part, can I transfer to next year?

Yes, can transfer to the following year's event, up until March 1st, by emailing us at info@connemarathon.com.
After that date it is too late. Entries can only be deferred for one year.